Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Vulnerable Carotid Plaque Research (2010-2025): From Morphological Imaging to Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twins

Abstract

Prevention of ICH in stroke has shifted to overall evaluation of carotid atheroma within the clinical context. In order to give a big picture view of this landscape, a bibliometric study was conducted to show how vulnerable carotid plaque was studied by researchers between 2010-2025. 1,193 literatures were gained from Web of Science Core Collection and analyzed by using CiteSpace to build a knowledge network and keyword bursttime timeline. It has a trend towards faster growth, which can be seen clearly in different stages: Stage one is acute ischemic event and macroscopic view, then the second stage is dealing with pathobiology and micromechanism such as vasovasorum; the third one (currently) is based on advanced non-invasive modalities like contrast-enhanced ultrasound and high-resolution MRI. Most importantly, artificial intelligence and radiomics have become the drivers of present-day research. In other words, it is moving out of reactive morphology and into proactive computational forecast. Future breakthroughs will rely heavily on multidisciplinary convergence, ultimately culminating in the development of physics-informed carotid digital twins for precise, patient-specific stroke risk management.