Systematic Review Maps NODDI Research Trends and Clinical ShiftsNODDI research is shifting from methods to real clinical use in mental health

Frontiers in Medicine Published April 29, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Ji-eun Park, MD · Brain, Mind & Pain

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Key Takeaway

Recognize that NODDI research is rapidly expanding and shifting toward clinical applications in neuropsychiatric disorders.

This systematic review (bibliometric analysis) examined the research landscape of neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) by analyzing 679 publications from Web of Science (653 research articles, 26 review papers) and 844 relevant publications from Scopus. The review aimed to identify emerging trends and insights for future investigations.

The number of NODDI-related publications increased rapidly after 2012, with the largest contribution from the United States. University College London was the most productive institution, and Hui Zhang was the most prolific author. Sweden had the highest average citation per paper, while Alexander DC achieved the highest average citation count. NeuroImage was the leading journal in publication frequency.

The review notes a shift in research focus from methodological development to clinical application, particularly in neuropsychiatric disorders. This suggests growing clinical relevance of NODDI as an imaging biomarker.

Limitations of the review were not explicitly reported, and funding or conflicts were not reported. The findings highlight potential directions for future NODDI-related research but should be interpreted cautiously given the bibliometric nature of the analysis.

Scientists have been studying a brain imaging tool called NODDI. This method helps doctors see how nerve fibers work inside the brain. A new look at 679 published papers shows how this field is growing. The number of studies jumped quickly after 2012. This growth means more people are using this tool to help patients.

The work started in labs but is now moving toward real medical use. Researchers found the focus is changing. They are less interested in just building new math models. Instead, they are using NODDI to study neuropsychiatric disorders. These are mental health conditions that affect how the brain works.

Some countries and universities led the way. Sweden had the highest number of citations per paper. The United States published the most articles. University College London produced the most research. One author named Hui Zhang wrote more papers than anyone else. The journal NeuroImage published the most studies. This shows where the experts are working today.

What this means for you:

NODDI research is moving from lab methods to studying mental health disorders.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedApr 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

BackgroundNeurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), an emerging diffusion MRI technique for estimating the microstructural pathology of brain tissue in vivo, has attracted significant research interest. However, a systematic bibliometric analysis of this field remains unexamined. This study aims to perform a bibliometric analysis of the NODDI literature to explore the current research landscape, identify emerging trends, and provide insights for future investigations.MethodsNODDI-related publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases during the period of 2012 to 2025. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix R package were used to generate visualization maps.ResultsA total of 679 publications related to NODDI were identified from WOS, including 653 research articles and 26 review papers. 844 relevant publications were retrieved from the Scopus database. After 2012, the number of publications on NODDI increased rapidly. Sweden demonstrated the highest average citation per paper, while the United States contributed the largest number of publications. University College London was the most productive institution. Hui Zhang was identified as the most prolific author, while Alexander DC achieved the highest average citation count. NeuroImage was recognized as the leading journal in terms of publication frequency. Common keywords included “diffusion magnetic resonance imaging,” “NODDI,” “brain,” and “multiple sclerosis.” Recent studies show the research focus is shifting from methodological development to clinical application, especially in the field of neuropsychiatric disorders, and is being integrated with emerging methodologies such as Mendelian randomization.ConclusionsThis bibliometric analysis highlights potential directions for future NODDI-related research. Future studies may focus on optimizing imaging techniques, investigating neuropsychiatric disorders, and integrating advanced methodologies.

Systematic Review Maps NODDI Research Trends and Clinical ShiftsNODDI research is shifting from methods to real clinical use in mental health

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Systematic Review Maps NODDI Research Trends and Clinical ShiftsNODDI research is shifting from methods to real clinical use in mental health

Study Details

Intravenous tenecteplase improves functional outcomes but increases hemorrhage risk in non-large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke

Tenecteplase improves stroke recovery but increases bleeding risk in late treatment window

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

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