A Visualization Analysis of Global Research Trends in Studies of Lower Extremity Arteriosclerosis Obliterans Prognosis (1942–2025)

Background Research on the prognosis of lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (LEASO) is expanding. This bibliometric analysis maps the current research landscape, identifies key contributors and influential literature, and explores existing research hotspots and emerging frontiers in this field. Methods Publications indexed in the Science Citation Index Expanded within the Web of Science Core Collection, covering the period from 1942 to 2025, were extracted on March 5, 2025. The analysis utilized the Bibliometrix package in R (version 4.3.3), VOSviewer (version 1.6.20), and CiteSpace (version 6.3.R1) to visualize research trends. Results A total of 858 publications related to the prognosis of LEASO were included in the analysis. The leading contributors in this field were the USA (510), Japan (415), and China (303). Erasmus University Rotterdam (77) emerged as the institution with the highest output of publications. The most prolific author was Poldermans D, with a total of 23 publications, the highest H-index (16), g-index (23), m-index (0.8), and a cumulative total of 1109 citations. The most productive journal was the Journal of Vascular Surgery (39), while the most cited journal was Circulation , with 2160 citations. Keyword analysis identified three principal research hotspots: biomarker-driven prognostic predictors, multiorgan atherosclerotic comorbidities, and advancements in endovascular therapy. Conclusion This preliminary bibliometric analysis of the prognosis of LEASO highlights the importance of social determinants of health and epidemiological disparities. Future research should focus on integrating multidisciplinary methodologies, including artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, equitable healthcare strategies, and targeting systemic inflammation pathways.