โก Quick Summary
This bibliometric analysis explores the global trends and research hotspots in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for computed tomography (CT) detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from 2012 to 2024. The study reveals a significant growth in publications, with an annual growth rate of 37.83%.
๐ Key Details
- ๐ Publications analyzed: 189 publications
- ๐ Leading countries: United States (53), China (51), Germany (13)
- ๐ซ Most prolific institution: University of Iowa (69 publications)
- ๐ Key journals: Scientific Reports, Radiology
- ๐จโ๐ฌ Most prolific author: Hoffman Eric A. (16 publications)
๐ Key Takeaways
- ๐ Growth trend: Annual growth rate of 37.83% in AI applications for COPD detection.
- ๐ Research hotspots: Emerging topics include “quantitative imaging,” “low dose CT,” and “body mass index.”
- ๐ Leading contributors: University of Iowa and Harvard University are at the forefront of research.
- ๐ก Focus on patient assessment: Growing interest in comprehensive assessments and population studies.
- ๐ Future research directions: Differentiating COPD from other lung diseases for personalized treatment.

๐ Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major global health concern, characterized by progressive inflammation of the lungs. The integration of artificial intelligence in medical imaging, particularly computed tomography, offers promising avenues for enhancing the detection and management of COPD. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of research in this field.
๐๏ธ Study
The analysis involved a systematic review of publications related to AI applications for CT detection of COPD from 2012 to 2024, sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Utilizing bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package “bibliometrix,” the researchers identified key contributors and emerging trends in the field.
๐ Results
The findings indicate a robust increase in research output, with a total of 189 publications and an impressive annual growth rate of 37.83%. The United States emerged as the leading contributor, followed closely by China. Notably, the University of Iowa was identified as the most prolific institution, highlighting its significant role in advancing research in AI applications for COPD detection.
๐ Impact and Implications
This bibliometric analysis sheds light on the evolving landscape of AI in the detection of COPD, emphasizing the importance of quantitative imaging and comprehensive patient assessments. The insights gained from this study could guide future research efforts, particularly in differentiating COPD from other lung diseases, ultimately leading to more personalized treatment approaches and improved patient outcomes.
๐ฎ Conclusion
The study underscores the growing significance of AI in the realm of medical imaging for COPD detection. As research continues to expand, there is a clear opportunity for innovation in patient assessment and treatment strategies. We encourage ongoing exploration in this promising field to enhance the quality of care for individuals affected by COPD.
๐ฌ Your comments
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Global trends and hotspots in AI applications for CT detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2024.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that significantly impacts global health. This study aims to comprehensively analyze global trends and research hotspots in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for computed tomography (CT) detection of COPD.ย METHODS: Publications related to AI applications for CT detection in COPD from 2012 to 2024 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and the R package “bibliometrix”.
RESULT: The field has experienced publications growth, with 189 publications and an annual growth rate of 37.83%. The United States led with 53 publications, followed by China (51) and Germany (13). The University of Iowa was the most prolific institution (69), followed by Harvard University (47) and Brigham and Women’s Hospital (37). Hoffman Eric A. is the most prolific author with 16 publications, and journals such as Scientific Reports and Radiology were key contributors to the field. Emerging topics included “quantitative imaging”, “low dose CT”, “pulmonary disease”, “body mass index”, “subpopulations”, and “prevalence”, suggested growing interest in comprehensive patient assessment and population studies.ย CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of research on AI applications for CT detection of COPD from 2012 to 2024, identifying key contributors, research hotspots, and emerging trends. Future research should focus on differentiating COPD from other lung diseases or COPD subpopulations for personalized treatment.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: not applicable.
Author: [‘Yao Q’, ‘Zhang YK’, ‘Zhou LY’, ‘Yang WX’, ‘Wu K’]
Journal: Lasers Med Sci
Citation: Yao Q, et al. Global trends and hotspots in AI applications for CT detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2024. Global trends and hotspots in AI applications for CT detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2024. 2025; 40:491. doi: 10.1007/s10103-025-04748-6