Bibliometric Analysis of Susceptibility Vessel Sign in Acute Ischaemic Stroke

Abstract

The susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important biomarker in acute ischaemic stroke, but SVS research has expanded across journals and countries without a quantitative map of its development. This study aimed to provide a bibliometric analysis of global SVS research.

A Scopus search (7 February 2024) identified SVS-related publications in acute ischaemic stroke. After screening, 122 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2024 were included. Bibliometric indicators and science mapping were analysed using Bibliometrix (R) with Biblioshiny, with VOSviewer for collaboration and keyword co-occurrence networks.

SVS publications showed steady growth over 2005–2024, supported by collaborative authorship (1,215 authors) and 3,089 citations (25.3 per paper). France led overall output and collaboration networks, while the United States and South Korea showed higher citation-per-paper impact. Catherine Oppenheim and Olivier Naggara were the most prolific authors, and Stroke and AJNR were the leading journals. Highly cited papers, including Liebeskind et al. (2011) and Boeckh-Behrens et al. (2016), formed the field’s knowledge base. Keyword mapping clustered around imaging modalities, clinical outcomes (thrombolysis/thrombectomy), and thrombus pathology, with emerging themes including artificial intelligence and multicentre thrombectomy trials.

SVS research has progressed from early diagnostic validation to prognostic and treatment-focused work, and more recently toward quantitative, AI-assisted, trial-driven applications. This bibliometric map identifies key contributors, core journals, and evolving themes to guide future SVS research and clinical translation in acute stroke care.