What's New in Cardiac MRI? — May 29, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 54 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
May 29, 2026 · 54 articles · 15 research themes · covering May 22, 2026 – May 29, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set, a dominant theme is the move from “single-number” cardiac assessment toward richer, multimodal phenotyping—especially using cardiac MRI. Multiple studies show that advanced CMR features (e.g., LGE granularity, atrial long-axis shortening, cine-derived coupling indices, and unsupervised remodeling phenotypes) can refine prognosis beyond conventional measures like LVEF and standard LGE presence/extent. This is complemented by work on multi-chamber strain in amyloidosis and by CMR mapping strategies aimed at reducing invasive procedures (e.g., post-transplant rejection surveillance).
A second major thread is right-heart and pulmonary vascular disease mechanistic understanding and risk stratification. Reviews and cohorts emphasize right heart diastology as an integrated unit (RA function, RV compliance, and pulmonary arterial load), while studies in pulmonary hypertension explore metabolic signatures linked to RV systolic function and evaluate more accessible alternatives to CMR (3D echo with strain). Translational hemodynamic work (GLP-1 pathway modulation) further underscores active efforts to identify actionable physiology in PAH/CTEPH.
Finally, the digest highlights how modern imaging and computational tools are reshaping diagnosis and management across complex cardiovascular scenarios: immune checkpoint inhibitor cardiotoxicity (myocarditis mimicking MI), myocarditis diagnosis using combined FDG-PET plus perfusion, and MINOCA/CMD where invasive physiology plus CMR clarifies mechanisms. Alongside these clinical advances, several articles focus on AI for segmentation, accelerated cine acquisition, and outcome prediction—aiming to improve generalizability across scanners/centers and to support more consistent, scalable decision-making in electrophysiology and beyond.
Cardiac Tumors & Masses (Imaging/Surgery)
Coronary-Sparing Resection of a Pediatric Left Ventricular Fibroma Involving the Left Circumflex Artery: Six-Year Follow-Up.
This case report described a 3-month-old female with a left ventricular (LV) fibroma involving the left circumflex coronary artery, assessed with multimodality imaging including cardiac MRI and coronary angiography, and followed after partial tumor resection with mitral valvuloplasty. The surgical strategy achieved coronary-sparing resection by preserving the intratumoral left circumflex artery, with subsequent six-year follow-up documenting durable outcomes despite progressive tumor-related symptoms. The report highlights the value of detailed CMR-based coronary mapping for planning complex pediatric cardiac tumor surgery when epicardial coronary arteries are traversed.
Lopes MS, Amaral ME, Francisco A et al. · World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Interconnected Biatrial Myxoma Spanning the Fossa Ovalis: Management Based on Multimodality Imaging.
This case studied an interconnected biatrial myxoma spanning the interatrial septum through the fossa ovalis in a 74-year-old woman. Multimodality imaging with transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and computed tomography showed a continuous stalk crossing the septum and enabled complete en bloc surgical resection. The report highlights how multimodality CMR/CT/TEE characterization can guide operative planning for rare, septum-spanning biatrial cardiac tumors.
Herrera JCU, Madogolele HDCN, Nastari RR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Early Recurrence of Cardiac Myxomas in an Adolescent With Carney Complex: Clinical Clues Preceding Imaging Findings-A Case Report.
This case report describes an adolescent with Carney complex who developed early recurrence of cardiac myxomas, with clinical clues preceding imaging findings. Despite negative genetic testing, the patient’s presentation (including mucocutaneous lentiginosis and a pituitary microadenoma) supported Carney complex, and recurrent intracardiac masses were initially misinterpreted as thrombi before appropriate reassessment. The report highlights the need for high clinical suspicion and close surveillance for recurrent myxomas in Carney complex even when genetics are negative.
Abarca-Rozas B, Saavedra F, Retamal JP et al. · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Unveiling the invisible: the role of multimodality imaging in diagnosing primary cardiac lymphoma.
This case report investigated multimodality imaging to diagnose primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) in a 54-year-old woman presenting with palpitations, chest discomfort, mild troponin elevation, and lateral ST-segment depression mimicking acute coronary syndrome. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) identified a peri-atrial mass, cardiac computed tomography (CCT) excluded coronary artery disease and demonstrated a hypodense process with an “encasement sign” around the left circumflex artery, supporting PCL rather than ischemic disease (with further imaging details truncated). The report highlights how combined imaging modalities can differentiate PCL from acute coronary syndromes and other cardiac masses to enable appropriate management.
Aronovich A, Sarid N, Hirsh M et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Ventricular Metastasis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presenting With Systemic Embolization and Stroke.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 71-year-old man with prior hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who presented with systemic embolization and stroke, with a left ventricular (LV) mass ultimately identified as metastasis. The key finding was that transthoracic echocardiography suggested thrombus, but cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) supported LV metastatic disease, explaining multifocal infarcts from embolization. Clinically, it emphasizes that CMR can be crucial to distinguish cardiac thrombus from rare HCC cardiac metastasis when patients present with embolic stroke.
Rashwan R, Kholeif Z, Vega-Sanabria B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
New-Onset Atrial Flutter Revealing a Large Right Coronary Artery to Superior Vena Cava Fistula.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 63-year-old man with new-onset atrial flutter whose multimodality imaging identified a large right coronary artery to superior vena cava fistula. The key finding was that coronary computed tomography angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated the fistula with right-sided chamber dilation, and cardiac catheterization confirmed the diagnosis before successful transcatheter coil embolization. Clinically, it highlights an uncommon cause of atrial arrhythmia and demonstrates the diagnostic value of CT plus CMR for planning transcatheter closure.
Acharya S, Patel V, Shahane S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Giant Cardiac Glomangioma With Extensive Intravascular Extension: A Surgical and Pathological Rarity.
This article reports a rare giant cardiac glomangioma case in a patient with tumor extension from the right ventricular free wall into the right atrium and inferior vena cava, reaching the left common iliac vein. The key finding was that surgical excision achieved an excellent clinical outcome despite extensive intravascular spread. Clinically, it highlights the need for multimodality imaging and aggressive surgical management for this exceptionally uncommon cardiac tumor with vascular extension.
Bhutta M, Tariq K, Iqtadar R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Texture/Advanced Tissue Characterization & Prognosis
Prognostic Value of a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index From Routine Cine Images in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Study.
This multicenter retrospective study assessed the prognostic value of a cardiac MRI-derived left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) computed from routine cine images in 403 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The key finding was that LACI predicted adverse outcomes and provided incremental prognostic utility beyond conventional markers such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). This supports LACI as a potentially scalable CMR-derived risk marker that can be obtained from standard cine acquisitions.
Jiang YJ, Hou XC, Tao J et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diagnostic of Pathological Q Waves in a Young Patient Without Coronary Disease.
This JACC Case Reports report describes an 18-year-old asymptomatic man with pathological septal Q waves on ECG but no known coronary disease. Multimodality cardiac imaging—highlighting cardiac magnetic resonance for tissue characterization—was used to clarify the differential diagnosis and guide risk stratification despite atypical ECG findings. The case underscores the clinical value of CMR in evaluating pathological Q waves when coronary disease is not evident.
Figueroa-Galván FS, Alanís-Naranjo JM, González-Najera MF et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inaugural cardiac involvement in Goodpasture syndrome: a case report.
This case report describes inaugural cardiac involvement in Goodpasture syndrome in a 44-year-old Tunisian woman presenting with NSTEMI and elevated troponin. Cardiac MRI demonstrated transmural myocardial necrosis, and subsequent development of massive hemoptysis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute kidney injury led to diagnosis of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease. The report emphasizes that autoimmune anti-GBM disease can present with severe cardiac injury and that CMR can be pivotal for recognizing atypical causes of acute coronary syndromes.
Lassoued T, Ferjani S, Abbassi M et al. · Journal of medical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Filamin C Genetic Cardiomyopathy Presenting as Acute Myocardial Injury.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 46-year-old man with acute myocardial injury characterized by ring-like subepicardial LGE on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and no myocardial edema, followed by genetic testing. The key finding was identification of a pathogenic FLNC (filamin C) variant, with follow-up showing persistent fibrosis and preserved ventricular function without arrhythmias. Scientifically and clinically, it highlights FLNC-associated cardiomyopathy as a cause of nonischemic CMR patterns of acute myocardial injury and supports genetic evaluation when imaging is atypical.
Alexandrino FB, Curtis B, Nguyen C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rethinking Post-Infarction Remodeling: Identification and Validation of Data-Driven Cardiac MRI Phenotypes for Risk Stratification.
This prospective longitudinal study used data-driven unsupervised clustering on serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify and validate post-infarction left ventricular remodeling phenotypes in reperfused STEMI patients. The key finding was that CMR-derived remodeling phenotypes had improved prognostic relevance compared with conventional remodeling metrics based on changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and ejection fraction. Scientifically and clinically, it supports phenotype-based CMR risk stratification after STEMI to better predict adverse outcomes.
Xiang JY, Wu J, Zhao Y et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic Impact of LGE Granularity Using CMR in End‑Stage Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This study evaluated prognostic associations of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) granularity features on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with end-stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) defined by left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. The key finding was the prognostic value of the LGE granularity model—incorporating LGE location, extent, and pattern—in end-stage HCM. Scientifically and clinically, it supports using detailed LGE texture/granularity metrics to better risk-stratify patients with advanced HCM beyond conventional LGE assessment.
Hudelo J, Garot J, Toupin S et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis & Inflammatory Cardiac Disease (Imaging/Diagnosis)
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and rest myocardial perfusion imaging in non-granulomatous myocarditis.
In a multicenter prospective observational feasibility study, investigators evaluated combined 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT with rest myocardial perfusion imaging (rMPI) for diagnosing non-granulomatous myocarditis in patients undergoing both PET/CT and cardiac MRI, with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) or adjudicated clinical diagnosis as the reference standard. The key finding was the diagnostic performance of the combined FDG-PET and rMPI approach for myocarditis compared with the reference standard. If validated, this combined molecular-and-perfusion imaging strategy could improve noninvasive diagnosis of myocarditis where CMR alone may be insufficient.
Lucinian YA, Martineau P, Harel F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Atrial Function & Left/Right Atrial Remodeling (CMR/Strain)
Atrial Function by Long Axis Shortening Enhances Risk Stratification Beyond Traditional CMR Markers in Possible Myocarditis.
This study evaluated whether left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) long axis shortening (LAS) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improves risk stratification beyond standard CMR markers in patients meeting 2025 ESC criteria for “possible myocarditis.” In the cohort, atrial functional impairment assessed by CMR LAS was associated with major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) and provided incremental prognostic value beyond LVEF and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The results suggest that atrial functional metrics from CMR could refine prognosis in myocarditis where traditional markers may be insufficient.
Ciocca N, Brändle D, Riederer L et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Traditional left ventricular indices outperform novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance-derived left atrial parameters in predicting adverse left ventricular remodelling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
This post-hoc analysis of the EURO-ICE trial compared prognostic performance of traditional left ventricular indices versus novel cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived left atrial parameters for predicting early adverse LV remodeling after anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 200 patients. Traditional LV indices outperformed novel CMR-derived left atrial parameters in predicting adverse LV remodeling. Clinically, this suggests that for early post-STEMI risk prediction, established LV measures may be more reliable than newer LA-derived CMR metrics.
Yosofi B, Zelis JM, Raafs A et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right Heart Structure/Function, Diastology & Pulmonary Hypertension
Advanced right ventricular evaluation in pulmonary hypertension: the role of 3D echocardiography and strain analysis.
This study evaluated whether semiautomated 3D transthoracic echocardiography and right ventricular (RV) free-wall strain can discriminate clinical risk groups in pulmonary hypertension compared with cardiac MRI, enrolling 49 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). RV size/function measures and strain from 3D echo were assessed alongside cMRI to determine their ability to separate low versus non-low clinical risk. If effective, 3D echo with strain could offer a more accessible, less resource-intensive alternative to cMRI for prognostic RV assessment in PAH/CTEPH.
Amiri U, Keceli E, Andersen MØ et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Smaller Right Ventricle Results in Poorer Exercise Performance in Young Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.
This study examined 37 young patients (mean age 17±5 years) with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and pulmonary insufficiency (PI) to determine whether right ventricular (RV) size relates to exercise performance. Using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and CMR, smaller RV size was associated with poorer exercise performance, with oxygen pulse (V̇O2/heart rate) used as a surrogate for stroke volume (SV) and correlations between CPET and CMR measures evaluated (key quantitative details were truncated). Clinically, RV size on CMR may help refine risk stratification for exercise intolerance and support timing decisions for pulmonary valve replacement in rTOF.
Mhanna C, Kourpas K, Tsuda T · Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Association of COVID-19 public health measures with cardiac non-invasive testing utilisation in Ontario, Canada: a population-based, retrospective time series analysis.
This population-based retrospective time series analysis evaluated how COVID-19 public health measures affected utilization of cardiac non-invasive testing (NIT) in Ontario, Canada. Comparing pre- and post-lockdown periods, the study assessed changes in rates and patterns of cardiac NIT across the pandemic timeline (specific direction/magnitude of changes were truncated in the abstract). The findings are significant for understanding how public health disruptions alter cardiovascular diagnostic pathways and may contribute to downstream effects on care delivery.
Lin E, Mendis B, Odugbemi T et al. · BMJ open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Two decades of pulmonary vascular disease and ischemic heart disease mortality in the united states: A longitudinal analysis using CDC WONDER (1999-2020).
This longitudinal analysis used the CDC WONDER database (1999–2020) to study mortality trends and demographic disparities for pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in U.S. adults aged ≥45 years. Using age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 and Joinpoint regression to compute annual percent change (APC), the study reported an overall increase in combined mortality rates over time (with specific APC values and stratified findings truncated). The results highlight shifting cardiovascular mortality burdens and can inform public health targeting for PVD and IHD across demographic and geographic groups.
Nawaz A, Hafeezullah F, Siddiqui ZA et al. · Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Hemodynamic and metabolomic responses to infusion of GLP-1 agonist exenatide in pulmonary arterial hypertension.
This first-in-disease JCI Insight study assessed acute hemodynamic and metabolomic responses to intravenous exenatide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), alongside a monocrotaline (MCT) PAH rodent model. The key finding was that exenatide was well tolerated and produced acute improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics (including reductions in mean pulmonary artery pressure) with associated changes in circulating metabolites, supported by CMR in the animal model. Scientifically, it provides early translational evidence that GLP-1 pathway activation may acutely modulate pulmonary vascular physiology in PAH/CTEPH.
Samaranayake CB, Niglas M, Baxan N et al. · JCI insight · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right Heart Diastology, Where Are We Now?
This review studied the current state of right heart diastology by synthesizing evidence from invasive physiology, imaging, and human myocardial data across pulmonary vascular disease, heart failure, and congenital heart disease. The key finding was a conceptual reframing of right heart diastolic dysfunction as a unified diastolic unit integrating right atrial function, right ventricular compliance, and pulmonary arterial load. This is significant because it clarifies mechanisms and measurement targets that may identify early, prognostically relevant right heart failure before overt systolic dysfunction.
Kocx CJ, Hemnes AR, Healy J et al. · Circulation research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pulmonary Vascular Disease: Metabolomics & Biomarkers
Synergistic enhancement mechanism of biochar from Chinese medicine residue for tetracycline hydrochloride removal.
This study investigated converting Chinese medicine residue into biochar to enhance tetracycline hydrochloride (T-HCl) removal from aqueous environments. Hydrothermal treatment combined with KOH pretreatment followed by high-temperature pyrolysis produced KHRB with a highly developed pore structure (specific surface area 1589 ± 24.62 m2/g) and substantially improved adsorption performance for T-HCl. The results are significant for valorizing waste biomass into high-surface-area adsorbents for antibiotic-contaminant remediation.
Xu E, Song X, Liu Y et al. · Journal of environmental management · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Metabolomics of Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Hypertension.
This study analyzed metabolomics in the multicenter PVDOMICS (Pulmonary Vascular Disease Phenomics) cohort to identify metabolites and pathways linked to right ventricular (RV) systolic function across pulmonary hypertension phenotypes, including differences by pulmonary vascular resistance, PH group 1 status, and sex. The key finding was that specific metabolites/pathways were associated with RV systolic function metrics—fractional area change (echocardiography), global longitudinal strain (echocardiography), and ejection fraction (cardiac magnetic resonance)—with associations varying by PH group and sex. Scientifically, it advances understanding of RV metabolic mechanisms beyond group 1 PH and may inform future biomarker and therapeutic targets for RV failure in pulmonary hypertension.
Chacon-Barahona J, Chung SJ, Garry JD et al. · Circulation research · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction & MINOCA (Invasive Physiology + CMR)
Diagnostic evaluation of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in a young patient: suspected coronary embolism from a calcified bicuspid aortic valve.
This case report studied diagnostic evaluation of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in a young patient with suspected coronary embolism from a calcified bicuspid aortic valve. Despite ST-segment elevation MI on presentation and regional wall motion abnormalities on transthoracic echocardiography, coronary angiography showed no significant coronary obstruction, and cardiac MRI supported nearly transmural infarction. The report highlights the clinical importance of considering coronary embolism from valvular sources when MI occurs with non-obstructive coronaries.
Ruksuthee C, Theerasuwipakorn N, Boonyaratavej S et al. · BMJ case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multimodality Imaging to Determine Underlying Causes of Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries in Women and Men.
This international prospective diagnostic study characterized underlying mechanisms of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and predictors of imaging abnormalities, including sex differences, in patients enrolled across 28 sites in the US, Canada, and the UK. Multimodality imaging was used to identify MINOCA etiologies and determine which clinical profiles were more likely to show abnormal findings. The results aim to improve diagnostic precision and patient selection for imaging workups in MINOCA, reducing missed diagnoses and guiding management.
Reynolds HR, Maehara A, Heydari B et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic Implications of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Obesity Status.
This multicenter prospective cohort study assessed whether coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), defined by an angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) >40 U, predicts long-term cardiovascular outcomes in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients stratified by obesity status. Among 497 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), CMD prevalence and its prognostic implications were evaluated across BMI categories (healthy weight <24 kg/m2, overweight 24–28 kg/m2, obesity ≥28 kg/m2), with outcome details truncated. The work suggests that angio-IMR–defined CMD may provide obesity-stratified prognostic information after STEMI, potentially guiding risk assessment beyond epicardial stenosis.
Guo Q, Guo Y, Shi S et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries With Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Associated With Systemic Sclerosis: Case Report.
This case report described myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) due to coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in a patient with systemic sclerosis (SSc), using invasive coronary physiology testing and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was that invasive indices of CMD (including measures such as index of microvascular resistance and coronary flow reserve) together with CMR supported an SSc-related microvascular mechanism rather than obstructive coronary disease. This is significant because it demonstrates how to confirm CMD-driven MINOCA in SSc using invasive testing plus CMR to guide diagnosis and management.
Ohga Y, Nishikawa T, Hirai A et al. · Case reports in vascular medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pre-perfusion coronary wedge pressure and microvascular obstruction in anterior ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): An analysis from the EUROICE study.
This EUROICE study analysis investigated whether pre-perfusion coronary wedge pressure (CWP) measured during balloon occlusion predicts microvascular obstruction (MVO) and outcomes in anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). The key finding was that CWP obtained before reperfusion provided clinically relevant information about microvascular compromise that is not captured by post-reperfusion indices like index of microvascular resistance (IMR). Scientifically, it supports earlier invasive assessment of microvascular injury risk during occlusion to improve risk stratification in STEMI.
Butt H, van Beek K, Sajjad U et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary Artery Disease Variants (SCAD, Ectasia/Aneurysm, Collaterals, Viability)
Rentrop collateral grade predicts myocardial viability in chronic total occlusion on cardiac magnetic resonance.
This study evaluated whether angiographic Rentrop collateral grade predicts myocardial viability in 56 patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) using quantitative cardiac MRI. Viable myocardium was defined by ≤50% transmural scar on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and the key finding was that higher Rentrop collateral grading was associated with greater myocardial viability and differences in quantitative myocardial blood flow (MBF) and scar burden within CTO territories. The results suggest that a simple angiographic collateral score may help infer tissue-level viability using contemporary CMR metrics in CTO patients.
Mehmood Z, Suresh P, Li R et al. · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Isolated First Septal Perforator Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Causing Acute Myocardial Infarction.
This case studied isolated spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) limited to the first septal perforator (S1) in a 48-year-old man presenting with exertional chest pain. Coronary angiography identified type 1 S1 SCAD and cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed a transmural septal infarction, with successful conservative management using antiplatelet and beta-blocker therapy. The findings emphasize that even focal S1 SCAD can cause transmural MI and may be managed noninvasively when angiographic features support SCAD.
Karlsson RA, Birrane JP, O’Hanlon R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary artery Ectatic/Aneurysmatic disease: From pathophysiology to management.
This narrative review synthesized current knowledge on coronary artery ectatic/aneurysmatic disease (CAE/CAA), focusing on pathophysiology and management across adult and pediatric etiologies. It describes multifactorial mechanisms including atherosclerosis, genetic predisposition, systemic autoimmunity, and infectious triggers (e.g., Kawasaki disease and MIS-C in children), and emphasizes risks of thrombosis, embolization, and acute coronary syndromes even without obstructive coronary disease. The review is clinically significant because it consolidates diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for a rare but high-risk coronary condition.
Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Ebrahimihoor E, Lima JAC et al. · Progress in cardiovascular diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Amyloidosis & Hypertrophic/Genetic Cardiomyopathies (Risk/Phenotyping)
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Multi-Chamber Strain Analysis by Cardiac MRI in Amyloidosis.
This retrospective study assessed diagnostic and prognostic performance of multi-chamber myocardial strain measured by cardiac MRI in 47 patients with cardiac amyloidosis, and examined correlations with native T1 mapping and Query Amyloid Late Enhancement (QALE) as well as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The key finding was that strain parameters across ventricles and atria correlated with amyloid imaging biomarkers and were associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow-up. These results indicate that multi-chamber strain on CMR can improve both characterization and risk prediction in amyloidosis beyond conventional single-modality measures.
Chilkuri SK, Dsouza R, Houbois C et al. · Journal of thoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
SGLT2 inhibitors are associated with reductions in epicardial adipose tissue volume and thickness: a meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) reduce epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and thickness based on serial measurements from studies published between 2000 and 2025. The key finding was that SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with reductions in EAT volume and thickness compared with baseline and/or control therapies across included imaging modalities. The results support a potential cardiometabolic mechanism for SGLT2i benefits via modification of metabolically active pericardial fat.
Khanna S, Kalman E, Thungathurthi K et al. · International journal of obesity (2005) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in ATTR Val142Ile Carrier: When Genes and Phenotype Diverge.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 61-year-old African-American man with longstanding apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) who was found to carry the pathogenic transthyretin (TTR) variant Val142Ile (V142Ile). Despite genotype positivity, technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy showed no evidence of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (H/CL 1.01, visual grade 0) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) confirmed apical-predominant hypertrophy with patchy late gadolinium enhancement, arguing against ATTR-CM. The case underscores the clinical importance of distinguishing genotype-positive TTR V142Ile from phenocopies like ApHCM using nuclear imaging and CMR to guide correct diagnosis and treatment.
Khayat O, Moumneh MB, Salman O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Epicardial adipose tissue is associated with impaired outcomes in genotype-positive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective cohort study quantified epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in genotype-positive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and related it to malignant ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure outcomes. The key finding was that higher EAT volume was associated with impaired outcomes, including increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias (e.g., sustained ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation) and adverse clinical endpoints. Clinically, it suggests EAT burden on CMR could serve as a prognostic biomarker to refine risk stratification in genotype-positive HCM.
Mahmoud B, Koppelaar AJ, Michels M et al. · European journal of heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Arrest (Substrate/Genetics/Abalation)
Cardiac arrest secondary to mitral annular disjunction: a case report.
This case report studied mitral annular disjunction (MAD) with bileaflet mitral valve prolapse as a substrate for malignant ventricular arrhythmia in a woman in her 40s. She suffered out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest requiring bystander CPR and multiple shocks, with return of spontaneous circulation after approximately 30 minutes. The report reinforces MAD-associated arrhythmogenic risk as a clinical warning sign for sudden cardiac arrest.
Smman A, Meurgey JH, Khiani R et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Targeting Arrhythmogenic Late Sodium Current by FHF1A-Derivative FixR in Heart Failure Cardiomyocytes.
This study investigated whether an FHF1A-derivative “FixR” that inhibits the FHF (fibroblast growth factor homologous factors) x-region can target the enhanced late Na+ current (INa,L) in heart failure cardiomyocytes, using reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR in human HFrEF and translational animal models of HFrEF and HFpEF. FixR modulated cardiomyocyte INa,L and was tested for effects on proarrhythmic electrophysiology associated with heart failure. The work supports FHF-pathway targeting as a potential anti-arrhythmic strategy by directly addressing INa,L dysregulation in HF.
Hegyi B, Angsutararux P, Chakouri N et al. · Circulation research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Catheter ablation of epicardial premature ventricular complexes in patients with and without cardiac scar.
This retrospective study evaluated catheter ablation outcomes for left ventricular epicardial premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in patients with and without myocardial scar assessed by late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR). The key finding was that the presence of cardiac scar meaningfully influenced acute and long-term procedural outcomes after epicardial PVC ablation. Clinically, this supports using LGE-CMR scar assessment to better predict ablation success and guide strategy in patients undergoing epicardial PVC ablation.
Jiwani S, Arps K, Shah M et al. · Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Artificial Intelligence & Digital/Computational Cardiology (Segmentation/Prediction/Twins)
A composable multimodal framework for cine CMR-text-driven prediction of heart failure outcomes.
This study developed and evaluated a composable multimodal framework that uses cine CMR text-driven prediction to estimate heart failure outcomes. The key finding was that integrating multimodal information from cine CMR with a text-driven predictive framework improved outcome prediction for heart failure compared with less holistic approaches. Clinically, such models could support more personalized risk stratification and treatment optimization using routine cine CMR data.
Chen J, Sun J, Wang X et al. · Physiological measurement · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI in the EP Lab - Mapping, Imaging, and Signal Interpretation.
This review article studied how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied in electrophysiology (EP) labs for mapping, imaging, and signal interpretation. It highlights AI approaches that integrate multimodal electrical and imaging data to reduce inter-observer variability, improve identification of arrhythmogenic substrate, and support procedural decision-making and outcome prediction, including the concept of patient-specific “cardiac digital twins.” The work is significant for advancing AI-driven, data-integrated EP workflows that may improve ablation planning and interpretation consistency.
Anand AB, Rajawat K · Indian pacing and electrophysiology journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
FA-SedLoRA: scene-driven fine-tuning and style disentanglement for domain-generalized cardiac MRI segmentation.
This paper studied FA-SedLoRA, a deep learning method for domain-generalized cardiac MRI segmentation using scene-driven fine-tuning and style disentanglement. It targets generalization across clinical centers, imaging protocols, and scanner vendors by addressing domain gaps between natural-image vision foundation models and cardiac MRI, enabling more transferable segmentation representations. The approach is significant for improving robustness of CMR segmentation models in real-world, multi-site deployments.
Wang C, Peng P, Wang X · Medical & biological engineering & computing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
An international randomised controlled trial of a novel antimicrobial dressing for peripheral intravenous catheters (ProP trial).
This randomized controlled trial (ProP trial) assessed feasibility and preliminary outcomes of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated antimicrobial dressings for peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in a multi-centre setting in Australia. The study tested whether CHG-impregnated dressings reduce complications such as phlebitis and potentially infectious events compared with standard care. If feasible and effective, this approach could lower PIVC-associated morbidity and reduce antimicrobial use in hospital practice.
Drugeon B, Ball DL, Kleidon TM et al. · Antimicrobial resistance and infection control · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Analysis of OSCE-based clinical competency assessment among critical care medicine residents in Zhejiang Province, China: a multicenter retrospective cohort study.
This multicenter retrospective cohort study assessed OSCE-based clinical competency among 175 critical care medicine residents across seven standardized training bases in Zhejiang Province, China (2023–2025). It analyzed OSCE scores by station and training base to identify educational gaps and inform optimization of residency training (specific station-level results were truncated in the abstract). The study supports using structured OSCE performance analytics to target weaknesses in critical care education and improve training quality.
Chen C, Mao W, Cai K et al. · BMC medical education · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Sustained and discontinued operational changes to ethics committees in the post-pandemic era: a qualitative study in Kenya.
This qualitative study explored ethics committee (EC) operational changes that were retained or discontinued after the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. It examined how ECs adapted rapid review processes during public health emergencies and what adjustments persisted versus were dropped in the post-pandemic era (detailed themes and findings were truncated in the abstract). The study is significant for informing sustainable research oversight practices and strengthening ethical governance during future public health emergencies.
Kebenei E, Cheruiyot D, Bukusi EA et al. · BMC medical ethics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging in Special Populations & Access (Pediatric, Obesity, Mid-field CMR)
Clinical evaluation of accelerated breath-held and free-breathing cine cardiac MRI using model-based deep learning reconstruction (SonicDL) in children and young adults.
This study clinically evaluated the commercially available model-based deep learning (DL) accelerated cine balanced steady-state free-precession (bSSFP) cardiac MRI sequence “SonicDL” in children and young adults across multiple acceleration factors and breath-held versus free-breathing configurations. SonicDL enabled diagnostic image quality with reduced scan times while maintaining ventricular volumetric accuracy across the tested acceleration levels and breathing strategies. The findings support DL-accelerated cine CMR as a practical approach to lessen breath-hold burden and improve feasibility of ventricular function assessment in pediatric/young adult patients.
Kocaoglu M, Ta H, Lang SM et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Mid-Field Cardiovascular MRI in Class III Obesity.
This JACC Case Reports case series studied feasibility of mid-field cardiovascular MRI in five patients with class III obesity (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) using a 0.55-T 80-cm wide-bore scanner with prototype cine, parametric mapping, phase-contrast flow, late gadolinium enhancement, and thoracic MR angiography sequences. The key finding was that diagnostic image quality was achieved in all cases, enabling comprehensive assessment of ventricular function, myocardial tissue, valvular morphology, and thoracic vascular anatomy despite conventional bore/table limitations. The report suggests mid-field wide-bore CMR can expand access to clinically indicated CMR for patients with severe obesity who are often excluded from standard 1.5-T/3-T systems.
Gil KE, Binzel K, Goyal A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Disease & Congenital Heart Disease (Fontan/Ebstein/AVVR)
Measuring Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation in Fontan Patients Using Cardiac MRI and the Association with Clinical Outcomes: A FORCE Study.
This FORCE study investigated quantitative measurement of atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) in Fontan patients using cardiac MRI and its association with clinical outcomes. Using the multi-center Fontan Outcome Registry with CMR Examination (FORCE), the study compared echocardiographic AVVR severity categories with CMR-derived quantitative regurgitant fraction measures and assessed their relationship to adverse outcomes. The findings support CMR-based quantification as a potentially more informative prognostic tool than categorical echocardiographic grading in the Fontan population.
Li Y, Schiff M, Olivieri L et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cone reconstruction for EBSTEIN anomaly: Effect on tricuspid valve growth and biventricular remodeling in children.
This retrospective study evaluated cone reconstruction (CR) in 17 children (<18 years) with Ebstein anomaly (Carpentier types A, B, and C) using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to assess tricuspid valve growth and biventricular remodeling. Cone reconstruction without prosthetic annuloplasty materials was associated with no operative mortality and improvements in postoperative tricuspid valve and biventricular parameters (specific outcome details were truncated in the abstract). These findings suggest CR may support native tricuspid valve development and favorable ventricular remodeling in pediatric Ebstein anomaly, potentially informing surgical strategy to avoid prosthetic annuloplasty.
Lee JH, Kim WH, Baek SM et al. · Interdisciplinary cardiovascular and thoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rotator Cuff Repair With Bone Marrow Stimulation Versus Rotator Cuff Repair With Patch Augmentation: A Systematic Review.
This systematic review compared rotator cuff repair (RCR) augmented with patch augmentation (PA) versus RCR augmented with bone marrow stimulation (BMS) in studies reporting clinical efficacy and retear rates. The key finding was that the evidence base was synthesized to determine whether PA or BMS better reduces retear risk and improves outcomes after RCR. Clinically, the review informs adjunct selection during RCR by clarifying which augmentation strategy has stronger support for healing and lower retear rates.
Lim JJ, McCarty C, Belk JW et al. · Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Transplant & Rejection Surveillance (CMR Mapping)
Multiparametric cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of transplant rejection in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation.
This prospective single-center study assessed quantitative cardiac MRI—specifically T1- and T2-mapping—in 17 adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients within 1 month after transplantation and compared them with 10 controls without structural heart disease. Serial T1/T2 mapping was evaluated as a noninvasive approach to monitor acute cellular rejection (ACR) and reduce reliance on frequent endomyocardial biopsies. If validated, multiparametric cardiac MRI could provide a safer, quantitative rejection surveillance strategy after heart transplantation.
Sokolska JM, Sokolski M, Nożyński J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Oncology & Immunotherapy Cardiotoxicity (PET/CT, ICI, Lymphoma)
Nivolumab with or without vinblastine for first-line treatment of elderly patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and coexisting medical conditions: the Niviniho phase II Lysa study.
The Niviniho phase II LYSA trial studied first-line treatment in elderly, treatment-naive Hodgkin lymphoma patients aged ≥61 years with comorbidities precluding standard chemotherapy, using nivolumab induction followed by consolidation with either nivolumab alone or nivolumab plus vinblastine based on metabolic response. The key finding was the complete metabolic response (CMR) rate at end of treatment, with trial results reported for 64 enrolled patients. This regimen offers a chemotherapy-sparing immunotherapy strategy for older HL patients who are medically unfit for conventional treatment.
Lazarovici J, Amorim S, Bouabdallah K et al. · Haematologica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary Vasospasm and Myopericarditis Presenting as ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.
This case studied immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)–associated cardiac toxicity in a 53-year-old man with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma receiving ipilimumab plus nivolumab. He developed ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction–like presentation with triple-vessel disease on angiography that resolved on repeat imaging (coronary vasospasm), while cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed ICI-associated myocarditis and hypophysitis with secondary adrenal insufficiency was diagnosed. The report underscores the need to consider ICI-related myocarditis and vasospasm as MI mimics during dual ICI therapy.
Bani Ali M, Sherif A, Hakemi E · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Beyond target lesions: Prognostic value of longitudinal AI-derived whole-body [1⁸F]FDG PET/CT metrics in metastatic melanoma.
This study evaluated an AI-based semi-automated tool for longitudinal whole-body [18F]FDG PET/CT quantification of total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) in 43 patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Longitudinal AI-derived metrics beyond baseline “target lesion” response showed prognostic value for outcomes and provided additional prognostic relevance alongside established PET-based metabolic response criteria. These findings support using AI-derived whole-body metabolic burden trajectories to better risk-stratify metastatic melanoma patients on ICIs, potentially improving treatment monitoring beyond RECIST-like lesion-based assessment.
Sachpekidis C, Vagenas TP, Müller M et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on May 29, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published May 22, 2026 – May 29, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.