Changes in the American Interventional Radiology Literature over a 10-Year Period (2011-2013 versus 2021-2023).

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the changes in the American interventional radiology (IR) literature over a 10-year period (2011-2013 [early] vs 2021-2023 [late]), with additional comparison with publications as early as 1992-1993.

Materials and methods: Articles published on IR topics in 3 major U.S. scientific journals (Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, American Journal of Roentgenology, and Radiology) were evaluated for multiple characteristics including but not limited to primary author affiliations, funding, topic/procedure type, country of origin, study design, and primary author gender.

Results: Significant changes noted between the early and late time periods included an increase in women as primary author (16.6% vs 21.6%; P = .04); primary departmental affiliation identified as radiology (81.7% vs 75.6%; P = .02); and country of origin affiliation, most notably an increase in Chinese primary authors (5.0% vs 13.9%; P < .001). The primary focus of the articles (eg, oncology and arterial disease) did not change appreciably. When compared with the prior publication (1992-1993 data), there was a marked increase in funded studies (11.3% vs 51.7%; P < .001), but a surprising decrease in both the number of prospective studies (54.8% vs 31.6%; P < .001) and articles with a basic science focus (16.8% vs 9.7%; P < .001). U.S. authorship also significantly decreased from 1992-1993 to 2021-2023 (69.4% vs 52.2%; P < .001).

Conclusions: Changes in the U.S. IR literature continue to occur since 1992, particularly with regards to primary authorship gender and affiliations, topic of interest, and study design.