What's New in Cardiac MRI? — May 30, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 49 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
May 30, 2026 · 49 articles · 15 research themes · covering May 23, 2026 – May 30, 2026
Overview
This week’s set of studies strongly emphasizes “precision phenotyping” of cardiovascular disease using advanced imaging—especially cardiac MRI (CMR)—and increasingly, AI-enabled analysis. Multiple papers focus on prognostic refinement beyond conventional metrics: atrial functional impairment (e.g., atrial long-axis shortening and left atrioventricular coupling), multi-chamber strain in amyloidosis, CMR-derived quantitative valve regurgitation in Fontan circulation, and CMR indices such as pulmonary transit time in HFpEF. Together, they point toward a shift from single-threshold risk models toward multi-parameter, tissue- and function-based stratification.
A second dominant theme is improving diagnosis of “mimics” and heterogeneous syndromes where standard pathways can mislead. Several reports highlight myocarditis and inflammatory injury across contexts (possible myocarditis criteria, transplant rejection surveillance, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis/vasospasm), as well as MINOCA etiologic classification and embolic sources. Complementing these are case-based lessons from rare structural substrates (e.g., mitral annular disjunction, FLNC cardiomyopathy patterns, biatrial myxoma, and primary cardiac lymphoma) where multimodality imaging prevents misclassification and guides management.
Finally, the digest shows rapid methodological progress in imaging delivery and interpretation: AI for CMR segmentation generalization across domains, deep learning reconstruction to reduce scan burden, and computational approaches for electrophysiology workflows. In parallel, population-level and systems research (pandemic effects on non-invasive testing utilization, ethics committee resilience, and training OSCE performance) underscores that better outcomes depend not only on better biomarkers, but also on resilient care pathways and oversight during disruptions.
Cardiac MRI (CMR) Quantitative Prognostic Markers
COVID-19 outcomes and persistent symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: association with pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotype.
This international registry study assessed whether pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotypes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) are associated with COVID-19 outcomes and recovery, analyzing 1,704 HCM Registry participants with prior CMR phenotyping. Among 767 participants with reported COVID-19 infection, baseline CMR features were tested for associations with hospitalization and impaired recovery (≥3 months) using multivariable logistic regression, but the specific results are truncated. If certain CMR phenotypes predict worse COVID-19 recovery in HCM, they could guide risk counseling and monitoring strategies in this vulnerable group.
Singhal A, Appleby E, Agnel O et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 whether a cardiac MRI-derived left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) predicts adverse outcomes in 403 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), beyond conventional markers such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The key finding was that LACI had prognostic value for DCM outcomes and provided incremental risk stratification beyond LVEF and LGE. Scientifically and clinically, LACI may better capture LA–LV remodeling interplay and improve risk stratification for DCM patients using routine CMR-derived metrics.
Jiang YJ, Hou XC, Tao J et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Multi-Chamber Strain Analysis by Cardiac MRI in Amyloidosis.
This retrospective CMR study quantified multi-chamber myocardial strain in 47 patients with cardiac amyloidosis and tested diagnostic/prognostic performance, including correlations with native T1 mapping and Query Amyloid Late Enhancement (QALE). The key finding was that multi-chamber strain parameters correlated with amyloid imaging biomarkers (native T1 and QALE/LGE) and had prognostic utility for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow-up. Clinically, strain-based CMR may improve noninvasive characterization and risk prediction in amyloidosis beyond conventional imaging alone.
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, using serial EAT measurements from imaging studies (CT, echocardiography, and/or MRI as available) across studies published from 2000–2025. The key finding was that SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was associated with reductions in EAT volume and thickness compared with baseline and/or control therapies. Clinically, this suggests a potential cardiometabolic mechanism for SGLT2i cardioprotection 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 ↗
Mid-Field Cardiovascular MRI in Class III Obesity.
This JACC Case Reports series described 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 sequences. The key finding was that diagnostic image quality was achieved across cine, parametric mapping, phase-contrast flow, late gadolinium enhancement, and thoracic MR angiography, enabling comprehensive cardiac assessment despite conventional bore/table limitations. This is significant because it expands access to CMR for severely obese patients using mid-field wide-bore technology.
Gil KE, Binzel K, Goyal A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · 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), covering pathophysiology and diagnostic and management approaches across adult and pediatric etiologies. It emphasizes that CAE/CAA is associated with thrombosis, embolization, and acute coronary syndromes even without obstructive coronary artery disease, reflecting multifactorial mechanisms including atherosclerosis, genetic predisposition, autoimmunity, and infectious triggers. Scientifically and clinically, the review provides a framework for risk assessment and treatment selection tailored to underlying cause and complications.
Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Ebrahimihoor E, Lima JAC et al. · Progress in cardiovascular diseases · (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 epicardial premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in patients with and without myocardial scar, using late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) to define scar presence. Procedural and long-term outcomes differed by whether cardiac scar was present, indicating that scar status influences ablation effectiveness and prognosis. Clinically, incorporating LGE-CMR scar assessment can improve patient selection and counseling for epicardial PVC ablation strategies.
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 ↗
Cardiac MRI for Myocarditis and Inflammatory Myocardial Disease
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and rest myocardial perfusion imaging in non-granulomatous myocarditis.
In a multicenter prospective feasibility study, investigators evaluated combined 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT plus rest myocardial perfusion imaging (rMPI) for diagnosing non-granulomatous myocarditis in patients undergoing CMR, with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) used when available and adjudicated clinical diagnosis otherwise. The key finding was the diagnostic performance of the combined FDG-PET/rMPI approach for myocarditis compared with reference standards (specific sensitivity/specificity values are truncated in the abstract). Scientifically, this supports whether multimodal PET/perfusion imaging can improve myocarditis diagnosis when CMR and/or EMB are limited.
Lucinian YA, Martineau P, Harel F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary Vasospasm and Myopericarditis Presenting as ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy.
This case report described a 53-year-old man with metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ipilimumab plus nivolumab) who developed ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction–like presentation due to coronary vasospasm and immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis. The key finding was that initial angiography showed severe triple-vessel disease without a culprit lesion, repeat angiography demonstrated resolution consistent with vasospasm, and cardiac MRI confirmed myocarditis; concurrent hypophysitis with secondary adrenal insufficiency was also diagnosed. Clinically, it emphasizes that ICI-related myocarditis and vasospasm can mimic acute coronary occlusion and that CMR can be pivotal for correct diagnosis and management.
Bani Ali M, Sherif A, Hakemi E · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multiparametric cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of transplant rejection in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation.
This prospective single-center study examined multiparametric cardiac MRI, focusing on T1 and T2 mapping, as noninvasive tools for monitoring acute cellular rejection (ACR) after orthotopic heart transplantation. The key finding was that serial quantitative T1- and T2-mapping in 17 adult transplant recipients (compared with 10 controls) was used to assess rejection status without relying solely on endomyocardial biopsies. Scientifically and clinically, quantitative mapping may reduce the burden of repeated biopsies by providing MRI-based rejection surveillance in early post-transplant care.
Sokolska JM, Sokolski M, Nożyński J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inaugural cardiac involvement in Goodpasture syndrome: a case report.
This case report described inaugural cardiac involvement in a 44-year-old Tunisian woman with Goodpasture syndrome (anti–glomerular basement membrane disease) presenting initially with NSTEMI-like symptoms. Cardiac MRI showed transmural myocardial necrosis, and subsequent massive hemoptysis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and acute kidney injury revealed the underlying anti-GBM autoimmune process. The report is significant because it emphasizes that autoimmune anti-GBM disease can present with acute coronary syndrome–mimicking myocarditis/necrosis, warranting early consideration of systemic causes.
Lassoued T, Ferjani S, Abbassi M et al. · Journal of medical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Myocardial Infarction with Nonobstructive Coronaries (MINOCA) and Embolic Causes
Prognosis and risk stratification in first-presentation myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries using stress cardiac MRI.
This retrospective study evaluated prognostic value and risk stratification from stress cardiac MRI in 279 patients with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA). Patients were grouped by cardiac MRI phenotype—late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and inducible ischemia (LGE+/ischemia+, LGE+/ischemia−, LGE−/ischemia+, LGE−/ischemia−)—and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were assessed during follow-up. If stress CMR phenotypes stratify MINOCA prognosis, they could improve clinical risk prediction beyond angiography in this heterogeneous population.
Tang L, Long Q, Zhao W et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Isolated First Septal Perforator Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection Causing Acute Myocardial Infarction.
This case report described a 48-year-old man with isolated first septal perforator (S1) spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) presenting as acute myocardial infarction. The key finding was that coronary angiography showed type 1 SCAD confined to S1 and cardiac MRI confirmed a transmural septal infarction, with the patient managed conservatively using antiplatelet and beta-blocker therapy and an uncomplicated recovery. Scientifically and clinically, it adds a rare presentation (young male) and supports conservative management guided by CMR-confirmed infarct extent.
Karlsson RA, Birrane JP, O’Hanlon R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic evaluation of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in a young patient: suspected coronary embolism from a calcified bicuspid aortic valve.
This BMJ case report studied a young patient with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in whom suspected coronary embolism was attributed to a calcified bicuspid aortic valve. The key finding was that coronary angiography showed no significant coronary disease while transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) supported nearly transmural myocardial injury consistent with embolic MI. The clinical significance is that in young MINOCA patients, CMR plus multimodality imaging can help identify embolic sources such as calcified bicuspid aortic valve pathology.
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 prospective, international diagnostic study evaluated multimodality imaging to determine underlying MINOCA (myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries) mechanisms and predictors of abnormal imaging findings in women and men. The key finding was that MINOCA etiologies vary and that specific clinical factors can help predict which patients are more likely to show imaging abnormalities, with analyses also exploring sex differences. Clinically, the results reinforce imaging-based etiologic classification in MINOCA to avoid misdiagnosis and to guide targeted management.
Reynolds HR, Maehara A, Heydari B et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CMR in Cardiomyopathies and Genetic/Structural Substrate
Interconnected Biatrial Myxoma Spanning the Fossa Ovalis: Management Based on Multimodality Imaging.
This case report described a 74-year-old woman with an exceptionally rare interconnected biatrial myxoma spanning the fossa ovalis, forming two synchronous masses connected by a common pedicle. The key finding was that multimodality imaging—transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and CT—confirmed a continuous tumor stalk crossing the interatrial septum, and surgical en bloc resection was successful. Clinically, it highlights the role of multimodality imaging for accurate preoperative mapping and surgical planning in complex biatrial tumors.
Herrera JCU, Madogolele HDCN, Nastari RR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac arrest secondary to mitral annular disjunction: a case report.
This case report described a woman in her 40s with bileaflet mitral valve prolapse complicated by mitral annular disjunction, presenting with out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. The key finding was that the patient achieved return of spontaneous circulation after rapid bystander CPR and multiple defibrillation shocks, with the underlying substrate being mitral annular disjunction associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmia risk. Scientifically and clinically, the report reinforces mitral annular disjunction as a high-risk structural condition that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest and warrants careful arrhythmia risk evaluation.
Smman A, Meurgey JH, Khiani R et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic of Pathological Q Waves in a Young Patient Without Coronary Disease.
This JACC Case Reports article studied an 18-year-old asymptomatic man with pathological septal Q waves on ECG but without known coronary disease. The key finding was that multimodality cardiac imaging—particularly cardiac magnetic resonance—was emphasized for tissue characterization and differential diagnosis when ECG findings are atypical. The clinical significance is that CMR-guided evaluation can clarify the cause of pathological Q waves and improve risk stratification and management in young patients without overt coronary disease.
Figueroa-Galván FS, Alanís-Naranjo JM, González-Najera MF et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Targeting Arrhythmogenic Late Sodium Current by FHF1A-Derivative FixR in Heart Failure Cardiomyocytes.
This study examined how an FHF1A-derivative FixR (FHF inhibiting x region) modulates enhanced late Na+ current (INa,L) in human heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) cardiomyocytes and in translational animal models of HFrEF and HF with preserved ejection fraction. FixR targeted FGF homologous factors (FHF1–4)–dependent regulation of INa,L to reduce cardiomyocyte proarrhythmic late sodium current. These findings support FHF1A-pathway inhibition as a potential antiarrhythmic strategy for HFrEF by directly addressing INa,L-driven electrical instability.
Hegyi B, Angsutararux P, Chakouri N et al. · Circulation research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Early Recurrence of Cardiac Myxomas in an Adolescent With Carney Complex: Clinical Clues Preceding Imaging Findings-A Case Report.
This case report described an adolescent with Carney complex who developed early recurrence of cardiac myxomas, with clinical clues preceding imaging findings. The patient was diagnosed at age 14 with multiple intracardiac myxomas (atria and right ventricle) and Carney complex features (mucocutaneous lentiginosis and pituitary microadenoma) despite negative genetic testing, and subsequent new masses were initially misinterpreted as thrombi. The report highlights the need for heightened surveillance and careful differential diagnosis in Carney complex because recurrence can be rapid and imaging interpretation may delay appropriate treatment.
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 article used a clinical vignette to illustrate how multimodality imaging can diagnose primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) when it mimics acute coronary syndrome or other cardiac masses. In a 54-year-old woman with palpitations, chest discomfort, mild troponin elevation, and ST-segment depression, transthoracic echocardiography showed a peri-atrial mass and cardiac CT excluded coronary disease while demonstrating a hypodense process with an “encasement sign” around the left circumflex artery. The clinical significance is that CT and other imaging features can help distinguish PCL from ischemic and thrombotic mimics, enabling earlier correct diagnosis and management.
Aronovich A, Sarid N, Hirsh M et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in ATTR Val142Ile Carrier: When Genes and Phenotype Diverge.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 61-year-old African-American man with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) who carried the pathogenic transthyretin (TTR) V142I variant, testing whether genotype translated into transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM). Despite TTR V142I positivity, technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy (H/CL 1.01, visual grade 0) excluded ATTR-CM, and cardiac MRI confirmed apical-predominant hypertrophy with patchy late gadolinium enhancement consistent with ApHCM rather than amyloid cardiomyopathy. The significance is that genotype–phenotype divergence with TTR V142I can lead to misclassification, so multimodal imaging is essential to guide appropriate management.
Khayat O, Moumneh MB, Salman O et al. · JACC. 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 a nonischemic imaging pattern, where cardiac magnetic resonance showed extensive ring-like subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement without myocardial edema. Genetic testing identified a pathogenic FLNC (filamin C) variant, and follow-up imaging demonstrated persistent fibrosis with preserved ventricular function and no arrhythmias. The case is significant because it highlights FLNC genetic cardiomyopathy as a diagnostic consideration in acute myocardial injury with ring-like subepicardial LGE patterns.
Alexandrino FB, Curtis B, Nguyen C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Atrial Remodeling, Atrial Function, and Atrial Arrhythmia Risk
Multiple 4q25 risk variants impair calcium homeostasis and compromise left atrial function.
This study tested whether atrial fibrillation (AF) risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the 4q25 locus (rs1448818, rs2200733, rs10033464) differentially affect cardiomyocyte calcium homeostasis and left atrial function, using 391,008 UK Biobank participants. The three 4q25 risk alleles increased incident AF over 10 years in a dose-dependent manner, with genetic and clinical risk showing additive effects for rs1448818 (and related analyses truncated in the abstract). These SNP-specific effects on calcium handling provide mechanistic support for targeting calcium homeostasis pathways to explain how 4q25 variants drive atrial dysfunction and AF risk.
Jiménez-Sábado V, Tarifa C, Vad OB et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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) predicts major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in patients meeting 2025 ESC criteria for “possible myocarditis.” The key finding was that atrial functional impairment assessed by atrial LAS provided incremental risk stratification beyond traditional CMR markers such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and CMR late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Clinically, CMR-derived atrial LAS may improve prognostic assessment and risk management in possible myocarditis beyond standard LVEF/LGE metrics.
Ciocca N, Brändle D, Riederer L et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ventricular Remodeling and Heart Failure Risk Prediction
A composable multimodal framework for cine CMR-text-driven prediction of heart failure outcomes.
This study developed and evaluated a composable multimodal, cine CMR–text-driven prediction framework for heart failure outcomes in patients with heart failure. The key finding was that integrating cine CMR features with text-informed multimodal modeling improved holistic risk prediction for adverse heart failure outcomes compared with conventional single-modality approaches (details truncated in the abstract). Clinically, this supports more comprehensive, data-driven heart failure assessment and treatment optimization using routine cine CMR plus multimodal information.
Chen J, Sun J, Wang X et al. · Physiological measurement · (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 studied which cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)–derived atrial and ventricular functional parameters best predict early adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling after anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 200 patients. The key finding was that traditional LV indices outperformed novel CMR-derived left atrial parameters (including LA strain and left atrioventricular coupling index, LACI) for predicting adverse LV remodeling. This suggests that, for early post-STEMI prognosis, conventional LV metrics may be more clinically reliable than newer LA-derived CMR measures.
Yosofi B, Zelis JM, Raafs A et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging for Valvular Disease and Post-Repair Outcomes
Coronary-Sparing Resection of a Pediatric Left Ventricular Fibroma Involving the Left Circumflex Artery: Six-Year Follow-Up.
This case report describes surgical management of a pediatric left ventricular fibroma in a 3-month-old female whose tumor involved the left circumflex coronary artery, with six-year follow-up. Multimodality imaging including cardiac MRI and coronary angiography guided a coronary-sparing partial tumor resection with mitral valvuloplasty at 23 months, preserving the intratumoral left circumflex artery. The long-term outcome supports feasibility of coronary-sparing strategies for intramyocardial LV fibromas when epicardial coronary anatomy is involved.
Lopes MS, Amaral ME, Francisco A et al. · World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Measuring Atrioventricular Valve Regurgitation in Fontan Patients Using Cardiac MRI and the Association with Clinical Outcomes: A FORCE Study.
This FORCE study investigated quantitative assessment of atrioventricular valve regurgitation (AVVR) using cardiac MRI (CMR) and compared it with echocardiography in patients with Fontan circulation, relating measurements to clinical outcomes. The key finding was that CMR-derived quantitative AVVR metrics (including regurgitant fraction measures) were used to evaluate prognostic associations alongside echocardiographic severity categories. Clinically, standardized quantitative CMR AVVR assessment could refine risk prediction for long-term post-Fontan adverse outcomes beyond routine echocardiographic grading.
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) for Ebstein anomaly in 17 pediatric patients (<18 years), focusing on tricuspid valve growth and biventricular remodeling using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). The key finding was that CR without prosthetic annuloplasty materials was associated with surgical success (no operative mortality reported) and assessment of subsequent tricuspid valve and biventricular size/function changes over follow-up. The results support CR as a surgical option that may promote favorable valve development and remodeling in children with Ebstein anomaly.
Lee JH, Kim WH, Baek SM et al. · Interdisciplinary cardiovascular and thoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pulmonary Vascular Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension Risk Stratification
Prognostic value of pulmonary transit time by cardiovascular MRI in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
This prospective study evaluated whether pulmonary transit time (PTT) measured by cardiovascular MRI independently predicts adverse outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Adult HFpEF patients underwent comprehensive phenotyping including blood sampling, ECG, 6-minute walk testing, echocardiography, and multiparametric CMR, and the study tested prognostic associations of prolonged PTT. If prolonged PTT is an independent risk marker, it could provide a non-invasive CMR-derived measure of cardiopulmonary congestion to improve HFpEF prognostication.
Shergill S, Dattani A, Kanagala P et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Advanced right ventricular evaluation in pulmonary hypertension: the role of 3D echocardiography and strain analysis.
This study assessed whether semiautomated 3D transthoracic echocardiography and right ventricular (RV) free-wall strain can discriminate clinical risk groups in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients. In 49 patients, RV size/function measures and RV free-wall strain from 3D echo were evaluated against cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) to determine their ability to separate low versus non-low clinical risk. Scientifically and clinically, the work supports a more accessible echocardiographic approach to RV risk stratification when cMRI is limited by cost or time.
Amiri U, Keceli E, Andersen MØ et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Obesity-Modified Outcomes
Smaller Right Ventricle Results in Poorer Exercise Performance in Young Patients With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.
This study examined young patients with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) with pulmonary insufficiency using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), focusing on oxygen pulse (V̇O2/heart rate) as a surrogate of stroke volume. Patients with smaller right ventricles had poorer exercise performance, with CPET measures (including oxygen pulse/peak V̇O2) correlating with CMR-derived right ventricular size/function metrics. Clinically, the findings strengthen the use of noninvasive functional testing and CMR to better identify rTOF patients at risk for impaired capacity who may benefit from pulmonary valve replacement timing.
Mhanna C, Kourpas K, Tsuda T · Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prognostic Implications of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Obesity Status.
In a multicenter prospective cohort of STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), investigators assessed coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) using the angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) and stratified outcomes by obesity category (BMI <24, 24–28, and ≥28 kg/m2). CMD defined as angio-IMR >40 U was associated with worse long-term cardiovascular outcomes, and the prognostic impact differed across obesity strata. This is clinically important because it supports angio-IMR–based risk stratification in STEMI and suggests obesity modifies the prognostic value of CMD.
Guo Q, Guo Y, Shi S et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary Artery Disease Imaging: Collaterals and Viability
Rentrop collateral grade predicts myocardial viability in chronic total occlusion on cardiac magnetic resonance.
This prospective/observational CMR study evaluated whether angiographic Rentrop collateral grade predicts myocardial viability in 56 patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO). The key finding was that higher Rentrop collateral grading was associated with greater myocardial viability, operationalized as ≤50% transmural scar on late gadolinium enhancement, alongside differences in quantitative myocardial blood flow (MBF) and scar burden within CTO territories. This is significant because it links a simple angiographic collateral measure to tissue-level viability on CMR, potentially informing revascularization decisions in CTO.
Mehmood Z, Suresh P, Li R et al. · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Catheter Ablation Planning
Two decades of pulmonary vascular disease and ischemic heart disease mortality in the united states: A longitudinal analysis using CDC WONDER (1999-2020).
Using the CDC WONDER database, this longitudinal retrospective analysis quantified pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) mortality trends in U.S. adults aged ≥45 years from 1999–2020, including demographic and geographic disparities. The combined burden showed increasing age-adjusted mortality rates over time, with differences in trends by demographic and urbanization categories. The findings are significant for public health prioritization by highlighting where and in whom mortality from PVD and IHD is rising.
Nawaz A, Hafeezullah F, Siddiqui ZA et al. · Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AI and Deep Learning for Cardiac Imaging and Segmentation
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 clinical evaluation assessed the commercially available model-based deep learning reconstruction sequence “SonicDL” for accelerated cine cardiac MRI in children and young adults, comparing accelerated breath-held and free-breathing acquisitions across multiple acceleration levels. The study aimed to quantify diagnostic image quality, ventricular volumetric accuracy, and scan-time reductions relative to standard requirements for bSSFP cine imaging. If SonicDL reliably preserves ventricular measurements while reducing breath-hold burden, it could expand feasibility and comfort of cardiac MRI in pediatric and young adult patients.
Kocaoglu M, Ta H, Lang SM et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
FA-SedLoRA: scene-driven fine-tuning and style disentanglement for domain-generalized cardiac MRI segmentation.
This study developed FA-SedLoRA, a deep learning method for scene-driven fine-tuning and style disentanglement to achieve domain-generalized cardiac MRI segmentation. The key finding was that the approach targets domain gaps between training and deployment (e.g., across centers, protocols, or vendors) to improve segmentation generalizability for CMR. The scientific significance is that FA-SedLoRA aims to make cardiac MRI segmentation more robust for multi-site clinical use rather than being limited to a single imaging domain.
Wang C, Peng P, Wang X · Medical & biological engineering & computing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AI/Computational Approaches in Electrophysiology (EP) Laboratories
AI in the EP Lab - Mapping, Imaging, and Signal Interpretation.
This review article studied how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied in electrophysiology (EP) laboratories for mapping, imaging, and signal interpretation across arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment. The key finding was that AI methods—using multimodal data integration and personalized “cardiac digital twins”—can reduce inter-observer variability, improve identification of arrhythmogenic substrate, and support procedural decision-making and outcome prediction. The scientific significance is that AI-driven EP workflows may enhance accuracy and consistency in substrate characterization and procedural planning, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Anand AB, Rajawat K · Indian pacing and electrophysiology journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Oncology Imaging and Cardiotoxicity Prediction (PET/CT and CTRCD)
Machine Learning Model Using Pre-Cancer Therapy Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Images to Predict Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction.
This study developed and evaluated a deep learning model using pre-treatment cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images to predict cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in women with HER2+ breast cancer receiving anthracyclines and trastuzumab. The key aim was to determine whether CMR-based deep learning outperforms clinical and conventional imaging models in forecasting CTRCD defined by CMR criteria, with patients assessed before therapy, after anthracycline, and serially with echocardiography and CMR. A validated pre-therapy CMR deep learning predictor could enable earlier identification of patients at high risk for CTRCD and improve cardio-oncology risk management.
Yu C, Peikari M, Labib D et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 evaluated first-line nivolumab with or without vinblastine in elderly (≥61 years) treatment-naive Hodgkin lymphoma patients with comorbidities precluding standard chemotherapy. Sixty-four patients received induction nivolumab alone, followed by consolidation with either nivolumab monotherapy for early complete metabolic response or nivolumab plus vinblastine for stable/partial response, with the primary endpoint being complete metabolic response (CMR) at end of treatment. If effective with acceptable outcomes, this regimen could offer a chemo-sparing immunotherapy option for older, medically unfit HL patients.
Lazarovici J, Amorim S, Bouabdallah K et al. · Haematologica · (2026) · 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 whether longitudinal, AI-derived whole-body [18F]FDG PET/CT metrics beyond target lesions—specifically total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)—predict outcomes in metastatic melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The key finding was that AI-based semi-automated quantification of these global metabolic burden metrics across baseline, interim, and late scans had prognostic value alongside established PET-based metabolic response criteria. Clinically, this supports using AI-derived whole-body metabolic measures to better stratify prognosis during ICI therapy rather than relying only on lesion-level response.
Sachpekidis C, Vagenas TP, Müller M et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Health Systems, Ethics, and Non-Cardiac Environmental/Behavioral Studies
C-X-C motif chemokine ligands (CXCL1/CXCL9) in inflammatory pathways underlying epilepsy-related ventricular remodeling: a mendelian randomization study.
Using a two-step Mendelian randomization design, this study assessed whether genetically predicted epilepsy (including generalized and focal epilepsy) causally relates to epilepsy-related ventricular remodeling via inflammatory pathways, using epilepsy as exposures and 82 cardiac traits (CMR- and ECG-derived) as outcomes. The abstract indicates the analysis also incorporated plasma inflammatory proteins (91 proteins) to test inflammation as a mediating mechanism, but the specific causal findings are truncated. Establishing CXCL1/CXCL9-linked inflammatory effects on cardiac structure/function would support inflammation-targeted hypotheses for the epilepsy–heart connection.
Wang L, Liu G, Wang Y et al. · Acta neurologica Belgica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Spatial and spectrotemporal features of noise alter female responses to costly male signals in Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis).
This behavioral neuroethology study examined how spatial release from masking (SRM) and comodulation masking release (CMR) alter female mate-choice responses to energetically costly male calls in Cope’s gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis). In two-alternative phonotaxis tests, females’ response probability, chosen male calling effort, and response latency were measured across noise treatments with varying spatial and spectrotemporal noise properties. Demonstrating how noise features preserve or disrupt preference for costly signals clarifies sensory processing limits and decision rules in noisy communication environments.
Ward JL, Lee N, Kalra L et al. · Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Synergistic enhancement mechanism of biochar from Chinese medicine residue for tetracycline hydrochloride removal.
This environmental engineering study investigated converting Chinese medicine residue into biochar using hydrothermal and KOH pretreatment followed by high-temperature pyrolysis to enhance tetracycline hydrochloride (T-HCl) removal. The key finding was that the combined hydrothermal+KOH biochar (KHRB) produced a highly porous material with a markedly increased specific surface area (1589 ± 24.62 m²/g) and substantially improved adsorption performance for T-HCl. Scientifically, the work demonstrates a synergistic activation strategy to create higher-capacity adsorbents from waste biomass for antibiotic-contaminant remediation.
Xu E, Song X, Liu Y et al. · Journal of environmental management · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
An international randomised controlled trial of a novel antimicrobial dressing for peripheral intravenous catheters (ProP trial).
The ProP trial evaluated the feasibility and preliminary clinical outcomes of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)–impregnated antimicrobial dressings for peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in a multicenter adaptive randomized controlled trial. The key finding (from the feasibility/preliminary outcomes focus) was that CHG-impregnated dressings for PIVCs were assessed as an intervention aimed at reducing PIVC complications such as phlebitis and potentially lowering infection-related antimicrobial use. If effective, this strategy could extend the infection-prevention benefits of CHG dressings beyond central lines to routine peripheral IV care.
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 evaluated OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) performance across seven standardized critical care medicine residency training bases in Zhejiang Province, China, among 175 residents assessed from 2023–2025. Key findings were that OSCE scores varied by training base and station-level performance patterns revealed specific educational gaps in critical care competencies. These results support targeted OSCE station refinement and training optimization to improve critical care residency education in China.
Chen C, Mao W, Cai K et al. · BMC medical education · (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 assessed how Ontario, Canada’s COVID-19 public health lockdown measures affected utilization of cardiac non-invasive testing (NIT) using registry data. After the first and subsequent provincial lockdowns, cardiac NIT rates and temporal patterns changed compared with pre-lockdown periods. The study is significant for health-system planning by quantifying how pandemic restrictions disrupt cardiovascular diagnostic pathways at the population level.
Lin E, Mendis B, Odugbemi T et al. · BMJ open · (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. Key findings indicated that some pandemic-era EC processes (e.g., rapid review mechanisms and modified workflows) persisted while other changes were dropped once normal operations resumed. The results are significant for strengthening resilient research oversight systems for future public health emergencies.
Kebenei E, Cheruiyot D, Bukusi EA et al. · BMC medical ethics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on May 30, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published May 23, 2026 – May 30, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.