Artificial intelligence in dysphagia since the 21st century: a bibliometric and visualization study.

BACKGROUND

The fields of dysphagia is progressively acknowledging the transformative capacity of artificial intelligence (AI). The implementation of this technology is profoundly impacting research directions, clinical practices, and healthcare systems. However, existing studies remain scattered and predominantly focus on specific techniques or case applications, lacking a systematic synthesis of global research output, influential contributors, collaboration networks, and evolving thematic trends. A comprehensive bibliometric review is therefore essential to map the current landscape and guide future interdisciplinary research.

METHODS

This study applies bibliometric and visual analysis methods to comprehensively review the global research activities in AI in dysphagia. Data from 633 articles published by 3,533 authors in 292 journals from January 2000 to February 2025 in Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database were collected and analyzed to identify top publications, sources, authors, institutions, countries/regions, and keywords.

RESULTS

The research activity of AI in dysphagia, which shows an overall upward trend that can be divided into three distinct periods: the first phase (2000-2012), the second phase (2013-2017) and the third phase (2018-Present). The most cited article was Radiotherapy vs. transoral robotic surgery and neck dissection for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (ORATOR): an open-label, phase 2, randomized trial (344 citations). The most prolific journal was Head and Neck-Journal for the Sciences and Specialties of the Head and Neck with 30 publications. Sejdic Ervin (28 articles), the University of Pittsburgh (39 articles), and the USA (255 articles) were the leading author, institution, and country, respectively. Dysphagia was the most frequently occurring keyword (286 occurrences), while emerging terms included machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL).

CONCLUSION

This bibliometric analysis reveals the evolving landscape of AI research in dysphagia, highlighting current hotspots and future directions. AI is driving significant shifts in both research and clinical practice in dysphagia; however, challenges such as interdisciplinary integration and ethical considerations remain to be addressed.