Photon-Counting Computed Tomography (PCCT) has emerged as one of the most significant innovations in diagnostic imaging by introducing photon-counting detector technology capable of overcoming several intrinsic limitations of conventional energy-integrating detector computed tomography. This review analyzes the technological principles underlying PCCT, its integration with artificial intelligence, current clinical applications, implementation challenges, and future perspectives in precision medicine. A structured review of the contemporary scientific literature was conducted using internationally recognized biomedical databases and peer-reviewed publications focusing on detector technology, spectral imaging, quantitative imaging biomarkers, radiation dose optimization, and multidisciplinary clinical applications. The reviewed evidence consistently demonstrated that PCCT provides superior spatial resolution, improved contrast-to-noise ratio, enhanced spectral imaging, quantitative tissue characterization, and substantial reduction of electronic noise and beam-hardening artifacts while maintaining lower radiation exposure than conventional CT systems. The greatest clinical benefits were observed in cardiovascular imaging, oncology, neurology, pediatric radiology, pulmonary imaging, abdominal imaging, and musculoskeletal applications. The integration of artificial intelligence further enhances image reconstruction, automated segmentation, lesion detection, radiomics, workflow optimization, and quantitative image analysis, facilitating increasingly individualized diagnostic assessment. Despite important challenges related to acquisition costs, infrastructure requirements, protocol standardization, and broader clinical implementation, the available evidence supports Photon-Counting Computed Tomography as a transformative technology with the potential to redefine diagnostic imaging and strengthen the development of precision medicine across diverse healthcare systems.
A. F. Ortega, Eileen Julliette Orantes Zacaríaz, M. B. Apráez et al.· International science journa...· 0 citations
Occult osteochondral lesions represent an important challenge in sports medicine because they may remain undetected during initial assessment despite persistent pain, swelling, mechanical symptoms, and functional limitation. This study analyzed the role of diagnostic imaging, clinical and structural evolution, and return-to-sport criteria in athletes with osteochondral injuries, with particular emphasis on the knee and ankle. An integrative descriptive and analytical review was conducted using the Scientific Method, incorporating evidence related to magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, CT arthrography, conservative management, surgical treatment, rehabilitation, and athletic recovery. The findings demonstrated that conventional radiography has limited sensitivity for early osteochondral abnormalities, whereas magnetic resonance imaging provides superior visualization of cartilage integrity, bone marrow edema, subchondral changes, and lesion stability. Computed tomography and CT arthrography offer complementary value for defining osseous architecture and selected cartilage-surface abnormalities. Clinical improvement and radiological recovery were not consistently parallel, indicating that symptomatic improvement does not necessarily imply complete structural restoration. Surgical procedures such as bone marrow stimulation, fixation, osteochondral transplantation, and cartilage restoration showed favorable clinical and return-to-sport outcomes in appropriately selected patients, although return to the pre-injury level was consistently lower than return to sport at any level. The reviewed literature also revealed substantial heterogeneity in rehabilitation protocols and a predominant reliance on time-based criteria for sports clearance. Overall, the evidence supports an individualized and multidimensional return-to-sport approach integrating symptoms, range of motion, muscle strength, neuromuscular control, tolerance to loading, sport-specific performance, psychological readiness, and imaging follow-up when clinically indicated. Early diagnosis and criterion-based rehabilitation may contribute to safer athletic reintegration and improved long-term preservation of joint function.
Jose Gregorio Requena Rodriguez, Loys Eliana Tello Caldas, Edunice Beatriz Mora López et al.· IECCMEXICO· 0 citations
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