What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

June 03, 2026 · 91 articles · 15 research themes · covering May 27, 2026 – June 03, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set of studies, cardiac MRI is increasingly positioned as a unified platform for (1) precise hemodynamic assessment, (2) quantitative tissue characterization, and (3) refined risk prediction. Multiple papers highlight how moving beyond traditional single-parameter approaches—such as Fick-based estimates, ejection fraction alone, or planar imaging—improves accuracy and clinical usefulness. Examples include phase-contrast MRI outperforming Fick assumptions in pediatric repaired tetralogy of Fallot, 4D-flow metrics (e.g., viscous energy dissipation) capturing the hemodynamic burden of aortic regurgitation, and CMR-derived pulmonary transit time and strain providing stage-dependent prognostic information after STEMI.

A second dominant theme is the maturation of imaging biomarkers for inflammation and remodeling. T2 mapping and mapping-derived metrics are explored to better diagnose and prognosticate cardiac sarcoidosis, while CMR-confirmed myocarditis in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies shows independent prognostic value alongside high-sensitivity troponin. Immune-pathway studies (e.g., IL-6 receptor blockade in STEMI) and molecular imaging of CXCR4+ leukocytes in lymphatic organs after MI extend the concept that inflammation can be measured mechanistically and linked to functional recovery. In parallel, fibrosis and edema quantification (including serial LGE progression in HCM and CMR parametric mapping in cardiotoxicity models) continues to strengthen the case for CMR as a prognostic “early warning system.”

Finally, the digest reflects rapid growth in computational methods and translational implementation. Several studies evaluate interpretable machine learning and semi-/federated learning frameworks for privacy-preserving, robust cardiac segmentation and risk stratification, while others compare vendor AI tools and propose faster or more robust acquisition/reconstruction pipelines (e.g., ferumoxytol-enhanced 5D free-running CMR, accelerated free-breathing LGE). Together with guideline and population-level analyses (ICD eligibility shifts in HCM, surveillance strategies in congenital heart disease, and mortality trend studies), the overall direction is clear: multimodality imaging plus smarter analytics is moving toward more personalized, scalable cardiovascular care.

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Cardiac MRI Hemodynamics & Flow (4D-flow, coupling, transit times)

In vivo evidence of blood flow slippage: failure of the no-slip boundary condition assumption.

This study tested whether the in vivo “no-slip” boundary condition holds by imaging seven healthy adult volunteers with 4D-flow CMR of the descending thoracic aorta and modeling blood as a Navier–Stokes fluid. The key finding was evidence of near-wall blood “slippage,” with tangential wall velocities on the order of ~30 (units truncated in abstract) and corresponding wall shear stress estimates derived from data-assimilation. This is significant because it challenges a foundational assumption in cardiovascular fluid dynamics models used to interpret shear stress and flow-related biomarkers.

Jarolímová A, Hron J, Tůma K et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The Effect of Aortic Regurgitation on Left Ventricular Flow Dynamics Assessed by 4D-Flow MRI.

This study assessed how aortic regurgitation (AR) alters left ventricular (LV) flow dynamics using 4D-flow MRI, focusing on diastolic filling patterns and hemodynamic burden quantified by viscous energy dissipation (VED) alongside regurgitant fraction (RF). The key finding was that AR severity is associated with measurable changes in LV flow dynamics and increased viscous energy dissipation, indicating greater viscous energy loss within the LV. Clinically, it supports 4D-flow MRI metrics (including VED) as quantitative tools to better characterize AR-related hemodynamic impact beyond RF alone.

Abdallah W, Darwish A, Garcia J et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Navigating Mechanical Support in Cardiogenic Shock With Arterial Hypoplasia: Lessons From Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome.

This case report described a 19-year-old man with cardioembolic stroke and rapidly evolving cardiogenic shock as the first presentation of arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) with severe biventricular dysfunction and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Despite multimodality imaging (cranial CTA, aortic angiography, cardiac MRI), profound iliofemoral and aortic hypoplasia/tortuosity (e.g., iliofemoral arteries ~3 mm, ascending aorta ~19 mm) made mechanical thrombectomy and peripheral VA-ECMO technically unfeasible. The report highlights how ATS-associated arterial anatomy can dominate cardiogenic shock management decisions and should be assessed early with advanced imaging to guide feasible support strategies.

Lara-García A, Caro-Codón J, Canales L et al. · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

CMR-derived left ventricular pressure-volume loops enhance individualized assessment of disease severity and prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults.

This study evaluated cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume (PV) loops in 96 adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) undergoing clinically indicated CMR (median age 64 years, 70% women) and compared them with 32 matched healthy controls. PAH patients demonstrated altered LV PV-loop mechanics, and the CMR-derived PV-loop parameters improved individualized assessment of disease severity and were prognostic for time to death or lung transplantation. The work supports using CMR PV-loop modeling as a noninvasive, patient-specific tool to refine risk stratification in adult PAH beyond standard imaging and hemodynamics.

Castiglione A, Bergström E, Kjellström B et al. · Physiological reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance pulmonary transit time and myocardial strain across different stages of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

This prospective observational study assessed prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) pulmonary transit time (PTT) and myocardial strain across different stages of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) classified by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS). Among 521 STEMI patients imaged on 3.0-T CMR, PTT was measured during first-pass perfusion as contrast travel time from right to left ventricle, and global myocardial strain was quantified using CMR feature tracking. The findings support using CMR PTT and strain as stage-dependent prognostic biomarkers for risk stratification after STEMI.

Hu YY, Zhang ZX, Li S et al. · European journal of radiology open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Enhancing Intermediate-Risk Stratification in Pulmonary Hypertension: CMR-Derived Quantification of Right Ventricular-Arterial Coupling.

In pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients undergoing CMR and right heart catheterization (RHC), investigators tested whether CMR-derived right ventricular–arterial coupling quantified as stroke volume to end-systolic volume ratio (SV/ESV) improves prognostic stratification within the 2022 ESC/ERS intermediate-risk categories. SV/ESV helped distinguish intermediate-low versus intermediate-high risk groups and better predicted clinical worsening (hospitalization for congestive heart failure or death). This refines risk stratification beyond the four-strata model by adding an imaging-based hemodynamic coupling metric.

Tian H, Wu Q, Wang Z et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

End-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) after tetralogy of Fallot repair: Evolution of its role in management and prognosis.

This narrative review synthesized evidence on end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) after tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) repair, focusing on how its interpretation has evolved from a presumed marker of favorable restriction to a multifactorial hemodynamic phenomenon. The review summarizes diagnostic approaches and clarifies that EDFF reflects multiple determinants rather than a single measure of myocardial stiffness. This helps clinicians interpret EDFF in modern multimodality management and understand its prognostic context after ToF repair.

Baneu P, van Dijk AP, Duijnhouwer AL et al. · International journal of cardiology. Congenital heart disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multimodality imaging of patent ductus arteriosus with severe pulmonary hypertension following 3 pregnancies.

This radiology case report described a 46-year-old woman with severe pulmonary hypertension caused by a previously unrecognized large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) after three pregnancies. Multimodality imaging showed right ventricular dilation/dysfunction and systemic-level pulmonary arterial pressures, with catheterization demonstrating systemic pulmonary vascular resistance and bi-directional shunting. The case is clinically important because it highlights how PDA can be missed in adulthood and how multimodality imaging can clarify hemodynamics and guide management.

Corsi D, Mousa A, Patel D et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Accelerated reconstruction of 5D free-running MRI with variable projection-augmented Lagrangian (VPAL).

This study developed an accelerated reconstruction method for 5D free-running whole-heart cardiac MRI enhanced with ferumoxytol, using variable projection-augmented Lagrangian (VPAL) to enable faster in-line reconstruction. VPAL reconstruction was compared against the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) approach for computational time and image quality, targeting CTA-like image quality with substantially reduced reconstruction time. The technique could make ferumoxytol-enhanced 5D free-running CMR more practical for routine clinical use by reducing hours-long computation to near real-time.

Yang Y, Naeem M, van Assen M et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Flow Hemodynamics in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot: A Comparison Study of Cardiac Catheterization and Phase-Contrast MRI.

This study compared pulmonary and flow hemodynamics measured by invasive cardiac catheterization using the Fick principle versus phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) in 33 children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). PC-MRI’s direct measurement of blood flow and regurgitant fraction showed that Fick-based estimates can be significantly inaccurate due to assumptions about oxygen consumption, with errors potentially worsened by pulmonary regurgitation. The findings support PC-MRI as a more reliable technique for lifelong hemodynamic surveillance in pediatric TOF, potentially improving clinical decision-making around pulmonary regurgitation and right-heart function.

Berthusen AJ, Saucedo JG, Schäfer M et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI Tissue Characterization (T1/T2/ECV, fibrosis, edema, amyloid)

Quantitative 99mTc-PYP SPECT/CT at 90 minutes improves diagnostic stratification in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

This retrospective single-center study evaluated whether quantitative 99mTc-PYP SPECT/CT at 90 minutes post-injection improves diagnostic stratification for transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) beyond standard planar imaging at 60 and 180 minutes in 170 patients with suspected cardiac amyloidosis. The key finding was that adding quantitative SPECT/CT at 90 minutes increased diagnostic specificity, particularly in patients with low planar uptake (e.g., Perugini score 1). Clinically, this can improve noninvasive diagnostic accuracy and patient selection for ATTR-CM–directed management.

Nazerani-Zemann T, Stanzel S, Weitzer F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Association of Mitral Annular Disjunction on Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Cardiovascular Outcomes.

This prospective CMR registry analysis (n=1969) examined the prevalence and prognostic impact of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) and its association with native T1 relaxation times measured at septal and lateral positions in end-systole and end-diastole. The key finding was that MAD on CMR is associated with cardiovascular outcomes and correlates with altered native T1 relaxation, supporting a link between MAD and underlying myocardial tissue characteristics. Clinically, it strengthens the case for MAD as a CMR marker that may help identify patients at higher cardiovascular risk and reflect myocardial remodeling.

Mascherbauer K, Nantschev N, Kronberger C et al. · European journal of clinical investigation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Biventricular dysfunction and blood oxygenation deficits in obstructive sleep apnea: a prospective study with non-contrast cardiac MRI.

This prospective study enrolled 75 newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients (62 men; mean age 43.7 years) and compared severe versus non-severe disease using polysomnography followed by non-contrast cardiac MRI with cine imaging plus native T1 and T2 mapping. Severe OSA showed biventricular dysfunction and blood oxygenation deficits on MRI-derived measures, with tissue characteristics differing by severity and associating with nocturnal hypoxemia markers. These findings suggest non-contrast CMR can detect subclinical myocardial injury in OSA earlier than conventional metrics, supporting improved early risk stratification based on hypoxemia-driven cardiac changes.

Wang J, Cheng Z, Du J et al. · BMC medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac MRI in Depiction of Myocardial Edema: A Comprehensive Review.

This comprehensive review studied the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in depicting myocardial edema across cardiovascular conditions affecting fluid homeostasis. It found that myocardial edema detection is challenging due to artifacts and requires familiarity with imaging strategies and differential diagnoses across ischemic, inflammatory, infiltrative, toxic, infectious, and autoimmune etiologies. Scientifically and clinically, the review emphasizes myocardial edema as a key pathophysiologic marker for risk stratification and diagnostic refinement.

Onder O, Kosanovich C, Kirshenboim ZE et al. · Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prediction of Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity Using Cardiac MRI Parameters: An Animal Study.

This preclinical animal study evaluated whether cardiac MRI native T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) can predict early mortality in a rat model of anthracycline (doxorubicin)-induced cardiotoxicity. In 31 Sprague-Dawley rats receiving weekly intravenous doxorubicin (2 mg/kg), Cox regression showed MRI parametric mapping variables were associated with early death (with histology assessed postmortem). The findings suggest that CMR T1/ECV biomarkers may provide prognostic tools for early detection of anthracycline cardiotoxicity before overt outcomes.

Kim NY, Park J, Park HS et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

One-year worsening heart failure and myocardial T1 mapping in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy undergoing tafamidis treatment.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated 60 wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients treated with tafamidis and assessed whether myocardial T1 mapping on CMR predicts one-year worsening heart failure. Patients underwent baseline CMR to measure native myocardial T1 (T1native) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV), with biomarkers (high-sensitivity troponin T and NT-proBNP) collected at baseline and outcomes tracked for one year. The study is clinically significant because it tests whether CMR T1/ECV metrics can indicate treatment responsiveness and risk of worsening despite tafamidis therapy.

Kitagawa T, Hamamoto K, Okamoto D et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Diagnostic and prognostic value of T2 mapping in cardiac sarcoidosis.

This study enrolled 39 patients with suspected/diagnosed cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent both 3T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 18F-FDG PET to evaluate T1/T2 mapping for diagnosing and prognosticating cardiac sarcoidosis. CMR T2 mapping (and related mapping metrics) showed diagnostic and prognostic utility for myocardial inflammation compared with PET, potentially reducing reliance on radiation-based follow-up. These results support T2 mapping as a more practical imaging biomarker for active inflammation and outcomes in cardiac sarcoidosis.

Uno M, Kosuge H, Kobayashi M et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Low-dose ventricular radiotherapy in wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis: a prospective, first-in-human, exploratory clinical trial.

This first-in-human prospective exploratory trial studied low-dose ventricular radiotherapy (10 Gy in 5 daily fractions) in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA). The intervention was assessed using 18F-flutemetamol amyloid PET (septal/lateral LV tissue-to-background ratio) and cardiac MRI (extracellular volume and T1 mapping) at baseline and 12 weeks to quantify changes in myocardial amyloid burden. If effective, this would support a novel radiotherapy-based disease-modifying strategy for ATTRwt-CA by targeting cardiac TTR amyloid deposition.

Guijarro D, Massie E, Zilli T et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Grayscale-inverted bright-blood late gadolinium enhancement improves reader confidence in ischemic scar detection: a multivendor study.

This single-center, multivendor study evaluated whether grayscale-inverted bright-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR improves ischemic scar detection compared with standard bright-blood LGE. In 120 patients scanned on GE, Philips, and Siemens 1.5T systems (90 with and 30 without ischemic scar), grayscale inversion was tested for effects on diagnostic accuracy and reader confidence, including differences by reader experience and vendor. The clinical significance is that a simple, vendor-independent post-processing approach could make subendocardial infarcts easier to detect and reduce reader variability.

Károlyi M, Groenhoff L, Spiczak JV et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Serial Myocardial Fibrosis Assessments Predict Outcomes in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

This retrospective analysis studied 313 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients who underwent two cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scans (2010–2019) to determine whether serial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) progression predicts outcomes. Progression of LGE mass (ΔLGE mass/year) was associated with subsequent adverse events including all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, aborted sudden cardiac death, and heart-failure hospitalizations. The results support using serial CMR LGE to track disease activity and improve prognostication in HCM.

Tang Y, Chen X, Zhao K et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Simultaneous Multi-Slice Acceleration for Free-Breathing Motion Corrected Late Gadolinium Enhancement Imaging.

This study developed and evaluated an accelerated free-breathing motion-corrected and averaged late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI protocol (FB PSIR-MoCo LGE) using simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) bSSFP with GC-LOLA correction and multiband factor 2 in 26 patients referred for clinical cardiac MRI. The SMS-accelerated protocol produced comparable image quality metrics (including myocardial sharpness and scar-to-blood/healthy myocardium contrast-to-noise estimates) to a non-SMS reference while enabling free-breathing acquisition. This supports faster, more robust LGE imaging that reduces breath-hold dependence while preserving diagnostic contrast for scar assessment.

Kowalik GT, Kunze KP, Bosio F et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

K-CC-MoCo: A Fast k-Space-Based Respiratory Motion Correction for Highly Accelerated First-Pass Perfusion Cardiovascular MR.

This work proposed and assessed K-CC-MoCo, a k-space-only inter-frame rigid respiratory motion correction method for highly accelerated free-breathing first-pass perfusion cardiovascular CMR (FPP-CMR). By estimating and correcting respiratory motion directly in k-space, the approach aims to enable motion correction compatible with model-based and deep learning reconstructions that otherwise require image-domain reconstruction. If validated clinically, K-CC-MoCo could improve the reliability of microcirculation and coronary artery disease assessment from accelerated FPP-CMR.

Moya-Sáez E, Menchón-Lara RM, Sánchez-González J et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Rosette Cardiac MR Fingerprinting for Simultaneous T1, T2, T 2 * , and Fat Fraction Mapping Using a Multi-Echo Deep Image Prior Reconstruction.

This study developed a rosette cardiac MR fingerprinting (cMRF) framework that combines a multi-echo acquisition with a deep image prior reconstruction to simultaneously map T1, T2, T2*, and fat fraction in the myocardium. Using a 2D single-breathhold ECG-gated rosette trajectory, the method was designed to sensitize signals to T1, T2, T2* and fat off-resonance effects and reconstruct quantitative parameter maps from one scan. The approach could streamline quantitative cardiac tissue characterization for multiple pathologies by reducing scan time and improving parameter estimation robustness.

Cummings E, Cruz G, Richardson J et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI Strain & Functional Remodeling (LA/RV/LV strain, PV loops)

Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Improves Risk Stratification in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether CMR feature tracking–derived left ventricular global longitudinal strain (FT-LVGLS) predicts adverse outcomes in patients with chronic moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR), including 385 patients with minimal/no symptoms (NYHA I–II) undergoing CMR between 2010 and 2024. The key finding was that worse FT-LVGLS improved risk stratification for adverse events and added incremental prognostic value beyond the 2025 ESC/EACTS Class I/IIb surgical indication parameters. This supports using FT-LVGLS as an additional CMR biomarker to refine outcome prediction and potentially guide timing of intervention in chronic AR.

Li B, Liu Y, Dai L et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The Rapid Long-axis Strain-based Prognostic Models Evaluate Composite Adverse Events for Asymptomatic Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries Patients after the Switch Operation.

This study evaluated whether biventricular strain and rapid long-axis strain (RLAS) can detect impaired myocardial mechanics and predict composite adverse events in asymptomatic dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) patients after the arterial switch operation (ASO). Strain-based prognostic models incorporating these measures improved intermediate risk detection and prediction of composite outcomes in training/testing and external validation cohorts. Clinically, this supports earlier identification of high-risk ASO patients using noninvasive strain metrics.

Hu L, Guo C, Liu X et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Incremental prognostic value of left atrial strain for heart failure-related events following ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction.

This study evaluated whether left atrial (LA) strain measured by cardiac MRI adds prognostic value for heart failure-related events after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) across different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) strata. The key finding was that LA strain provided incremental risk stratification beyond discharge LVEF for subsequent heart failure-related outcomes. This is clinically significant because it identifies a more sensitive marker of post-STEMI risk than LVEF alone, potentially improving follow-up and prevention targeting.

Zhao Y, Chen XY, Zhu GJ et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac magnetic resonance-derived left atrial strain restratifies patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy at low-risk of sudden cardiac death.

This retrospective longitudinal single-centre study evaluated whether CMR-derived left atrial global longitudinal strain (LA-GLS) re-stratifies prognosis in 183 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who were at low sudden cardiac death risk (HCM Risk-SCD score <4%), predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CMR-derived LA-GLS provided additional prognostic discrimination beyond the HCM Risk-SCD score in this low-risk group. Clinically, LA-GLS could refine risk stratification and guide surveillance or management decisions for HCM patients considered low risk by conventional scoring.

Faggiano A, Casas G, Gonzalez-Santorum F et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Left atrial epicardial adipose tissue volume quantification by CMR aids identification of patients at low risk for left atrial cardiomyopathy.

This study used CMR to quantify left atrial epicardial adipose tissue (LA-EAT) volume and tested whether it predicts low-risk versus high-risk left atrial cardiomyopathy features, specifically low-voltage zones (LVZ) measured by invasive electroanatomic mapping, in patients undergoing primary AF ablation. LA-EAT volume was evaluated as a predictor of LVZ presence, linking a noninvasive imaging biomarker of epicardial fat to invasive electrophysiologic substrate. If confirmed, LA-EAT quantification could help identify patients at lower risk for atrial cardiomyopathy-related remodeling and refine AF ablation risk stratification.

Schmidt TR, Ulbrich S, Gaspar T et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Congenital Heart Disease & Pediatric Surveillance

Muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy in pediatric cardiac MRI.

This case report studied cardiac MRI findings in a pediatric patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who had normal ECG and echocardiography. Cardiac MRI was used to demonstrate muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy and to guide prognosis and treatment planning despite initially normal standard tests. The report highlights the clinical significance of CMR for earlier detection and risk stratification of DMD-related cardiac involvement in children.

Hansen RM, Takahashi MS, Sakthivel MK · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Examination of elevated myocardial extracellular volume and exercise capacity in pediatric Fontan patients at moderate altitude.

This retrospective cohort study examined pediatric Fontan patients at moderate altitude to determine how CMR-derived diffuse myocardial fibrosis markers—native T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV)—relate to exercise capacity, compared with healthy controls. The key finding was the association between elevated myocardial extracellular volume/T1-based fibrosis measures and reduced exercise tolerance in the pediatric Fontan circulation. This is clinically significant because it links CMR fibrosis quantification to an early functional marker of Fontan physiology, potentially enabling earlier risk identification.

Arnouts EC, Drysdale ND, Gerstner Saucedo J et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The Role of Multimodality Imaging in the Evaluation of Heart Failure and Surgical Transplant Planning of Patients with Adult Congenital Heart Disease.

This narrative review focused on multimodality cardiac imaging for evaluating heart failure and planning surgical transplant/advanced-therapy pathways in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). It highlights that longitudinal, guideline-recommended surveillance at expert centers using condition-tailored imaging protocols is key for identifying residual lesions and complications that trigger referral for advanced therapies. The article’s significance lies in translating imaging strategy into practical decision-making for transplant planning in ACHD populations with heterogeneous anatomy and risk.

Duarte VE, Rajpal S · Cardiac electrophysiology clinics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Dual-Phase 3D Modified Dixon Steady-State MR Angiography in Pediatric Complex Congenital Heart Disease.

This retrospective single-center study assessed pediatric complex congenital heart disease patients undergoing 3T cardiac MRI to test dual-phase 3D modified Dixon (mDixon) steady-state MR angiography with respiratory navigator gating and interleaved diastolic/systolic acquisition. The dual-phase approach improved phase-dependent image quality and enabled more reliable vessel border delineation and vessel diameter measurements compared with single-phase limitations, with evaluation of motion-, flow-, and susceptibility-related artifacts. The findings are clinically important because they support a practical pediatric MRA technique that better quantifies vessels across the cardiac cycle for CHD assessment.

Beissel LD, Hart C, Isaak A et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The role of advanced imaging in the diagnosis and management of scimitar syndrome in pediatric patients.

This pediatric imaging review studied scimitar syndrome and summarized how cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) depict its anatomic variants and relate them to clinical management. It found that scimitar syndrome is characterized by partial/total anomalous right pulmonary venous drainage to the hepatic vein/IVC with associated right lung and pulmonary artery hypoplasia and systemic collaterals, and that CT/CMR can map these features for planning. The review is clinically significant because it links advanced imaging phenotypes to surgical or interventional strategies such as rerouting anomalous pulmonary veins.

Nguyen TVN, Emral HG, Voges I et al. · International journal of cardiology. Congenital heart disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

MoCo + ROVir: Synergy Between Respiratory Motion Compensation and Cardiac Receive Region Focusing for Cardiac MRI.

This study evaluated MoCo+ROVir, a synergistic reconstruction strategy combining rigid respiratory motion compensation (MoCo) with cardiac receive region focusing using region-optimized virtual coils (ROVir) for cardiac MRI. In retrospective data from 24 pediatric patients, the proposed MoCo+ROVir-LRT reconstruction was designed to prioritize cardiac motion representation over respiratory motion in low-rank tensor (LRT) reconstruction. The method aims to reduce motion-related artifacts and improve image quality for cardiac- and respiratory-resolved imaging in pediatric settings.

Hu Z, Lee HL, Cao T et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Risk Stratification & Prognosis Using Imaging/Biomarkers

Absolute and workload-indexed exercise blood pressure responses: associations with cardiac output, vascular resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in females.

This study examined exercise blood pressure responses in 135 adult females undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine how systolic blood pressure (SBP) relates to cardiac output (CO), vascular resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak). It found that SBP responses were associated with hemodynamic measures (CO and vascular resistance) and with V̇o2peak, with analyses stratified by SBPmax and workload-indexed SBP (SBP/W-slope). The results are significant for refining interpretation of exercise BP patterns as markers of cardiovascular function and fitness in women.

Janssens K, Howden EJ, Mitchell AM et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multi-biomarker approach for predicting cardiac magnetic resonance parameters at 30 days after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

In a pre-specified CLEVER-ACS substudy of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), baseline biomarkers—high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), NT-proBNP, CCN1, and PCSK9—were tested for their association with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) infarct characteristics at 30 days. The multi-biomarker approach identified specific baseline biomarker patterns that correlated with 30-day CMR-derived infarct parameters, reflecting the intermediate post-infarction stage. This improves risk stratification by linking readily measurable blood biomarkers to later CMR-defined infarct remodeling.

Horbach T, Wenzl FA, Manka R et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Machine Learning & AI for Cardiac Imaging/Segmentation

A comparison of vendor artificial intelligence solutions for automated post-processing of short-axis cine images in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.

This study compared three vendor artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for automated segmentation of short-axis cine CMR images across a multicondition cohort of 346 cases (including dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, and healthy volunteers). The key finding was that AI-derived ventricular volumes and left ventricular mass showed variable agreement with expert measurements depending on the model, with performance assessed using correlation/mean differences, Dice similarity for segmentation, and slice-detection accuracy. Scientifically and clinically, it provides evidence to guide selection and validation of vendor-specific AI tools for CMR post-processing in routine practice.

Hadler T, Ammann C, Saad H et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Integrative omics analysis incorporating cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging pinpoints potentially druggable plasma proteins for cardiovascular diseases.

This integrative omics study combined cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) traits with genetic and proteomic data to identify potentially druggable plasma proteins for cardiovascular diseases. Using protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) from ARIC and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for 19 CVDs and 82 CMR traits, it applied proteome-wide association study (PWAS) and Mendelian randomization to prioritize plasma proteins. Scientifically, it provides a gene-to-protein-to-phenotype framework that can nominate plasma targets for drug development in CVD.

Gong W, Guo P, Liu L et al. · Life metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Interpretable machine learning models based on CMR radiomics for predicting left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Researchers developed interpretable machine learning models using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) radiomics combined with clinical variables to predict left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The model leveraged radiomic features to stratify LVDD risk and provided interpretability to support clinical decision-making. This could enable earlier identification of LVDD in MASLD/T2DM patients for targeted prevention of progression.

Xia J, Leng S, Xu B et al. · Journal of diabetes investigation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Incorporating modality-specific intensity prior as text prompt for multimodal myocardial pathology segmentation.

The authors proposed an intensity-guided multimodal myocardial pathology segmentation method (I-MMSeg) that uses a modality-specific intensity prior generated via multimodal large language models (e.g., GPT-4o) as a text prompt for segmentation from multimodal CMR. The key advance is that the model encodes relative intensity ordering and boundary intensity characteristics to improve segmentation accuracy across modalities. This could enhance automated myocardial pathology quantification for MI risk assessment by improving robustness of multimodal CMR segmentation.

Fang D, Gu Y, Yu L et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Systematic Review of International Population Studies With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Genomics Research Data (“Imagenomics”).

This systematic review evaluated international population studies that combine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotyping with genomics data (“Imagenomics”), identifying biobanks and summarizing challenges and opportunities. Across 17 biobanks, the review reported ~1 million participants with stored blood for genomic analyses, with >180,000 having or planned to undergo CMR. The synthesis highlights how CMR–genomics integration can accelerate gene–lifestyle–disease discovery while emphasizing data governance needs for large-scale personal data.

Hesse K, Aung N, Petersen SE et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Automated assessment of right heart function by artificial intelligence: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) models for right heart evaluation, focusing on predicting right ventricular (RV) size and function from imaging. Across included studies, AI performance metrics were synthesized to estimate accuracy and to judge evidence quality for automated RV assessment. Clinically, reliable AI-based RV quantification could reduce limitations of traditional echocardiography and improve consistency of RV assessment in cardiac disease management.

Eini P, Serpoush H, Rezayee M et al. · European journal of radiology open · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Interpretable Semi-federated Learning for Multimodal Cardiac Imaging and Risk Stratification: A Privacy-Preserving Framework.

This study introduced PerFed-Cardio, an interpretable semi-federated learning (Semi-FL) framework for privacy-preserving multimodal cardiac imaging and risk stratification using imaging, physiological signals, and electronic health records (EHR). The key contribution is a personalized semi-federated approach that allows high-capacity nodes (e.g., hospitals) to train more comprehensively while edge devices (e.g., wearables) contribute without centralizing raw data. Scientifically and clinically, this could enable real-time, explainable cardiovascular risk prediction across institutions while improving data privacy.

Liu X, Li S, Zhu Q et al. · Journal of imaging informatics in medicine · (2026) · 4 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardio-Oncology & Cancer Therapy–Related Cardiotoxicity

Cardiac Biomarkers and Multimodality Imaging in Surveillance During Oncologic Therapy: An Integrated Approach to Cardio-Oncology.

This review article synthesized evidence on how cardiac biomarkers and multimodality imaging are used for surveillance during oncologic therapy in patients at risk for cancer therapy–related cardiovascular toxicity. It emphasizes guideline-based early detection using biomarkers (e.g., cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides) and advanced imaging modalities to identify cardiotoxicity from therapies such as anthracyclines, HER2-targeted agents, VEGF inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chest radiotherapy. The integrated cardio-oncology approach is clinically significant because it enables earlier intervention and treatment modification to reduce morbidity and mortality from therapy-associated heart disease.

Agrawal SP, Lussier A, Patel DS et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A rapid phage-free platform for antigen-specific VNAR screening with BATCH system.

This methods paper described a rapid phage-free bacterial two-hybrid (BATCH) platform for antigen-specific screening of shark-derived variable new antigen receptors (VNARs) using the BATCH system. Using a Cre recombinase-immunized Chiloscyllium plagiosum spleen cDNA library (~10^8 diversity) and dual lacZ/CmR readouts with triple lacO sites and cAMP feedback, the platform yielded two unique VNAR binders (VNAR1 and VNAR2) against the target antigen. The work is scientifically significant because it provides an alternative to phage display for faster VNAR discovery with cryptic epitope access and reduced reliance on phage-based workflows.

Tang W, Hu J, Zhu Y et al. · Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Three-Hour Infusion of Methotrexate at 3 g/m2 With or Without Intrathecal Chemotherapy Significantly Reduces CNS Relapses and Improves Survival in Patients With Large B-Cell Lymphomas at Increased CNS Risk.

This study evaluated a pharmacokinetic-informed, CNS-directed high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) regimen (3 g/m2 over 3 hours with a bolus, with or without intrathecal chemotherapy) in 336 large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) patients who achieved complete metabolic response after RCHOP or derivatives and were classified as increased CNS risk. The 3-hour 3 g/m2 HD-MTX protocol significantly reduced CNS relapses and improved survival compared with historical concerns about HD-MTX efficacy, using updated CNS risk criteria (e.g., CNS-IPI ≥4 or ≥3 extranodal sites or specific organ involvement). These findings support a dosing-schedule–informed HD-MTX strategy to improve CNS prophylaxis outcomes in LBCL patients at high risk for CNS recurrence.

Ferreri AJM, Erbella F, Angelillo P et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Interfacial polarisation, electrical modulus and relaxation dynamics in composite ceramics for multiferroic applications.

This materials study investigated composite ceramics of (1−x)BaTi0.9Zr0.1O3 + (x)Li0.5Fe2.5O4 (x = 0.00–0.15) synthesized by solid-state reaction, characterizing phase structure and dielectric/electrical relaxation behavior relevant to multiferroic applications. Increasing Li0.5Fe2.5O4 content refined microstructure (reduced grain size, increased dislocation density), increased interfacial polarization, and produced frequency- and temperature-dependent dielectric properties with optimal dielectric performance at x = 0.10. These findings help tune composition to enhance interfacial polarization and dielectric response for multiferroic ceramic device design.

Gajula GR, Buddiga LR, Srinivas G et al. · Journal of colloid and interface science · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Development of Antibody-Drug Conjugates Targeting L1CAM to Treat Metastatic Cancer.

This work developed antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) to eliminate drug-resistant metastatic cancer stem cells (MetSCs) in metastatic disease models. The key concept is that L1CAM serves as a selective surface marker on MetSCs, enabling targeted delivery of cytotoxic payloads to reduce relapse-driving metastatic populations. This strategy is scientifically significant because it addresses chemotherapy resistance in metastasis by combining molecular targeting (L1CAM) with ADC drug delivery to improve metastatic control.

Park JS, Kenum C, He L et al. · Molecular cancer therapeutics · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Trastuzumab deruxtecan: An antibody-drug conjugates for non-small cell lung cancer.

This review summarized evidence for trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), an antibody-drug conjugate, in HER2-mutant metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after prior systemic therapy. It compiles clinical trial and real-world data to characterize efficacy, safety, and adverse event management of T-DXd in this patient population. The significance is practical: it consolidates the therapeutic rationale and outcomes supporting T-DXd as a targeted option for HER2-mutant metastatic NSCLC.

Siddiqui N, Sravanthi G, Reddy KJK et al. · Journal of oncology pharmacy practice : official publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Metabolic Interventions (incl. SGLT2, colchicine, diet)

A high-fat diet nutritional intervention reprograms cardiac metabolism and improves systolic function in a pig model of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

This pig model study tested whether a high-fat diet (20% lard supplementation for 2 months) can reprogram cardiac metabolism and improve systolic function in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HFrEF with a metabolic switch toward increased myocardial glucose uptake was induced by progressive coronary artery stenosis, and pigs (n=19) were randomized to high-fat diet versus control diet. The results are significant because they suggest dietary modulation of myocardial fuel utilization may be a therapeutic lever for HFrEF.

Galán-Arriola C, Pérez-Camargo D, Ferrarini A et al. · Basic research in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

SGLT2 inhibitors therapy in patients with acute Takotsubo syndrome.

This study compared safety, tolerability, myocardial recovery, and inflammation effects of SGLT2 inhibitors in 22 acute takotsubo syndrome (TTS) patients treated with dapagliflozin (n=13) or empagliflozin (n=9) versus 44 propensity-score–matched untreated TTS patients. All patients underwent cardiac MRI with T2 mapping within 7 days of admission, and the treated group was evaluated for differences in recovery and inflammatory markers captured by CMR. The findings address whether SGLT2 inhibitor therapy can improve acute TTS outcomes beyond standard care by modulating myocardial injury and inflammation.

Arcari L, Camastra G, Sclafani M et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Canagliflozin attenuates CMR-quantified myocardial fibrosis in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus at high cardiovascular risk: a randomised open-label controlled trial.

This randomized open-label controlled trial studied canagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, in 45 adults aged 18–75 years with high-cardiovascular-risk type 2 diabetes mellitus (HbA1c 7.0–10.5%) and LVEF >50%, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to quantify myocardial fibrosis, cardiac structure/function, and microcirculation. Canagliflozin attenuated CMR-quantified myocardial fibrosis compared with control, supporting a cardiovascular protective mechanism in this high-risk T2DM population. These findings suggest SGLT2 inhibition may reduce myocardial fibrotic remodeling detectable by CMR, potentially translating into improved cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients.

Yan H, Liu J, Zhang Z et al. · Diabetologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Efficacy of low dose colchicine on left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with coronary artery disease: A randomized controlled trial.

This randomized controlled trial tested whether low-dose colchicine (0.6 mg daily) reduces left ventricular hypertrophy in 66 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and controlled blood pressure over 48 weeks, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to measure left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Colchicine was evaluated against placebo for its effect on CMR-derived LVMI change as the primary endpoint. If effective, colchicine could offer an anti-inflammatory strategy to regress LVH and potentially lower cardiovascular risk in CAD patients.

Chichareon P, Suwannanon R, Thungthienthong M et al. · British journal of clinical pharmacology · (2026) · 3 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Inflammation, Immune Mechanisms & Biomarkers (incl. myocarditis, IL-6, immune imaging)

Myocarditis in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: serologic and clinical correlates in a single-center registry.

This single-center retrospective registry studied cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-confirmed myocarditis in 142 adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), assessing serologic/clinical correlates and the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI). The key finding was that CMR-confirmed myocarditis (using the 2018 Lake Louise Criteria at diagnosis and follow-up) showed specific clinical/serologic associations and provided independent prognostic impact relative to interstitial lung disease (ILD). This is scientifically significant because it supports CMR and hs-TnI as complementary tools for identifying myocarditis and refining prognosis in IIM patients.

Álvarez-Troncoso J, Refoyo-Salicio E, Díaz-Planellas S et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Clinical Features, Treatment, and Outcomes of Sintilimab-Induced Myocarditis.

This retrospective study analyzed 34 patients with sintilimab-induced myocarditis (median age 64 years) reported in case literature up to July 31, 2025. The key findings were that onset occurred 1–120 days after sintilimab (median 21 days) and common presentations included dyspnea (41.2%), chest tightness (35.3%), and palpitations (17.6%), with some patients asymptomatic (8.8%). Clinically, the study supports recognizing the typical timing and symptom spectrum of immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD-1)–associated myocarditis to improve diagnosis and management.

Liu M, Sun W, Pan Y et al. · Journal of immunotherapy (Hagerstown, Md. : 1997) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Effect of Interleukin-6 Receptor Inhibition by Tocilizumab on Platelet Activation and Markers of Thrombus Formation: A Substudy of the ASSAIL-MI Trial.

This substudy of the ASSAIL-MI trial evaluated whether IL-6 receptor inhibition with tocilizumab in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) alters soluble markers of platelet activation (P-selectin, sCD40L) and thrombus/coagulation formation (tissue factor, TF pathway inhibitor, PAI-1, D-dimer). Tocilizumab treatment was associated with changes in these circulating markers consistent with reduced platelet activation and thrombus-formation signaling. These findings support a mechanistic link between IL-6R blockade and coagulation/platelet pathways that may contribute to improved myocardial salvage after STEMI.

Ueland T, Dahl TB, Michelsen A et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Deciphering Leukocyte Subpopulation Contributions to Ventricle Remodeling and Neuroinflammation After Myocardial Infarction Using Total-Body Molecular Imaging.

This preclinical study used total-body molecular imaging to determine how macrophages and neutrophils contribute to ventricle remodeling and concurrent neuroinflammation after myocardial infarction (MI) in C57BL/6N mice. MI was induced by permanent coronary artery ligation, with macrophage depletion using clodronate-loaded liposomes and neutrophil inhibition using a neutralizing anti-Ly6G antibody, followed by serial PET-based molecular imaging. The findings are significant because they link specific immune-cell populations to both cardiac and neuroinflammatory processes that may influence post-MI heart failure and cognitive risk.

Lolatte K, Hess A, Willmann M et al. · Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Molecular imaging of lymphatic organs provides prognostic value after acute myocardial infarction.

This prospective trial studied whether molecular imaging of lymphatic organs after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) predicts functional recovery, enrolling 41 timely reperfused ST-elevation AMI patients. Participants underwent baseline 68Ga-PentixaFor PET targeting CXCR4-expressing leukocytes, and lymphatic organ uptake (spleen, bone marrow, and heart-draining lymph nodes) was assessed for prognostic value for later left ventricular ejection fraction recovery. The approach suggests that CXCR4-directed PET of lymphatic inflammation could stratify post-AMI patients by likelihood of functional improvement.

Reiter T, Dörrler AL, Hasenauer N et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Death (incl. ICD, CPVT, ventricular arrhythmias)

The timing and relationship of ventricular arrhythmia with exercise patterns in veteran male endurance athletes.

This study investigated whether exercise training patterns were associated with the incidence and timing of ventricular arrhythmias in 106 veteran male endurance athletes (cyclists/triathletes) aged ≥50 years using CMR and implantable loop recorder (ILR) monitoring. The key finding was that ventricular arrhythmia events occurred in relation to athletes’ exercise patterns over follow-up, with ILR-captured timing enabling pattern–arrhythmia relationship assessment. This is significant because it may inform exercise-related risk stratification and monitoring strategies for ventricular arrhythmias in long-term endurance athletes.

Javed W, Brown B, Chambers B et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Myocardial fibrosis and its relationship with ventricular arrhythmias and reduced ventricular systolic function in young and veteran endurance athletes.

This study assessed myocardial fibrosis measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and its relationship with ventricular arrhythmias and ventricular systolic function in 296 young (median 19 years), 138 middle-aged (56 years) endurance athletes, and 66 middle-aged non-athletic controls without known cardiac disease. The key finding was that non-hinge-point fibrosis was more prevalent in middle-aged athletes than in young athletes and controls, and fibrosis was linked to ventricular arrhythmias and reduced systolic function. The results are clinically important because they suggest age- and training-associated myocardial remodeling that may contribute to arrhythmia risk in endurance athletes.

De Paepe J, D’Ambrosio P, De Bosscher R et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiomyopathies & Genetic/Phenotype Studies (HCM/DCM/CPVT/athlete’s heart)

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.

This case report studied cardiac involvement in a 54-year-old woman with genetically confirmed SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP), using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, after exclusion of alternative causes and with negative extended cardiomyopathy gene testing. Scientifically and clinically, it documents a previously unreported cardiac phenotype in SPG4-HSP and supports considering CMR/heart evaluation in systemic manifestations of HSP.

Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiopulmonary physical fitness and tissue characterization through T1 and T2 mapping: new insights on athlete’s heart.

This study examined associations between cardiopulmonary fitness (via maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing, CPET) and cardiac remodeling assessed by non-contrast CMR T1 and T2 mapping in elite healthy athletes undergoing pre-participation screening. The key finding was that CMR tissue characterization metrics (T1/T2) showed relationships with measures of physical fitness derived from CPET. This is significant because it helps clarify how “athlete’s heart” adaptations relate to myocardial tissue properties, potentially improving interpretation of CMR findings in athletes.

Graziano F, Balla D, Juhasz V et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 5 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking in Olympic athletes: a myocardial deformation analysis.

This study used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking to quantify myocardial deformation in Olympic athletes with normal cardiovascular evaluation and compared results by sports discipline and sex. The key finding was that myocardial deformation patterns differ across athlete subgroups (by discipline and sex) despite normal clinical screening, highlighting the need for discipline- and sex-aware reference values when interpreting “athlete’s heart” remodeling. These data improve the scientific basis for differentiating physiologic athletic remodeling from early cardiomyopathy using CMR-derived strain metrics.

Monosilio S, Prosperi S, Filomena D et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 7 citations · View on PubMed ↗

A Slc5a6-Deficient Mouse Model Reveals Metabolically Driven Cardiomyopathy with Therapeutic Potential for Vitamin-Based Intervention.

This JCI Insight study investigated the role of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter encoded by SLC5A6 in cardiomyopathy by analyzing two human families with SLC5A6 mutations and generating a cardiac-specific Slc5a6 knockout mouse model (Slc5a6cKO). The key finding was that Slc5a6cKO mice developed progressive metabolically driven dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired coenzyme A synthesis and that vitamin-based supplementation had therapeutic potential. Scientifically, it links SLC5A6-mediated biotin/pantothenic acid uptake to energy metabolism and provides a rationale for vitamin-targeted intervention in SLC5A6-related DCM.

Fullerton MO, Phillips LC, Redgrave RE et al. · JCI insight · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Smoking cessation after first STEMI enhances infarct healing: a cardiac MRI study.

This prospective cardiac MRI study investigated infarct healing dynamics in 672 revascularized first-time ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, comparing those who quit smoking after STEMI versus continued smokers. Cardiac MRI was performed at baseline and at 4 and 12 months to track infarct evolution, with smoking behavior documented at baseline and after 4 months. The findings are significant because they provide imaging-based evidence that smoking cessation after STEMI enhances infarct healing, supporting smoking cessation as a key secondary prevention strategy.

Troger F, Pamminger M, Reindl M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Generation of three heterozygous and two homozygous hiPSC lines from a CPVT associated mutation RYR2_p.G357S from a large family of the Canary Islands.

This work generated induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines from skin fibroblasts of a Canary Islands family carrying the CPVT-associated RYR2 mutation p.G357S (RYR2_c.G1069A/p.G357S), including three heterozygous and two homozygous carriers. The resulting hiPSC lines had normal karyotypes, differentiated into cells of all three germ layers, and expressed pluripotency markers and genes. These patient-specific RYR2 hiPSC models provide a genetic platform to study CPVT mechanisms and test cardiomyocyte-targeted interventions.

Carreras D, Martínez-Moreno R, Selga E et al. · Stem cell research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Dilated cardiomyopathy vs. non-dilated left ventricular dysfunction: genotype-phenotype relationship and outcome.

This study investigated genotype–phenotype relationships and outcomes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) versus non-dilated left ventricular dysfunction (NDLVD), using comprehensive clinical, genetic, and CMR assessment. Patients with LV ejection fraction <57% were classified as DCM or NDLVD based on LV end-diastolic volume thresholds, excluding coronary artery disease, valvular, congenital, hypertrophic, inflammatory, or infiltrative causes, and outcomes were tracked using a composite cardiovascular endpoint. The work clarifies how genetic and CMR-defined phenotypes relate to prognosis, informing risk stratification across cardiomyopathy subtypes.

Bellisario I, Aimo A, Todiere G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Clinical Phenotypes in Hypertension: A Data-Driven Approach to Risk Stratification.

This study applied unsupervised machine learning (k-means clustering) to identify clinical phenotypes of hypertension in 14,840 UK Biobank participants with hypertension and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. The resulting data-driven hypertension subtypes were evaluated for associations with cardiovascular imaging characteristics and adverse outcomes, including mediation by cardiac imaging features. This approach is significant because it may enable more precise, imaging-informed risk stratification and targeted prevention strategies for heterogeneous hypertension.

Rauseo E, Salih AM, Cooper J et al. · Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Valvular Heart Disease (TR/AR/AS) & Surgical/Interventional Planning

Concomitant pericardiectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting associated with marked reduction in liver stiffness in a patient with constrictive pericarditis: a case report.

This case report described a patient with constrictive pericarditis and concomitant three-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent concomitant pericardiectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting. The key finding was a marked reduction in liver stiffness after surgical relief of constrictive physiology, consistent with improvement of congestive hepatopathy. Clinically, it supports considering combined surgical strategies in complex constrictive pericarditis when systemic congestion (measured by liver stiffness) is prominent.

Tabesh E, Darouei B, Kakavand N et al. · Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Open-Irrigated Helical Radiofrequency Septal Ablation for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

This JACC Case Reports article described a 60-year-old man with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) undergoing open-irrigated helical radiofrequency septal ablation via subclavian venous access. The key finding was immediate and sustained reduction of the provoked LV outflow tract gradient (130 to 30 mm Hg) with septal fibrosis observed on 6-month CMR and symptom improvement at 12 months without complications. This case suggests feasibility and potential effectiveness of a dedicated open-irrigated helical RF approach for septal reduction therapy in oHCM.

Sun Y, Zhou X, Zhang M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Gender differences in clinical phenotype, right-heart remodelling and outcomes in severe tricuspid regurgitation: a cardiac magnetic resonance study.

This multicenter CMR study compared women and men with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) regarding clinical phenotype, right-heart remodeling on cardiac magnetic resonance, and all-cause mortality under medical therapy. Sex-specific differences were observed in right ventricular (RV) remodeling patterns and were associated with differences in outcomes. These findings highlight sex as an important modifier of disease expression and prognosis in severe TR, supporting more tailored risk assessment.

Hinojar R, Rodriguez Palomares J, Barreiro-Pérez M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

The evolving landscape of screening, management and treatment strategies of aortic stenosis in ATTR amyloidosis.

This narrative review summarized current screening, management, and treatment strategies for coexisting aortic stenosis (AS) and transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). It highlights evidence that ATTR-CM is not merely coincidental in severe AS—particularly in older men and in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)—and discusses mechanistic links such as amyloid deposition in stenotic valves. The clinical significance is improved recognition and diagnostic pathways for ATTR-CM in AS to guide appropriate therapy and management decisions.

Porcari A, Serenelli M, Bussani R et al. · European journal of internal medicine · (2026) · 4 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Advanced Imaging for Coronary Disease & Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD/MVO/perfusion)

AI-based Histologic Heterogeneity of Microvascular Obstruction at Cardiac MRI for Predicting MACEs: A Multicenter Study.

This multicenter retrospective Radiology study evaluated an AI-based framework that combined automated microvascular obstruction (MVO) segmentation and radiomic feature extraction on cardiac MRI to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in STEMI patients with MVO. The key finding was that histologic heterogeneity of MVO captured by AI-derived radiomic features improved prediction of MACEs compared with approaches relying on manual or less informative quantification. This is clinically significant because it moves MVO assessment toward scalable, automated risk stratification after STEMI.

Chen BH, Li SL, Xiang JY et al. · Radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Ferumoxytol-Enhanced Myocardial T1 Tracking Using a Hybrid 2D/3D Steady-State MRI Sequence Captures Cyclic Intramyocardial Blood Volume Dynamics.

This feasibility study developed and tested ferumoxytol-enhanced (FE) myocardial “T1 tracking” MRI to quantify cyclic systole-to-diastole intramyocardial blood volume (iMBV) dynamics on clinical scanners. Using a new hybrid 2D/3D steady-state sequence, the authors demonstrated that FE MRI can capture cyclic iMBV changes without vasodilator stress, aiming to reflect coronary microcirculation function. The technique is significant because it could enable stress-free detection of coronary artery disease-related microvascular impairment using iMBV dynamics as a biomarker.

Unal HB, Zeynali S, Ahmed A et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A Case of the Uncommon Cause of Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Coronary Fistula and Coronary Stenosis, Which One to Intervene?

This case report studied a single patient with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) who had both mid-left anterior descending (mid-LAD) coronary stenosis (~50%) and a high-flow coronary artery fistula from the LAD to the main pulmonary artery. Comprehensive noninvasive and invasive physiologic/imaging testing before, during, and after intervention was used to determine which lesion mechanism best explained symptoms and to guide management. The report highlights that in CCS, coexisting coronary fistula and coronary stenosis can require mechanism-specific intervention rather than treating stenosis alone.

Sinurat MRMP, Taofan T, Tobing DPL et al. · The International journal of angiology : official publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Diagnostic yield of second-line functional imaging after an abnormal coronary computed tomography angiography: an individual patient-data meta-analysis.

This individual patient-data meta-analysis studied diagnostic performance of second-line functional imaging after abnormal coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in 1410 patients (mean age 62, 67% male) with ≥50% diameter stenosis. Across seven prospective studies, modalities including dobutamine stress echocardiography, SPECT, CMR, and/or PET were evaluated against invasive angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard. The results are significant because they help clinicians choose the most accurate functional test after an abnormal CCTA to guide revascularization decisions.

Rasmussen LD, Hoek R, Westra J et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Non-contrast multimodal cardiac MRI for predicting coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This study developed and tested a non-contrast radiomics model to predict coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in 290 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, aiming to replace contrast-enhanced CMR. Patients were split into training and test sets (8:2), radiomics features were extracted from end-diastolic four-chamber and short-axis views, and logistic regression was used to identify predictive imaging features associated with CMD status. If validated, this contrast-free radiomics approach could enable broader, safer CMD screening in HCM using routine cardiac MRI.

Li J, Zhu L, Liu Y et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Myocardial transit time mapping by CMR: A novel potential parameter of microcirculatory dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with and without atrial fibrillation.

This study used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to measure myocardial transit time (MyoTT) as a marker of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in 50 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), comparing them with 50 healthy controls and assessing differences by atrial fibrillation (AF) status. MyoTT and other CMR-derived metrics (native T1, extracellular volume [ECV], and myocardial strain) were analyzed to determine associations with HCM and AF and to evaluate discriminative performance. If validated, MyoTT could provide a noninvasive CMR parameter for identifying microcirculatory dysfunction in HCM and stratifying risk in patients with or without AF.

Yang J, Cheng Y, Yang J et al. · European journal of radiology open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Thromboembolism, Intracardiac Masses & Anticoagulation Context

Probable Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causing Biventricular Thrombi and Cardiogenic Shock.

This JACC Case Reports article described a 70-year-old woman with recent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy who developed cardiogenic shock due to probable antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with large biventricular intracardiac thrombi. The key finding was that imaging revealed extensive biventricular thrombosis in the setting of probable APS, leading to initiation of inotropes and anticoagulation, but the patient could not be weaned from inotropes and chose hospice care. The case is significant because it underscores diagnostic uncertainty and the need for evidence-based management strategies for extensive intracardiac thrombosis in suspected APS.

Contractor P, Deng J, O’Neill LP et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multi-organ infarctions secondary to a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma in early childhood.

This case report described a 4-year-old girl presenting with acute stroke and renal infarction in whom transthoracic echocardiography identified a cardiac mass and cardiac MRI confirmed a papillary fibroelastoma (CPFE). Surgical resection followed by histopathology established CPFE as the embolic source causing multi-organ infarctions. The report is clinically significant because it reinforces CPFE as a rare but important differential diagnosis for pediatric embolic events when a cardiac mass is present.

Alfares F, Alghamdi M, Alkanhal A et al. · Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

An indolent course of undifferentiated pleomorphic cardiac sarcoma mimicking myxoma: A case report.

This case report described an indolent presentation of undifferentiated pleomorphic cardiac sarcoma (UPS) that initially mimicked a cardiac myxoma on imaging. In a 71-year-old woman, early cardiac MRI showed only subtle atrial septal thickening, but follow-up over 2 years demonstrated progressive growth, and surgical pathology with immunohistochemistry confirmed high-grade UPS. The report is significant because it underscores diagnostic pitfalls in cardiac mass evaluation and the need for longitudinal reassessment when imaging findings evolve.

Ziaei H, Palmquist E, Fagman H et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Clinical Trials, Guidelines, and Population Health/Outcomes

Exercise recommendations for patients with Marfan syndrome: an updated review.

This updated review summarized evidence and clinical guidance on exercise recommendations for patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), an autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with major cardiovascular risks such as aortic root dilatation and dissection. The key finding was that exercise should be individualized and approached as a “double-edged sword,” balancing general cardiovascular benefits against the unique aortic pathology and exercise-related cardiovascular risks in MFS. Clinically, it provides updated risk-informed recommendations to help clinicians and patients choose safer activity levels and monitoring strategies.

Jayaratne N, Gianni A, Riding N et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Arteriovenous fistula creation results in cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in a uremic pig model.

This preclinical study used a uremic pig model of end-stage kidney disease to test how arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation affects cardiovascular function and remodeling, including after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). AVF creation produced measurable cardiac dysfunction and remodeling consistent with altered hemodynamics in the uremic state. The model is scientifically significant because it provides a large-animal platform to investigate mechanisms linking AVF-related cardiovascular stress to the higher morbidity and mortality seen in ESKD patients.

Kane J, Singh PG, Kilari S et al. · American journal of physiology. Renal physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Forecasting mortality and decomposition analysis for cancer deaths in Egypt (2014-2030).

This population-level modeling study forecasted cancer mortality in Egypt from 2014–2030 using national vital registration data for 19 cancer types. It applied a hybrid ARIMA–ETS forecasting approach and performed decomposition analysis to quantify contributions of population growth, aging, and age-specific mortality to observed and projected cancer deaths. The results are significant for public health planning by identifying expected mortality trends and the demographic drivers shaping Egypt’s future cancer burden.

Elshishiney G, Li M, Zou Y et al. · Cancer epidemiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Time trends in ICD recommendations and predictors of device activation hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a real-world cohort study.

In a single-center real-world retrospective cohort of 52 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients who received primary-prevention ICDs between 2014 and 2024, investigators assessed how evolving ESC guideline recommendations affected ICD eligibility and subsequent device activation events. Over time, changes in guideline criteria translated into shifts in who met ICD indications and how frequently ICD therapies/events were detected. This informs clinicians about the real-world impact of guideline updates on sudden cardiac death prevention strategies in HCM.

Marques Antunes M, Carvalheiro R, Cardoso I et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Real-world multi-institution analysis of tarlatamab in patients with small cell lung cancer.

This multicenter retrospective real-world analysis evaluated tarlatamab outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients treated at three US institutions between 5/16/2024 and 6/15/2025, focusing on a “trial-ineligible” subgroup. The study compared real-world effectiveness and safety in patients who would not have met key clinical-trial eligibility criteria (e.g., ECOG performance status ≥2 and prior grade ≥2 pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease history). These findings are clinically significant for defining how tarlatamab performs in broader, less-selected SCLC populations encountered in routine practice.

Cooper AJ, Liang J, McDonald S et al. · Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Electronic tools to facilitate medication review in nursing homes: a pilot study.

This pilot study evaluated electronic medication review (MR) tools—GheOP³S-tool and EBMeDS®CMR—to facilitate community pharmacist medication reviews in nursing home (NH) residents. In a single NH (Jan–Jul 2024), a 3-step MR process used these electronic screening tools to detect potential drug-related problems (pDRPs) and assess clinical and economic impact. The results support feasibility of decision-support software to reduce time burden and improve identification of medication-related risks in NH populations.

Carrein M, Capiau A, Mehuys E et al. · Acta clinica Belgica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Preprocedural Chest or Cardiac Imaging for Cardiothoracic Surgery.

This ACR Appropriateness Criteria document reviewed evidence on preprocedural chest or cardiac imaging for patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, covering both first-time and repeat operations and patients with or without prior cardiothoracic surgery. It addresses imaging needed to guide surgical planning across noncoronary cardiac, coronary cardiac, and thoracic procedures while accounting for comorbidities and anesthesia risk. The guideline supports standardized, evidence-based selection of preoperative imaging to improve surgical decision-making and reduce unnecessary testing.

Malik SB, Moore WH, Ghoshhajra BB et al. · Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Mortality patterns in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus in the United States: a retrospective analysis from 1999 to 2019.

This retrospective analysis used the US CDC WONDER database to characterize mortality patterns from 1999–2019 among US adults (≥25 years) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes mellitus (DM), reporting crude and age-adjusted mortality rates and trends via joinpoint regression. Overall mortality increased over time with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 1.59%, and sex and racial/ethnic differences were observed (e.g., higher age-adjusted mortality in males than females). The study highlights demographic and regional disparities in COPD+DM mortality trends, informing targeted public health interventions.

Fatima M, Fatima F, Raza A et al. · Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Role of concomitant endomyocardial biopsy in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy with ventricular arrhythmias.

This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of routine endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) performed during electrophysiological procedures in 37 patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) complicated by ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). EMB findings led to changes in diagnosis in a high proportion of patients (reported as 35/37 male; diagnostic-yield results were assessed as part of the study outcomes). These findings support incorporating concomitant EMB into the workup of NICM patients with VAs to improve etiologic diagnosis and potentially guide management beyond standard imaging and genetic testing.

Togashi D, Katsume Y, Uetake S et al. · Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome in U.S. Children: A 20-Year Look at Lives Lost and Gaps That Remain.

This study analyzed U.S. children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) using CDC WONDER death certificate data from 1999 to 2020 to quantify mortality trends and identify persistent gaps. The key finding is that HLHS-related mortality trends over two decades were characterized by stratification across age, sex, race, and geography (urbanization status and census region). The clinical significance is that it provides population-level evidence to target improvements in early detection, referral, and care delivery for HLHS.

Siddiqi AK, Maniya MT, Ali KM et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Generated automatically on June 03, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published May 27, 2026 – June 03, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.