Analysis of the current status of research on perianal lesions associated with Crohn's disease: a bibliometric and visualization analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the characteristics and research hotspots of perianal lesions associated with Crohn's disease (CD) based on the currently published literature.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of all relevant literature on "Crohn's disease" and "Perianal" from the inception of PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus database up to December 31, 2024. Using the bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace 6.4. R1, we visualized and scientifically interpreted the authors, countries, and keywords of the included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 4,286 papers were retrieved using the subject terms "Crohn's disease" and "Perianal". According to exclusion criteria, 2,134 papers were included in the final analysis. These studies involved 130 researchers, 360 research institutions, and 148 keywords. The analysis revealed that the number of publications on CD with perianal lesions has increased annually since 1979, indicating growing attention to this condition. The United States led in the number of publications, with 452 related papers. The most prolific authors were Ye, Byong Duk and Lightner, Amy L, with 21 published papers each on the topic. The top five keywords were Crohn's disease (357 times), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (202 times), Perianal Fistula (110 times), Ulcerative Colitis (81 times), and Perianal Disease (37 times).

CONCLUSION

Current research on CD with perianal lesions is primarily focused on mesenchymal stem cells, intestinal inflammation, and biologic therapies. However, further comprehensive studies are needed to improve the early diagnosis and treatment of CD, particularly when perianal symptoms are the initial manifestation.