What's New in Cardiac MRI? — May 18, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 55 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
May 18, 2026 · 55 articles · 15 research themes · covering May 11, 2026 – May 18, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s papers, cardiac MRI remains the hub of both clinical decision-making and next-generation measurement. Multiple studies focus on improving diagnosis and monitoring—ranging from AI systems for cine CMR interpretation (glass-box, foundation-model approaches) to contrast-free myocardial infarction characterization using native T1 radiomics. Others extend MRI’s role into physiology and prognosis, including serial CMR for immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis and CMR-derived coupling indices for heart failure risk. Together, these works emphasize reproducibility, interpretability, and scalable automation as prerequisites for broader clinical adoption.
A second dominant theme is refining inflammatory and ischemic cardiology pathways. Reviews and meta-analyses consolidate how to diagnose myocarditis across etiologies (including ICI-related disease) using multimodality imaging and updated criteria, while prospective/serial CMR studies aim to connect imaging changes with outcomes. In parallel, chest pain and coronary evaluation papers argue for more tailored algorithms that integrate anatomy and physiology—positioning exercise treadmill testing where it still adds value, and using CMR-based stress perfusion metrics to target coronary microvascular dysfunction in INOCA/CMD.
Finally, the digest highlights “phenotype-aware” risk and therapy: arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy may be reversible with early rhythm control via wearables; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy risk models and biomarkers (like hs-troponin) could refine ICD decision-making; and iron repletion trials explore mechanistic links between iron deficiency and dyssynchrony/exercise capacity in heart failure. Case reports broaden the clinical lens to rare but actionable mechanisms—drug/supplement cardiotoxicity, unusual shunt physiology, parasitic and metastatic cardiac disease, and rapid iron overload in cirrhosis—reinforcing the need for multimodality imaging and careful clinical context when standard tests are unrevealing.
Cardiac MRI AI & Automated Image Analysis
CardioSynth: Parameter-driven cardiac MRI generation via oriented bounding boxes.
This study developed CardioSynth, a parameter-driven synthetic cardiac MRI generation framework using oriented bounding boxes to represent and modify cardiac substructures. The method enables controlled area modifications while preserving anatomical plausibility, aiming to support routine monitoring and research without the cost of repeated real CMR. Scientifically, it provides a technique for generating structured, controllable cardiac imaging data that could facilitate studies of development, adaptation, and disease progression.
Banerjee S, Mazumder O, Sinha A · Computer methods and programs in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
High-precision brain tumor segmentation with switchable normalization in faster R-CNN architecture.
This study developed a switchable normalization-based Faster R-CNN (SNFRC) framework for high-precision brain tumor segmentation from multimodal MRI. By using a region proposal network with switchable normalization to handle heterogeneous intensity/protocol distributions and a detection-first segmentation strategy, it aimed to improve localization and pixel-wise masking of irregular small tumors. Scientifically, the approach targets robustness across varied MRI inputs, which is important for reliable automated tumor delineation in clinical workflows.
Kumar DR, Reddy PV, Mohammad H et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Development and validation of a versatile foundation model for cine cardiac magnetic resonance image analysis.
This study developed and validated CineMA, a versatile foundation model for cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) image analysis, trained on 15 million cine CMR images from 74,916 studies. Using a multi-view conv-transformer masked autoencoder approach, the model was fine-tuned and evaluated across eight independent datasets for tasks including segmentation and landmark localization, improving efficiency and reproducibility compared with task-specific training from scratch. Scientifically, it provides a scalable deep-learning framework that reduces labeling burden and accelerates automated CMR measurement for clinical and research workflows.
Fu Y, Bai W, Yi W et al. · Communications medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ventricular Tachycardia as the Initial Presentation of Tuberculous Myocarditis.
This case report studied a 47-year-old man with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia as the initial presentation of tuberculous myocarditis. The key finding was that multimodal imaging showed extensive inflammatory nonischemic myocardial involvement with mediastinal lymphadenopathy, initial lymph node biopsy suggested probable cardiac sarcoidosis and corticosteroids were started, and later delayed culture identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Clinically, it highlights that tuberculosis can mimic cardiac sarcoidosis and that microbiologic confirmation is crucial before or during immunosuppression in granulomatous myocarditis presentations.
Subira-Ingla A, Francisco-Pascual J, Santos-Ortega A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Glass-box agentic-style workflow for multiclass cine cardiac magnetic resonance imaging classification with a large language model.
This study developed and evaluated a glass-box, agentic-style workflow using a large language model (GPT-OSS-120B) for auditable multiclass classification of cine cardiac MRI (bSSFP) in the Automated Cardiac Diagnosis Challenge training cohort (n=100; five diagnostic classes). Using nnU-Net segmentation at end-diastole and end-systole to extract 17 biomarkers, the pipeline separated perception from reasoning and quantified classification accuracy, robustness across decoding temperatures, and the fidelity/safety of generated narrative explanations. The approach is significant because it targets more transparent, clinically interpretable AI for multiclass cardiac MRI diagnosis rather than treating the model as a black box.
Mese I, Kocak B · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocarditis & Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy (including ICI-myocarditis)
Diagnostic and prognostic parameters for immune checkpoint inhibitor-related myocarditis: A meta-analysis.
This meta-analysis synthesized evidence from 29 trials (n=3568 patients) on diagnostic and prognostic parameters for immune checkpoint inhibitor-related myocarditis (ICI-M) in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) abnormalities were common (63.4%), with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) present in 65.3% and associated with higher odds of ICI-M (OR 5.32, 95% CI 1.61–17.50). Scientifically and clinically, the results help clarify which CMR findings are most reliable for diagnosing ICI-M and may inform risk stratification and management decisions.
Lerchner T, Buehning F, Vogel J et al. · European journal of cancer (Oxford, England : 1990) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammatory cardiomyopathy: Position paper of the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on cardiomyopathies and pericardial diseases in collaboration with the Italian Society of Cardiology Working Group on cardiac magnetic resonance.
This position paper addressed inflammatory cardiomyopathy (iCMP) within the myocarditis spectrum, focusing on its chronic hypokinetic phenotype and diagnostic approach across heterogeneous etiologies (infectious, autoimmune, idiopathic) and potential genetic susceptibility. It emphasizes that iCMP often follows prior acute/subacute myocarditis and requires a multimodal diagnostic strategy, reflecting a “two-hit” model where environmental triggers interact with pathogenic variants. The scientific significance is a standardized framework to improve recognition, diagnosis, and risk understanding of iCMP progression to dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
Imazio M, Jahnsen V, Merlo M et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prospective Serial Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis Correlates with Cardiovascular Outcomes.
This prospective study evaluated serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) myocarditis and compared them with pre-ICI controls to determine associations with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In two cohorts (ICI myocarditis vs pre-ICI control), patients underwent CMR at enrollment and again at 8–12 weeks, and CMR parameter changes were linked to adverse cardiovascular events (ACE). The significance is that prospective serial CMR can provide outcome-relevant biomarkers for monitoring ICI myocarditis and potentially guiding clinical management over time.
Kwan JM, Khattab M, Tysarowski M et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging in Myocarditis: Integrating Etiology, Diagnosis, and Risk Stratification.
This review studied how multimodality cardiac imaging can be used to diagnose, phenotype, and risk-stratify myocarditis in clinical practice. It found that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), using parametric mapping and updated Lake Louise Criteria, improves diagnostic sensitivity and prognostic stratification, while echocardiographic strain detects subclinical dysfunction and positron emission techniques add etiologic/active-inflammation information. These integrated imaging pathways can reduce reliance on limited endomyocardial biopsy and improve longitudinal management of myocarditis patients.
Debs D, Rushworth P, Liu J et al. · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Right Ventricular Metastasis From Rectal Cancer Recurrence.
This case report studied a 55-year-old man with previously treated rectal adenocarcinoma and rising carcinoembryonic antigen levels, in whom right ventricular metastasis was identified. The key finding was that multimodality imaging (including CMR) demonstrated a large right ventricular free-wall mass with endoluminal growth and late enhancement, and intracardiac echocardiography-guided endomyocardial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Scientifically and clinically, it shows that cardiac metastasis can present without obvious extracardiac disease and that targeted biopsy guided by intracardiac imaging can establish diagnosis.
Vilela M, Cazeiro D, Ferreira D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Ischemia & Coronary Physiology (including INOCA/CMD)
Integrating Anatomy and Ischemia in Chest Pain Evaluation.
This review article studied how to evaluate coronary artery disease in patients with chest pain by integrating anatomic and physiologic assessment using noninvasive and invasive strategies. It highlights that coronary CT angiography (with or without CT-derived fractional flow reserve) and functional imaging (e.g., stress echocardiography, PET myocardial blood flow/flow reserve, and stress cardiac MRI) can triage and characterize disease, while invasive coronary angiography with physiology (fractional flow reserve/instantaneous wave-free ratio) and intravascular imaging (intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography) refine lesion assessment. The clinical significance is improved selection of diagnostic pathways to better identify ischemia-relevant coronary disease and guide treatment.
Tiotsop M, Salabei JK · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Randomized Controlled Trial of Vericiguat in Patients with Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction causing Stable Chest Pain (V-COM): Study Protocol for a Randomised Control Trial.
This study protocol will test vericiguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, in patients with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) causing stable chest pain (V-COM trial), using quantitative stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to measure stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR). The trial is designed to evaluate whether vericiguat improves coronary microvascular perfusion metrics in this INOCA/CMD population. If effective, it would provide a targeted pharmacologic option for CMD-related ischemia and establish CMR-derived MBF/MPR as clinically actionable endpoints for stable chest pain without obstructive CAD.
Lo CK, Ip NH, Sin TH et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Chest Pain Diagnostic Pathways (exercise testing vs imaging)
Repositioning of exercise treadmill testing in contemporary chest pain management.
This narrative review reassessed the clinical role of exercise treadmill testing (ETT) for chest pain evaluation in contemporary practice, focusing on how it compares with imaging-led strategies such as coronary CT angiography (CTCA) and stress imaging (cardiac MRI and stress echocardiography). It found that while ETT has lower diagnostic accuracy for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) than modern imaging, it still provides clinically useful exercise-derived prognostic and functional information and may remain cost- and resource-relevant in selected pathways and guideline positions. Repositioning ETT within current chest pain algorithms could improve patient triage by leveraging its strengths where imaging is less informative or less feasible.
Xue X, Bai Y, Li H et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy & Wearables
Prevalence and Recovery of Arrhythmia-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Heart Failure Using a Wearable Defibrillator: A Real-World Cohort Study.
This real-world cohort study evaluated arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC) in 780 wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD)-treated patients (2017–2023) with newly diagnosed idiopathic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF <35%) and persistent arrhythmia (atrial fibrillation/flutter or >20% ventricular ectopy). Early rhythm control with a WCD identified AIC as a potentially reversible phenotype, with the study focusing on its prevalence, predictors, and recovery outcomes. Clinically, the findings support using WCD-enabled early rhythm management to recognize and improve outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed LV systolic dysfunction driven by sustained arrhythmias.
Yogarajah J, Dannebaum J, Halim A et al. · Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathy Risk Prediction & Genetic/Clinical Risk Models
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Diagnostic Insights and Future Directions.
This narrative review synthesized observational cohort, mechanistic, and longitudinal evidence on high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The key finding is that hs-cTn is frequently elevated in a substantial fraction of HCM patients (reported as roughly one-quarter to one-half across cohorts) and is discussed in relation to myocardial stress patterns, imaging associations, and clinical outcomes. Clinically, it supports hs-cTn as a potential biomarker to refine risk assessment and guide future diagnostic and prognostic strategies in HCM.
Hassan A, Mizori R, Malik A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Unmasking subclinical cardiomyopathy: The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing when screening genotype-positive phenotype negative relatives.
This single-center case series studied whether cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can detect subclinical cardiomyopathy in genotype-positive, phenotype-negative (G+P-) relatives identified through cascade testing in families with likely/definite pathogenic cardiomyopathy variants. Gene-positive relatives underwent ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and cardiac MRI, and the study evaluated CPET’s added value for identifying early disease not apparent on conventional screening. Clinically, the findings support CPET as a sensitive screening tool to unmask early cardiomyopathy in at-risk relatives who appear normal on standard morpho-functional assessments.
Abela M, Scicluna J, Debattista J et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Malignant Mitral Valve Prolapse With Life-Threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias: A Multidisciplinary Team-Guided Stepwise Management.
This case report studied a 45-year-old woman with long-standing bileaflet myxomatous mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral annular disjunction who developed malignant ventricular arrhythmias, including recurrent ventricular fibrillation and multiple ICD shocks. The authors emphasize that life-threatening arrhythmias can occur even without severe mitral regurgitation and without detectable myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, using a multidisciplinary, stepwise risk-management approach combining electrical and mechanical risk markers. Clinically, the report suggests that arrhythmogenic MVP risk stratification should not rely solely on MR severity or CMR-detected fibrosis, and that early escalation may be warranted when high-risk features are present.
Javadi N, Jahangir A, Galazka P et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Atrial Cardiomyopathy: A Cardiologist’s Guide to Stroke, Heart Failure, and Arrhythmias.
This review article synthesizes the concept of atrial cardiomyopathy—structural, architectural, contractile, and electrophysiological atrial abnormalities—and its relationship to stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmias beyond atrial fibrillation (AF). The key finding is that atrial cardiomyopathy often precedes AF and independently contributes to adverse outcomes such as ischemic stroke and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Clinically, this paradigm shift supports earlier recognition and potentially more targeted prevention strategies for patients at risk of thromboembolism and atrial arrhythmias.
Niazi M, Akram MB, Chaudhary AS et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The NHLBI HCM Registry.
This JAMA registry-based study used prospectively collected clinical history, imaging, genetic, and biomarker data from the NHLBI Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Registry to improve prediction of adverse events in 2750 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy across 44 North American and European sites. The key finding is that integrating multimodal data (including CMR imaging and genetic/biomarker information) can refine long-term risk prediction beyond existing guidelines that mainly target sudden cardiac death. Clinically, improved risk models could reduce avoidable implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) use while preventing missed high-risk patients.
Kramer CM, Kolm P, DiMarco JP et al. · JAMA · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Heart Disease & Surgical Outcomes (including aortic valve disease)
Left Ventricular Rehabilitation after Ross operation for Critical Aortic Stenosis with Endocardial Fibroelastosis.
This study evaluated long-term clinical and functional outcomes after Ross operation performed before 1 year of age for critical aortic stenosis, comparing patients with and without associated endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE). The key focus was whether early Ross (with or without EFE resection) restores left ventricular function and how outcomes differ by EFE status using echocardiographic and long-term follow-up data. The findings are clinically significant for risk stratification and surgical/rehabilitation planning in infants with critical aortic stenosis complicated by EFE.
Jacob KA, Korsuize NA, van Wijk A et al. · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Contemporary Overview of Aortic Regurgitation in Young Individuals: Insights From Real-Life Evidence.
This review studied contemporary evidence on aortic regurgitation (AR) in young individuals aged 18–44 years, emphasizing real-world diagnostic and management challenges. It found that prognosis depends on regurgitation severity, early left ventricular dysfunction, etiology, and intervention strategy, and that newer echocardiography-based thresholds for left ventricular structural/functional assessment may improve timing of surgery in asymptomatic chronic AR. The clinical significance is that AR in young adults is often under- or misdiagnosed, so prompt multimodality evaluation and timely intervention planning are critical to improve outcomes.
Sozzi FB, Gamberini G, Kim JK et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Effect of anti-fibrotic therapy on regression of myocardial fibrosis after TAVI: Design and rationale of the Reduce-MFA DZHK25 trial.
The Reduce-MFA DZHK25 trial design will assess anti-fibrotic therapy to promote regression of aortic stenosis (AS)-induced myocardial fibrosis after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) in patients with high baseline fibrotic burden. The key finding of the study is the trial’s rationale and planned randomized, open-label, multicenter approach with blinded outcome assessment to test whether anti-fibrotic treatment improves reverse left-ventricular remodeling and clinical outcomes. If the intervention reduces fibrosis and downstream heart failure events, it could establish a disease-modifying strategy for post-TAVI risk in AS patients with high myocardial fibrotic load.
Puls M, Zeisberg EM, Placzek M et al. · ESC heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart Failure Phenotypes & Iron Therapy (HFpEF/HFrEF dyssynchrony/IRON trials)
Intravenous IRON supplementation in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction and iron deficiency (IRON-HFpEF): a comprehensive phase II multicentre placebo-controlled randomised clinical trial.
In the phase II multicentre randomized placebo-controlled IRON-HFpEF trial, 45 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%) and iron deficiency (excluding those with iron-deficiency anemia) were randomized to intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) versus placebo. The trial evaluated mechanistic effects of FCM on cardiovascular function and exercise tolerance using assessments including exercise right-heart catheterization, 6-minute walking distance, and cardiac MRI at baseline and 4 months. If effective, this approach could establish IV iron (FCM) as a targeted therapy to improve exercise capacity and cardiac function in HFpEF patients with iron deficiency but without anemia.
van de Bovenkamp AA, Nassiri S, de Man FS et al. · European journal of heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Design and Rationale of the WE-CARE-HF-CMR Trial: Cardiorenal Care on Wheels for Asymptomatic Heart Failure Patients (NCT07185100).
The WE-CARE-HF-CMR trial design and rationale outlines a study using mobile cardiac MRI to detect subclinical myocardial dysfunction in asymptomatic heart failure (stage B) populations, leveraging left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) rather than relying on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The trial is motivated by prior HERZCHECK data showing a 23% prevalence of GLS-defined subclinical pre-HF in rural Germany and aims to determine prevalence and feasibility in urban settings. Scientifically, it will clarify how mobile CMR/GLS can improve early detection of HF risk and guide preventive interventions.
Li JJ, Thiede G, Götze C et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Role of dyssynchrony in short-term left ventricular systolic function after iron repletion in patients with heart failure.
This subanalysis of the Myocardial-IRON trial studied whether intravenous iron repletion with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) affects short-term left ventricular systolic dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure (LVEF <50%) and iron deficiency. It used the longitudinal systolic dyssynchrony index (L-SDI) derived from cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) to assess changes after iron therapy and relate dyssynchrony to response mechanisms. The clinical significance is that dyssynchrony modulation may be one pathway through which iron improves HF outcomes and potentially interacts with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT response).
Del Canto I, Miñana G, Cardells I et al. · Communications medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac magnetic resonance-derived left atrioventricular coupling index predicts outcome in reduced ejection fraction.
This multicenter registry study evaluated whether a cardiac magnetic resonance-derived left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) predicts outcomes in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (LVEF <50%). LACI was calculated as the ratio of left atrial to left ventricular end-diastolic volumes, and Cox regression models assessed associations with all-cause mortality, the composite of all-cause mortality or heart failure, and heart failure alone. The clinical significance is that CMR-derived LACI may serve as a noninvasive prognostic biomarker to better stratify risk in reduced-EF heart failure patients.
Guglielmo M, Fedele D, Bergamaschi L et al. · ESC heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Metastasis & Rare Cardiac Masses
Naïve CD4+ T-cells and disease status at CART infusion correlate with clinical outcomes in real-world large B-cell lymphoma patients receiving second-line CAR T therapy.
This retrospective real-world analysis studied 64 large B-cell lymphoma patients receiving second-line CAR T therapy with either axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) or lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel), examining how naïve CD4+ T-cell status at infusion and disease status at CART infusion relate to outcomes. The study found that naïve CD4+ T-cell characteristics and disease status at infusion correlated with clinical outcomes, with primary refractory or progressive disease at infusion associated with inferior response rates. These results suggest immunologic and disease-state biomarkers that may help predict durability of benefit from axi-cel/liso-cel in routine practice.
Schneider M, Paruzzo L, Stella F et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cancer type-specific variation in patterns of driver alterations across 50,000 tumors.
This large-scale cancer genomics study analyzed 54,331 tumors from 48,179 patients across 448 histological cancer subtypes to characterize cancer type-specific patterns of somatic driver alterations. It identified 164 newly defined driver hotspots and showed that one-third of drivers occur in non-canonical contexts with distinct properties such as increased subclonality, later emergence, and divergent biology, including cancer type-specific patterns of co-occurring drivers. Scientifically, these results refine how driver genes and alterations should be interpreted by tissue context, which can improve precision oncology models and biomarker discovery.
Bandlamudi C, Muldoon D, de Bruijn I et al. · Cancer cell · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital/Structural Shunts & Vascular Anomalies
Inferior Vena Cava Stenosis Mimicking Right Heart Failure in Carcinoid Heart Disease.
This case report studied two patients with advanced carcinoid heart disease who presented with right heart failure physiology. The key finding was that serotonin-mediated fibrosis extended to the venous endothelium, causing inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis/outflow obstruction that mimicked right-sided decompensation despite the typical valvular-dominant presentation. Clinically, it underscores the need to evaluate venous outflow obstruction in carcinoid heart disease when the phenotype is atypical for isolated tricuspid/pulmonary valve lesions.
Vila-Sanjuán S, Vallejo N, Martí-Aguasca G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Bilateral Coronary Artery-to-Pulmonary Artery Fistula Treated Using Minimally Invasive Coils and Vascular Embolization Devices.
This case report studied a 44-year-old woman with bilateral coronary artery-to-pulmonary artery fistulas (CAPF) causing progressive exertional dyspnea. The key finding was that stress CMR demonstrated myocardial ischemia despite a near-normal Qp/Qs ratio, and the fistulas were successfully treated using minimally invasive endovascular techniques: pulmonary artery-side outflow embolization with a vascular occlusion device followed by coil embolization of coronary inflow sites. Clinically, it supports using ischemia-guided assessment and staged catheter-based embolization for symptomatic CAPF.
Takagi R, Irita J, Akazawa Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Flow-Driven Right-to-Left Shunting Through the Patent Foramen Ovale Causing Hypoxemia and Embolism in a Partial Uhl Anomaly.
This case report studied a 49-year-old woman with partial Uhl anomaly and a patent foramen ovale (PFO) causing hypoxemia and embolism, using multimodality imaging to characterize right ventricular pathology and shunt physiology. Despite normal right-sided pressures, the authors identified a permanent right-to-left shunt through the PFO driven by flow redirection associated with the congenital right-sided disease. Clinically, the report highlights that non-pressure-dependent mechanisms can make PFO shunting relevant in rare congenital cardiopulmonary disorders, informing diagnostic evaluation and management of unexplained hypoxemia and stroke.
Laboratto LE, Vannoni G, Nieto G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Thromboembolism/Thrombosis & Post-ischemic Remodeling
Giant Postischemic Left Ventricular Aneurysm Without Q Waves: Multimodality Imaging-Guided Surgery.
This case report studied a 55-year-old woman with inferolateral myocardial infarction who developed a giant postischemic left ventricular aneurysm without electrocardiographic Q waves, using multimodality cardiac imaging to guide surgery. Serial electrocardiograms remained without pathological Q waves, while echocardiography and other imaging demonstrated progressive left ventricular remodeling with aneurysmal evolution and mural thrombus formation. The report highlights that nonanterior postischemic aneurysms can be missed when Q waves are absent, and that multimodality imaging can enable timely surgical management to reduce complications such as thromboembolism.
Gaido L, Attisani M, Scalini F et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Characterisation of Incident Heart Failure after Ischaemic Stroke/Transient Ischaemic Attack: A UK Biobank Study.
This UK Biobank prospective cohort study investigated incident heart failure risk after ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in adults aged 40–69 years and characterized associated CMR findings. The key finding was that ischemic stroke/TIA survivors had increased risk of incident heart failure (defined by hospital admissions coded for HF) and that CMR could reveal cardiac abnormalities relevant to this risk, with associations also evaluated for all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction. This is clinically significant because it supports CMR-informed risk stratification and targeted surveillance for HF in post-stroke/TIA populations.
Muthalaly RG, Nerlekar N, Tan S et al. · ESC heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiotoxicity & Drug/Supplement-Related Cardiac Injury
Fluoropyrimidine Cardiotoxicity With Overlapping Vasospastic and Pericardial Features: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This JACC Case Reports report described fluoropyrimidine cardiotoxicity in a 57-year-old man with HER2-positive gastric cancer receiving FOLFOX-6M (5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin and oxaliplatin) and trastuzumab. During a 5-FU infusion he developed severe chest pain with ECG changes and marked QTc prolongation but negative cardiac biomarkers, followed later by new concave ST-segment elevation, with normal echocardiography and coronary CT angiography—suggesting overlapping vasospastic and pericardial features. The case is clinically important because it underscores diagnostic challenges and the need to consider fluoropyrimidine-induced coronary spasm and/or inflammatory pericardial involvement even when biomarkers and initial imaging are unrevealing.
Viñas-Mendieta AE, Valencia-Hernandez HA, Ruiz-Mori E et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myopericarditis After Combined Idarubicin and Quizartinib in FLT3-ITD-Positive AML.
This JACC Case Reports report studied a 64-year-old man with FLT3-ITD–positive acute myelogenous leukemia who developed myopericarditis after sequential cytarabine/idarubicin (anthracycline) followed by quizartinib (FLT3 inhibitor). After treatment, he presented with fever, hypotension, troponin I elevation, and diffuse ST-segment elevation, and cardiac MRI showed late gadolinium enhancement consistent with myopericarditis. The clinical significance is heightened awareness of potential cardiotoxic inflammatory complications when combining anthracyclines with FLT3 inhibition in AML patients.
Spahr ZR, Vasquez MA, Tangella A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Unexplained Supraventricular Tachycardia and Myocardial Injury After Bitter Orange Supplement Use in a Young Woman.
This case report studied a 38-year-old woman who developed supraventricular tachycardia and myocardial injury after using a weight-loss supplement containing bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) with p-synephrine. The arrhythmia was terminated with 6 mg intravenous adenosine, while high-sensitivity troponin I rose markedly (from 17.9 to 1,395.7 ng/L) despite an initially unremarkable transthoracic echocardiogram and exclusion of pulmonary embolism by computed tomography pulmonary angiography. The findings support that sympathomimetic bitter orange/p-synephrine supplements can precipitate clinically significant tachyarrhythmia-associated myocardial injury, underscoring the need for medication/supplement history in young patients with acute chest symptoms.
Plaitis A, Grigoraki E, Karakosta M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Microstructure & Advanced MRI Methods (DTI/4D flow/radiomics/trabeculation)
Impact of formalin fixation on biventricular parameters in cardiac diffusion tensor imaging: A pilot study in a miniature swine model.
This pilot ex-vivo study used a miniature swine model to test how formalin fixation alters biventricular cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) parameters, comparing cDTI acquired before fixation and on days 5 and 9 after fixation. Histology (H&E) served as the reference standard for helix angle (HA) and HA transmurality, and the study reported that subepicardial HA became more negative after fixation. The results are important for standardizing cardiac DTI workflows and ensuring that cDTI-derived microstructural metrics remain interpretable when tissue fixation is used.
Zhu L, Xu J, Cui C et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Quantitative ventricular trabeculation assessment in cardiac MRI: optimised blood-pool segmentation, box-counting fractal analysis and non-fractal measurements.
This methodological study optimized quantitative ventricular trabeculation assessment on cardiac MRI by improving blood-pool segmentation and using box-counting fractal analysis plus non-fractal measurements. It used level-set segmentation to exclude non-heart pixels and evaluated how box size, sampling, and rotation affect fractal dimension (FD) derived from the trabeculae/blood boundary for both left and right ventricles at end-diastole and end-systole. The work is significant for enabling reliable, automated trabeculation quantification suitable for large-scale cardiac MRI cohorts and reducing processing-induced variability.
Sedlacik J, McGurk KA, Tokarczuk PF et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Radiomics with native T1 mapping for contrast-free detection of acute and chronic myocardial infarction: A multicenter study.
This multicenter retrospective study evaluated native T1 mapping–based radiomics models for contrast-free detection of myocardial infarction (MI) and differentiation of acute versus chronic lesions. Using 3.0T CMR native T1 mapping and LGE for reference, it analyzed 310 MI patients (162 acute, 148 chronic) and 180 controls, extracting radiomics features from manually delineated ROIs and validating an acute/chronic differentiation model externally. Clinically, the approach could reduce reliance on gadolinium contrast while improving noninvasive MI characterization across acute and chronic stages.
Li S, Huo H, Zheng Y et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
From Healthy to Heart Failure in 24 Hours: Defining the upper limit of exercise induced cardiac fatigue.
This study examined cardiac consequences of 12- and 24-hour intense cycling in a former professional ultra-endurance athlete using echocardiography, rest and exercise cardiac MRI (CMR), and biomarkers (BNP and cardiac troponin-I). It found that after the 12-hour attempt the athlete was physically exhausted without significant abnormalities (“no sig…”), while the 24-hour attempt defined the upper limit for exercise-induced cardiac fatigue with measurable cardiac changes and biomarker/CMR responses over time. Scientifically, it provides a human upper-bound framework for how prolonged extreme endurance exercise affects cardiac structure/function and injury markers.
Foulkes SJ, Anderson M, Janssens K et al. · Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The effects of aging on left ventricular diastolic function evaluated with 4D flow MRI: a novel approach using mitral velocity and propagation velocity measurements.
This study evaluated how aging affects left ventricular (LV) diastolic function using 4D flow MRI–derived parameters, including mitral inflow velocity and propagation velocity (VP), in 60 healthy volunteers (ages 20–80) alongside transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The key finding is the characterization of diastolic filling changes with age using 4D-flow-derived inflow and VP metrics that correspond to conventional echocardiographic diastolic measures. Scientifically, it supports 4D flow MRI as a noninvasive method to quantify diastolic physiology across the adult lifespan.
Stipechi LV, Craiem D, Gencer U et al. · Physiological measurement · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Systemic Disease with Cardiac Involvement (iron overload, parasitic, hematologic, endocrine/metabolic)
Subclinical Origins of Cardiometabolic Risk in Indian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.
This cross-sectional study measured anthropometry, hepatic fat by 3.0T MRI proton density fat fraction (PDFF), whole-body fat by DXA, and cardiometabolic risk factors (HbA1c, lipid profile, seated blood pressure) in apparently healthy Indian adolescents aged 11–16 years. The study found that at least one cardiometabolic risk factor was present in 32.5% of participants, and it assessed associations between body fat and hepatic fat with cardiometabolic risk. These findings suggest that subclinical cardiometabolic risk in Indian youth may be linked to both adiposity and liver fat, supporting earlier screening and prevention strategies before overt disease develops.
Hegde SG, Kankara SR, Raj JM et al. · Indian pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Massive cardiac echinococcosis.
This report described a case of massive cardiac echinococcosis, a rare manifestation of systemic hydatid disease, using multimodal imaging including chest radiography, CT, and cardiac MRI. The key finding was the imaging characterization of extensive cardiac involvement consistent with hydatid cyst disease presenting with atypical symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness. Clinically, the case highlights the diagnostic value of cardiac MRI and multimodal imaging for recognizing uncommon but potentially life-threatening parasitic cardiac disease.
Rai P, Aswani Y · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Structural and Functional Abnormalities in the Preterm Heart: From Development to Adulthood.
This review studied how preterm birth affects cardiac structure and function from development through adulthood, focusing on mechanisms that drive later cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with initially structurally normal hearts. It highlights multiple contributors including abnormal oxygen exposure, disrupted cellular architecture, extracellular matrix remodeling, altered cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function, immature sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum, and increased procedural stress. The scientific significance is that these mechanistic pathways justify heightened long-term cardiovascular surveillance and motivate targeted prevention strategies in adults born preterm.
Zegelbone P, Young K, Hughes F et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Smaller coronary artery size in adults born preterm.
This study investigated whether adults born preterm have smaller coronary arteries than those born at term by measuring coronary dimensions with cardiac MRI. Using 1.5 T imaging with short-axis bSSFP cine for structure/function and 3D bSSFP coronary magnetic resonance angiography for left main (LM), LAD, and RCA area and diameter, the authors tested the hypothesis that coronary artery size is reduced in adults born preterm. The significance is that preterm birth may confer persistent coronary microvascular/vascular remodeling detectable in adulthood, informing risk stratification for later ischemic heart disease.
Barton GP, Sharma K, Hussain T et al. · Pediatric research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Rapid Onset of Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy in Cirrhosis.
This case report studied two men with cirrhosis who developed iron overload cardiomyopathy (IOC) without hereditary hemochromatosis or transfusion-dependent anemia. The key finding was rapid onset of severe cardiomyopathy (e.g., left ventricular ejection fraction ~23% in one patient) temporally associated with iron overload in the setting of cirrhosis. Clinically, it highlights that IOC should be considered in cirrhosis patients who develop new heart failure, even without classic genetic or transfusion risk factors.
Nouraee CM, Swain WH, Harmon DM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Epicardial Fat Necrosis as a Rare Cause of Chest Pain: Peeling Back the Layers.
This case report studied two patients presenting with acute severe chest pain due to epicardial fat necrosis (EFN), a rare self-limiting inflammatory condition. The key finding was that chest CT showed characteristic EFN imaging features with elevated inflammatory markers (e.g., D-dimer, C-reactive protein) but normal troponin, and both patients improved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Clinically, it emphasizes CT-based recognition of EFN to avoid misdiagnosis as myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or pericarditis.
Da Silva E, Chow B, Paterson DI et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hypereosinophilic endocarditis presenting with intracardiac mass and severe mitral regurgitation: a case report of FIP1L1-PDGFRA positive myeloid neoplasm.
This case report studied a 28-year-old man with hypereosinophilic endocarditis presenting with an intracardiac mass and severe mitral regurgitation. The key finding was that cardiac MRI showed subendocardial fibrosis and molecular testing identified an FIP1L1–PDGFRA fusion in a myeloid neoplasm, confirming the cause of Loeffler’s endocarditis. Scientifically and clinically, it demonstrates the importance of early cardiac imaging plus genetic testing in hypereosinophilia to diagnose FIP1L1–PDGFRA–positive disease and guide targeted management.
Rao NS, Biswas A, Kothari SS et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Dissecting the pathobiology of suspected sepsis through a comparative analysis of endothelial inflammatory and clinical prediction models.
This prospective comparative analysis enrolled suspected sepsis patients from emergency departments across three secondary/tertiary teaching hospitals to compare predictive models using endothelial inflammatory biomarkers versus standard clinical data for persistent vasopressor dependence and acute kidney injury (AKI). The key finding is the relative predictive utility of endothelial inflammation–based biomarkers compared with clinical prediction models for these two outcomes in sepsis. Clinically, this could refine early risk stratification and identify whether endothelial dysfunction markers add incremental prognostic value beyond routine clinical variables.
Ningthoujam AS, Thiyagarajan G, Wani NA et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pharmacological treatments for Friedreich ataxia.
This Cochrane systematic review evaluated pharmacological treatments for Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) in people with the autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder. The review synthesizes evidence on which drug classes have demonstrated benefit (or lack thereof) across FRDA outcomes, including neurologic and cardiomyopathy-related endpoints. Scientifically and clinically, it helps guide evidence-based medication decisions and highlights gaps where targeted therapies—potentially informed by FRDA pathobiology—are still needed.
Lyons S, Kearney M, Fahey MC et al. · The Cochrane database of systematic reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Management of Iron Overload in Infants and Toddlers With Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Syndrome: A French-Italian Study.
This retrospective multicenter French-Italian study examined iron chelation in infants and toddlers with Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBAS) from national registries, focusing on when chelation is initiated and which patients receive it. Among 167 transfused DBAS patients screened, 64 (38%) started chelation before age 3 (median 18 months), with initiation typically based on serum ferritin ≥500 ng/mL (median 1340 ng/mL) and >10 transfusions, and the most used chelator was deferasirox. The findings are clinically important because they provide early-life chelation data in a population where evidence has been limited, supporting risk-based timing to prevent severe early iron overload.
Torchio F, Lecalvez B, Garelli E et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Training, Credentialing, and Radiation-Safety in Cardiac Procedures
Canadian radiology: 2026 update.
This article studied selected developments in Canadian radiology across subspecialties and practice domains, with emphasis on technically sophisticated, clinically relevant imaging research. It reports notable contributions in cardiothoracic radiology, including work in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and related cardiovascular imaging initiatives, alongside updates such as guidance and referral recommendations in other imaging areas. The significance is that it provides a consolidated view of evolving imaging evidence and practice standards that can influence how cardiac imaging is delivered and interpreted in Canada.
Kamran R, Buckley B, Costa AF et al. · Diagnostic and interventional imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Navigating the Zero Fluoroscopy Frontier: Current Tools, Evidence and Future Directions in Electrophysiology Procedures.
This narrative review summarizes current tools and evidence for “zero fluoroscopy” (ZF) approaches in electrophysiology (EP) ablation procedures, focusing on radiation-reduction technologies used by EP teams. The key finding is that multiple ZF modalities—such as electroanatomic mapping systems, transesophageal/intracardiac echocardiography, visualizable sheaths, contact-force sensing catheters, and advanced imaging integration including real-time cardiac MRI guidance—have accumulating support for adoption. Scientifically and clinically, it frames how ZF protocols can reduce radiation exposure for both patients and operators while identifying remaining evidence gaps and future directions.
Kotzadamis D, Giannopoulos G, Schismenos V et al. · Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Training and credentialing in robotic general surgery.
This narrative review examines training and credentialing frameworks for robotic general surgery, focusing on how competency definitions, assessment standards, and institutional credentialing practices have not kept pace with rapid robotic platform adoption. The key finding is that variability across training and credentialing pathways may raise concerns about patient safety, equity of access, and workforce readiness. Clinically and operationally, it informs how standardized, evidence-informed credentialing and assessment could be developed to match learning curves and ensure safe expansion of robotic surgery.
Harris M, Mohan H, Martins BAA et al. · International journal of colorectal disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Understanding the cardiology training landscape in Asia-Pacific region.
This cross-sectional survey mapped cardiology training and credentialing pathways across the Asia-Pacific region by distributing a 42-item online questionnaire to credentialed cardiologists representing 23 regions. The key finding is substantial heterogeneity in training pathways (with many regions using a single pathway but others using multiple pathways) and differences in how cardiology curricula and credentialing are structured. Scientifically and educationally, the results identify where harmonization or targeted curriculum development may be needed to address disparities in cardiology training across the region.
Cader FA, Lee WYS, Widodo WA et al. · Postgraduate medical journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on May 18, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published May 11, 2026 – May 18, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.