What's New in Cardiac MRI? — June 06, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 88 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
June 06, 2026 · 88 articles · 20 research themes · covering May 30, 2026 – June 06, 2026
Overview
The dominant thread across this week’s papers is the move from “one-size-fits-all” cardiovascular assessment toward mechanism-based, imaging-anchored risk prediction and targeted care. Multiple studies use cardiac MRI (and PET/CMR hybrids) to quantify subtle tissue injury and remodeling—such as LA strain after STEMI, microvascular obstruction heterogeneity, pulmonary transit time and strain across coronary syndrome stages, and diffuse fibrosis markers (native T1/ECV)—to refine prognosis beyond conventional clinical variables.
A second major theme is methodological acceleration: new CMR acquisition and post-processing workflows (e.g., optical gating without ECG, real-time oxygenation-sensitive MRI, vendor-robust scar visualization, and automated segmentation) plus a growing ecosystem of AI/radiomics tools for segmentation and outcome prediction. Together, these efforts aim to make advanced imaging more reproducible, scalable, and clinically usable—while also addressing equity, as highlighted by AI approaches for earlier ATTR-cardiomyopathy detection in underdiagnosed populations.
Finally, the digest underscores the expanding “cardio-systemic” frontier—where inflammation, immune therapies, genetic disease, and comorbid physiology (sleep apnea, extreme exercise, kidney disease, congenital syndromes) are increasingly linked to cardiac structure/function via multimodality imaging. Across myocarditis/immune-related injury, amyloidosis (including imaging endpoints for radiotherapy and tafamidis monitoring), and cardio-oncology surveillance frameworks, the common goal is earlier detection and better matching of interventions to the patient’s underlying biology.
Smoking cessation and post-MI myocardial healing
Coronary Artery Involvement in Kawasaki Disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: Imaging, Risk Stratification, and Long-Term Cardiovascular Considerations.
This review article examined coronary artery involvement in Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), focusing on imaging findings, risk stratification, and long-term cardiovascular considerations. It summarizes that KD most commonly causes persistent coronary dilation and aneurysm formation, whereas MIS-C coronary involvement appears less frequent and often transient with different long-term implications. The synthesis helps clinicians anticipate coronary risk trajectories and informs long-term cardiovascular follow-up strategies in pediatric inflammatory syndromes.
Fatima A, Akram MB, Asghar AH et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Treatment of Premature Ventricular Contractions: A Review of Medical Therapy, Catheter Ablation, and Emerging Treatments.
This review article studied the comparative evidence for treating premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), covering medical therapy, catheter ablation, and emerging treatments. It concludes that treatment selection should be guided by symptom burden, PVC frequency, ventricular function, and underlying structural heart disease, with CMR often used for tissue characterization during diagnostic evaluation. The review provides a clinically oriented framework for managing PVCs to prevent PVC-induced cardiomyopathy and reduce arrhythmia-related morbidity.
Elattar S, Hodhod A, Basha NR et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Right Ventricular Metabolic Adaptation to Afterload and Heterogeneous RV-Pulmonary Arterial Coupling in Pre-Capillary Pulmonary Hypertension: An FDG-PET/CMR Study.
This FDG-PET/CMR study investigated right ventricular (RV) metabolic adaptation to afterload and heterogeneous RV–pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling in patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension. The authors found that higher pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was associated with increased RV glucose metabolism and impaired RV-PA coupling, consistent with early maladaptive metabolic remodeling before overt structural changes. These results link PET-measured RV metabolism with coupling physiology, supporting earlier identification of RV deterioration risk in pre-capillary PH.
Nakamura T, Tahara N, Koga Y et al. · Journal of nuclear cardiology : official publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Monitoring Myocardial Oxygenation Response to Respiratory Maneuvers Using Real-Time MRI.
This study evaluated real-time MRI methods to monitor myocardial oxygenation response to respiratory maneuvers using oxygenation-sensitive (OS) MR without relying on ECG triggering. In ten young healthy female volunteers on a 3T scanner, two real-time sequences (including RT bSSFP and RT FLASH) plus a semi-automated analysis workflow enabled continuous, motion-robust assessment of oxygenation dynamics. The approach could streamline myocardial oxygenation testing and reduce manual workload and ECG-related limitations in future clinical and research applications.
Vogt N, Lebza S, Felblinger J et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mitral Regurgitation Assessment Using a Novel Automated 3D Color Flow Quantification: Comparison With 2D PISA and CMR.
This retrospective study evaluated a novel automated three-dimensional color flow quantification (3D Auto CFQ) tool for quantifying mitral regurgitation (MR) severity and regurgitant volume (RVol) in 185 consecutive patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), comparing it with 2D proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA). 3D Auto CFQ, which integrates real-time 3D TEE color Doppler with a fluid-dynamics-based model, showed feasibility and improved performance versus conventional 2D PISA for MR quantification (with results reported against CMR as the reference in the truncated abstract). More accurate, geometry- and single-frame–independent MR quantification could improve clinical decision-making for MR severity assessment and treatment planning.
Kim K, Lee SH, Lee HJ et al. · Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Unique Shield: An Obstructive Huge Tricuspid Pouch Associated With Ventricular Septal Defect Developing Into Adulthood.
This JACC Case Reports report describes a 43-year-old woman with an obstructive huge tricuspid valve (TV) pouch associated with a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) that persisted into adulthood, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to define anatomy and flow. The TV pouch caused significant right ventricular (RV) inflow obstruction with bidirectional flow into the pouch but no effective communication with the RV, preventing a significant left-to-right shunt and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Surgical partial excision of the pouch and VSD closure (with TV preservation) highlights a rare congenital mechanism of RV inflow obstruction that can be missed without detailed multimodality imaging.
Rentapalla SK, Kumar B, Mukherjee A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pericardial Hemangioma: A Case Report and Updated Literature Review.
This case report and literature review describes a 57-year-old man with a hypervascular pericardial mass evaluated with coronary computed tomography angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and DOTATATE PET/CT plus plasma catecholamines. Although CMR suggested an epicardial tumor contiguous with the visceral pericardium with suspicion for an intrapericardial paraganglioma, normal DOTATATE PET/CT and catecholamines led to surgical excision and histopathologic confirmation of pericardial hemangioma. Recognizing this diagnostic mimic and using an organized multimodality workup can prevent misclassification of rare pericardial tumors and guide appropriate surgical management.
Azees R, Udongwo N, Esomonye T et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
EuroNet-PHL-LP1: Complete resection or low-dose chemo for pediatric low-risk nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
This prospective phase III trial (EuroNet-PHL-LP1) studied treatment strategies for children and adolescents with early-stage nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL), comparing complete lymph node resection with active surveillance versus low-intensity, anthracycline-free CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy for unresectable disease. The study found that patients with completely resected lymph nodes could be managed with surveillance, while those with unresectable nodal disease received three cycles of CVP as a lower-intensity approach. If confirmed in full results, this could reduce exposure to anthracyclines in pediatric low-risk nLPHL while maintaining favorable event-free survival.
Shankar AG, Landman-Parker J, Mascarin M et al. · Blood advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic challenges in isolated cardiac sarcoidosis.
This review article examined the diagnostic challenges of isolated cardiac sarcoidosis (iCS) in terms of how clinicians integrate multimodality imaging, endomyocardial biopsy, and molecular testing while excluding extracardiac disease. It highlights that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and positron emission tomography (PET) provide complementary assessment of myocardial inflammation, fibrosis, and ventricular function, improving diagnostic confidence despite inherent limitations of each modality. Improved diagnostic algorithms for iCS are clinically important because iCS is associated with worse prognosis and is fundamentally a diagnosis of exclusion.
Tersalvi G, Rossi VA, Hundertmark M et al. · ESC heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy in pediatric cardiac MRI.
This article presents pediatric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in a case of muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy, specifically in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), where ECG and echocardiogram were normal. The key point is that CMR detected clinically relevant myocardial involvement that can guide prognosis and treatment even when standard screening tests appear reassuring. Using CMR in pediatric DMD may enable earlier identification of cardiomyopathy and more informed risk stratification.
Hansen RM, Takahashi MS, Sakthivel MK · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: serologic and clinical correlates in a single-center registry.
This single-center retrospective registry study evaluated 142 adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) to correlate serologic and clinical features with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-confirmed myocarditis using the 2018 Lake Louise Criteria at diagnosis and during follow-up. It assessed diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI) and quantified the independent prognostic impact of myocarditis relative to interstitial lung disease (ILD). Establishing these correlates and prognostic contributions can improve detection and risk stratification of myocarditis in IIM patients.
Álvarez-Troncoso J, Refoyo-Salicio E, Díaz-Planellas S et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Quantitative 99mTc-PYP SPECT/CT at 90 minutes improves diagnostic stratification in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
This retrospective single-center study assessed 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 90-minute SPECT/CT increased diagnostic specificity, particularly addressing the common ambiguity of Perugini score 1 on planar imaging. More accurate noninvasive staging of ATTR-CM can streamline patient selection for confirmatory testing and disease-modifying therapy.
Nazerani-Zemann T, Stanzel S, Weitzer F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Examination of elevated myocardial extracellular volume and exercise capacity in pediatric Fontan patients at moderate altitude.
This retrospective cohort study investigated the relationship between CMR-derived markers of diffuse myocardial fibrosis—native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV)—and exercise capacity in pediatric Fontan patients at moderate altitude, compared with healthy controls. It tested whether elevated myocardial extracellular volume and altered T1 metrics correlate with reduced exercise tolerance, aiming to link diffuse fibrosis to clinically meaningful Fontan physiology. Clarifying this association could support earlier identification of patients at risk for exercise limitation and guide monitoring strategies using CMR fibrosis measures.
Arnouts EC, Drysdale ND, Gerstner Saucedo J et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Probable Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causing Biventricular Thrombi and Cardiogenic Shock.
This JACC Case Reports article describes a 70-year-old woman with recent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy who presented with cardiogenic shock and was found to have biventricular intracardiac thrombi. Initial laboratory testing suggested probable antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and management included inotropic support and anticoagulation, but attempts to wean inotropes failed and the patient chose hospice care. The case underscores the diagnostic uncertainty and limited evidence for treating extensive intracardiac thrombosis in suspected APS, especially when complicated by Takotsubo physiology.
Contractor P, Deng J, O’Neill LP et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.
This case report studied a 54-year-old woman with genetically confirmed SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP) who developed progressive dyspnea and a new left bundle branch block. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, with alternative causes excluded and extended cardiomyopathy gene testing negative. The report is clinically significant because it documents DCM as a previously unreported systemic cardiac manifestation of SPG4-HSP and highlights the need to consider cardiomyopathy in SPG4-HSP patients.
Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical Takotsubo Syndrome After Elective Stenting of the Left Anterior Descending Artery.
This case report studied a 77-year-old woman with stable coronary artery disease who developed apical takotsubo syndrome shortly after elective percutaneous coronary intervention with left anterior descending (LAD) artery stenting. Despite postprocedural chest pain and electrocardiographic changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction, coronary angiography showed a patent stent without acute thrombosis. The finding is significant because it emphasizes that takotsubo syndrome can occur after PCI and may be misclassified as procedural type 4a MI, affecting diagnostic and management decisions.
Vitalieva K, Shalaginova Y, Stukalova O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Microaxial Left Ventricular Assist Device as Bridge to Transplantation in Postinfarction Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm.
This case report studied a 61-year-old man with postinfarction left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm presenting with recurrent cardiogenic shock one month after myocardial infarction. Transthoracic echocardiography and CMR identified a large apical LV pseudoaneurysm compressing the right ventricle, and because surgical risk was prohibitive he was supported with prolonged Impella 5.5 therapy as a bridge to heart transplantation. The report is scientifically and clinically significant because it demonstrates feasibility of Impella 5.5–based mechanical support to stabilize a high-risk LV pseudoaneurysm patient until transplant.
Callahan S, Horvat N, Yu M · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The timing and relationship of ventricular arrhythmia with exercise patterns in veteran male endurance athletes.
This study examined whether exercise training patterns were associated with the incidence and timing of ventricular arrhythmias in 106 healthy veteran male endurance athletes (cyclists/triathletes, age ≥50) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and implantable loop recorders (ILRs). Over follow-up, 55 ventricular arrhythmia events occurred and the investigators assessed temporal relationships between arrhythmia occurrence and exercise patterns tracked by computerized devices. The significance lies in identifying how long-term endurance training may influence ventricular arrhythmia timing, informing risk stratification and monitoring strategies in veteran 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 evaluated myocardial fibrosis and its relationship to ventricular arrhythmias and reduced ventricular systolic function in 296 young (median age 19), 138 middle-aged endurance athletes, and 66 middle-aged non-athletic controls without known cardiac disease. Using CMR to quantify myocardial fibrosis and biventricular function and 24-hour Holter monitoring to quantify ventricular arrhythmias, the authors found non-hinge-point fibrosis was more prevalent in middle-aged athletes than in young athletes and controls. The findings are significant because they link age- and training-associated myocardial fibrosis to arrhythmia burden and systolic function changes, refining the concept of athlete’s heart remodeling.
De Paepe J, D’Ambrosio P, De Bosscher R et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiopulmonary physical fitness and tissue characterization through T1 and T2 mapping: new insights on athlete’s heart.
This study investigated associations between cardiopulmonary fitness and cardiac remodeling measured by CMR T1 and T2 mapping in elite healthy athletes undergoing maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and non-contrast CMR. The key finding was that CMR-derived T1/T2 tissue characterization metrics were related to measures of physical fitness from CPET, providing new insights into how vigorous exercise affects myocardial properties. The significance is that T1/T2 mapping may help distinguish physiologic athlete’s heart adaptations from early cardiomyopathic processes when interpreting CMR in athletes.
Graziano F, Balla D, Juhasz V et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 5 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Exercise recommendations for patients with Marfan syndrome: an updated review.
This updated review studied evidence and clinical guidance on exercise recommendations for patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), a genetic autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with major cardiovascular risks such as aortic root dilatation and dissection. The key conclusion was that exercise is beneficial in general but requires tailored restrictions in MFS due to the condition’s unique cardiovascular pathology and exercise-related hemodynamic stress. The significance is that it provides updated, clinically actionable recommendations to balance cardiovascular benefits against the heightened risk of aortic complications in MFS.
Jayaratne N, Gianni A, Riding N et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking in Olympic athletes: a myocardial deformation analysis.
This study examined myocardial deformation in Olympic athletes using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking to characterize athlete’s heart and differentiate it from early cardiomyopathy. In Olympic athletes with normal cardiovascular evaluation compared with age- and sex-matched sedentary controls, the authors assessed CMR cine-derived deformation patterns and evaluated differences by sports discipline and sex. The significance is that CMR feature tracking may improve interpretation of myocardial mechanics in athletes, supporting more accurate differential diagnosis when screening for cardiomyopathies.
Monosilio S, Prosperi S, Filomena D et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 7 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway of Takotsubo syndrome: current evidence and future directions.
This review studied how integrating cardiac computed tomography (cardiac CT) into the diagnostic pathway for takotsubo syndrome (TS) compares with the current reference standard of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was that while CMR provides detailed ventricular function and tissue characterization, cardiac CT can be valuable when CMR is contraindicated or limited (e.g., device incompatibility, claustrophobia, arrhythmia), and the review outlines evidence and future directions for CT’s role. The significance is that it supports broader, practical imaging algorithms for suspected TS to reduce diagnostic delays and improve differentiation from acute coronary syndrome.
Cau R, Gatti M, Suri JS et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CardioMorphNet: Cardiac motion prediction using a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep network.
This paper studied CardioMorphNet, a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep learning model for predicting 3D cardiac motion from short-axis (SAX) cine CMR images. The key technical finding is that the network uses a recurrent variational autoencoder to model spatiotemporal dependencies across the cardiac cycle and incorporates posterior models for bi-ventricular segmentation and deformable registration, addressing limitations of intensity-based registration losses. The significance is that improved cardiac motion estimation from CMR could enhance quantitative assessment of cardiac function and detection of abnormalities in clinical imaging workflows.
Movahed RA, Rezaee A, Zakeri A et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Practical Multi-Modality Imaging Approach.
This review studied cardiovascular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and how to detect, characterize, and monitor them using multimodality cardiovascular imaging in SLE patients. It found that echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear imaging each provide complementary strengths for pericardial disease, myocarditis, coronary artery disease, and valvular involvement, with important modality-specific limitations. The clinical significance is that an imaging strategy tailored to the suspected SLE cardiac phenotype can improve diagnosis and longitudinal risk assessment while avoiding overreliance on any single technique.
Borchsenius JIH, Dons M, Sengeløv M et al. · The Canadian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 studied a patient with constrictive pericarditis who underwent concomitant pericardiectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting, focusing on systemic effects reflected by liver stiffness. The key finding was a marked reduction in liver stiffness after surgical relief of constrictive physiology despite the complexity of concomitant three-vessel coronary disease and liver dysfunction. This is clinically significant because it provides rare in vivo evidence that pericardiectomy can reverse congestive hepatopathy/fibrosis-related stiffness in constrictive pericarditis.
Tabesh E, Darouei B, Kakavand N et al. · Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 images in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) across a cohort of 346 cases spanning dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), healthy volunteers, and other cardiac diseases. The key finding was that AI-derived ventricular volumes and left ventricular mass (LVM) showed measurable agreement with expert-derived measurements, with segmentation performance quantified using correlation metrics, mean differences, Dice coefficients, and slice detection accuracy. Scientifically, it supports selecting and validating vendor-specific CMR AI tools for reliable automated post-processing in diverse cardiac populations.
Hadler T, Ammann C, Saad H et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Improves Risk Stratification in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.
This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance (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 minimally symptomatic patients (NYHA I–II) undergoing CMR from 2010–2024. The key finding was that FT-LVGLS improved risk stratification for adverse outcomes and provided incremental prognostic value beyond the 2025 ESC/EACTS Class I/IIb surgical indication parameters. Clinically, this suggests FT-LVGLS can refine timing of intervention decisions in chronic AR by improving individualized outcome prediction.
Li B, Liu Y, Dai L et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
In vivo evidence of blood flow slippage: failure of the no-slip boundary condition assumption.
This study investigated whether the in vivo “no-slip” boundary condition holds for blood flow by measuring near-wall tangential velocities and wall shear stress in seven healthy adult volunteers using 4D-flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D-flow CMR) and Navier–Stokes modeling with data assimilation. The key finding was evidence of blood flow slippage, with near-wall tangential velocities on the order of ~30 (units truncated in abstract) indicating failure of strict zero-velocity no-slip behavior in vivo. This is scientifically significant because it challenges a foundational assumption in cardiovascular fluid dynamics models used to compute hemodynamic forces.
Jarolímová A, Hron J, Tůma K et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A Slc5a6-Deficient Mouse Model Reveals Metabolically Driven Cardiomyopathy with Therapeutic Potential for Vitamin-Based Intervention.
This preclinical study examined how loss of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter encoded by SLC5A6 causes 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 supplementation had therapeutic potential. The clinical significance is that SLC5A6-related biotin/pantothenic acid deficiency may be a treatable metabolic mechanism underlying early-onset dilated cardiomyopathy.
Fullerton MO, Phillips LC, Redgrave RE et al. · JCI insight · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 four-dimensional flow MRI (4D-flow MRI), with severity contextualized by regurgitant fraction (RF) and additional hemodynamic burden captured by viscous energy dissipation (VED). The key finding (from the study’s aim and framing) is that 4D-flow MRI–derived flow metrics and VED can characterize diastolic filling and quantify the hemodynamic impact of AR beyond conventional measures. Scientifically and clinically, this supports using 4D-flow MRI to better phenotype AR severity and its LV consequences.
Abdallah W, Darwish A, Garcia J et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Open-Irrigated Helical Radiofrequency Septal Ablation for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 60-year-old man with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) undergoing open-irradiated helical radiofrequency septal ablation using a novel dedicated open-irrigated helical radiofrequency catheter via subclavian venous access. The key finding was an immediate reduction in provoked LV outflow tract gradient from 130 to 30 mm Hg with sustained improvement at 12 months, septal fibrosis on 6-month cardiac magnetic resonance, and no procedural or follow-up complications. Clinically, it suggests this specific catheter-based technique may be a feasible septal reduction therapy option for oHCM when medical therapy fails.
Sun Y, Zhou X, Zhang M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Advancing Brain and Body Vascular Imaging in Bipolar Disorder: A Report From the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Vascular Task Force.
This expert task force report studied how to integrate multisystem vascular imaging across the “heart–brain nexus” in bipolar disorder (BD) by reviewing vascular imaging literature and organizing findings by brain, eye, heart, and body. The key finding was that vascular imaging approaches can help elucidate mechanisms linking cardiovascular health to brain health in BD and that current integration into BD research and treatment is limited. The scientific significance is that it provides a roadmap to standardize and expand vascular imaging strategies to advance BD pathophysiology and potential interventions.
Mio M, Chen PH, Kennedy KG et al. · Bipolar disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CA in AF With LVSD With and Without LV Fibrosis: Results From the CAMERA-MRI II Trial.
This analysis of the CAMERA-MRI II randomized trial studied catheter ablation (CA) versus medical rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF) with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), stratifying outcomes by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) burden (LV LGE ≥5% vs <5%). The key finding was that LV fibrosis status defined by LGE can differentiate CA outcomes in AF patients with LVSD, addressing whether fibrosis modifies treatment benefit. Clinically, this supports using CMR LGE to risk-stratify AF-LVSD patients when considering CA.
Segan L, Kistler PM, Cho K et al. · JACC. Clinical electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Electromagnetic interference during epicardial ablation in a patient with an extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: a case report.
This case report studied feasibility and safety of epicardial catheter ablation for ventricular arrhythmias in a 42-year-old man with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ACM) and an extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) with a retrosternal lead. The key finding was that electromagnetic interference occurred during epicardial ablation, highlighting a practical hazard when performing epicardial procedures in patients with EV-ICDs. Clinically, the report supports careful pre-procedural planning and monitoring for electromagnetic interference when considering epicardial ablation in ACM patients with retrosternal EV-ICD leads.
Proust M, Ouyang F, Breitenstein A et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Machine Learning-based Model for Major Adverse Cardiac Event Prediction in Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective cohort study developed a machine learning model to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using cardiac MRI features (balanced cine SSFP, native T1/T2 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement) from September 2015 to December 2022. The key finding was that a penalized Cox proportional hazards approach with elastic net regularization (CoxNet) identified high-risk HCM patients and quantified key imaging predictors of MACE risk. Scientifically and clinically, the model could improve risk stratification for cardiovascular death, resuscitated sudden cardiac death, and heart failure hospitalization in HCM using routinely acquired CMR data.
Geyer T, McIntosh C, Sood V et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AI-based Histologic Heterogeneity of Microvascular Obstruction at Cardiac MRI for Predicting MACEs: A Multicenter Study.
This multicenter retrospective study evaluated an AI-based framework that combined automated microvascular obstruction (MVO) segmentation with radiomic feature extraction to predict MACEs in STEMI patients with MVO undergoing cardiac MRI. The key finding was that AI-derived heterogeneity metrics of microvascular injury improved prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events compared with approaches relying on manual or less informative quantification. This is significant because it enables scalable, more nuanced characterization of microvascular damage that may refine post-STEMI prognosis.
Chen BH, Li SL, Xiang JY et al. · Radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association of Mitral Annular Disjunction on Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Cardiovascular Outcomes.
This prospective CMR registry analysis studied the prevalence and prognostic impact of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and its association with native T1 relaxation times measured in end-systole and end-diastole in 1969 patients. The key finding was that MAD assessed by CMR was associated with cardiovascular outcomes and showed relationships with native T1 relaxation, suggesting underlying myocardial tissue alterations. Clinically, CMR-based MAD assessment may help identify patients at higher risk and provide mechanistic linkage to myocardial remodeling via T1 changes.
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 examined whether non-contrast cardiac MRI measures of biventricular function, mechanics, and tissue characteristics differ between severe and non-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and how they relate to nocturnal hypoxemia in 75 newly diagnosed OSA patients. The key finding was that severe OSA showed measurable abnormalities on non-contrast CMR (including native T1 and T2 mapping) consistent with subclinical myocardial injury and that these imaging findings correlated with markers of nocturnal hypoxemia. Scientifically, it supports using non-contrast CMR for earlier detection of cardiac involvement in OSA when conventional metrics may appear normal.
Wang J, Cheng Z, Du J et al. · BMC medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Navigating Mechanical Support in Cardiogenic Shock With Arterial Hypoplasia: Lessons From Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome.
This case report studied management constraints in cardiogenic shock due to arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) presenting with arterial hypoplasia in a 19-year-old man. The key finding was that extreme iliofemoral and aortic hypoplasia and tortuosity (e.g., 3 mm iliofemoral arteries and 19 mm ascending aorta) made mechanical thrombectomy and peripheral VA-ECMO technically unfeasible despite multimodality imaging (cranial CTA, aortic angiography, and cardiac MRI). Clinically, it highlights the need for early vascular feasibility assessment and alternative mechanical support strategies in ATS patients.
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 investigated whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived left ventricular pressure–volume (PV) loops improve individualized assessment of disease severity and prognosis in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The key finding was that CMR-based LV PV-loop metrics were associated with outcomes (time to death or lung transplantation) and provided prognostic information alongside clinical and hemodynamic data obtained from right heart catheterization and blood pressure. Scientifically, it supports PV-loop–based CMR as a noninvasive tool to better characterize LV underfilling and risk in PAH.
Castiglione A, Bergström E, Kjellström B et al. · Physiological reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Biomarkers and Multimodality Imaging in Surveillance During Oncologic Therapy: An Integrated Approach to Cardio-Oncology.
This narrative review summarized how cardiac biomarkers and multimodality imaging can be integrated for surveillance during oncologic therapy to detect cancer therapy–related cardiovascular toxicity. The key finding was that an integrated cardio-oncology approach—aligned with the 2022 European Society of Cardiology cardio-oncology framework—improves early detection across major cardiotoxic therapy classes (e.g., anthracyclines, HER2-targeted therapy, VEGF inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chest radiotherapy). Clinically, it provides a practical strategy for monitoring and risk management to reduce morbidity from treatment-associated cardiac dysfunction.
Agrawal SP, Lussier A, Patel DS et al. · Cardiology in review · (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 review article evaluated the role of multimodality cardiac imaging in assessing heart failure and guiding surgical transplant planning in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). The key finding was that longitudinal, guideline-recommended imaging surveillance—performed at expert centers with condition-specific protocols—improves identification of patients needing evaluation for advanced therapies. Clinically, it emphasizes optimizing imaging selection and execution to improve diagnostic yield and support timely transplant-related decision-making in ACHD.
Duarte VE, Rajpal S · Cardiac electrophysiology clinics · (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 treatment produced KHRB with a highly developed pore structure (specific surface area 1589 ± 24.62 m2/g) and substantially improved adsorption performance for T-HCl. Scientifically and practically, it demonstrates a synergistic waste-to-resource approach for improving antibiotic removal efficiency using engineered biochar.
Xu E, Song X, Liu Y et al. · Journal of environmental management · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Dual-Phase 3D Modified Dixon Steady-State MR Angiography in Pediatric Complex Congenital Heart Disease.
This retrospective single-center study evaluated dual-phase 3D modified Dixon (mDixon) steady-state MR angiography (MRA) in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease undergoing 3T cardiac MRI with respiratory navigator gating and interleaved systolic/diastolic acquisition. Dual-phase imaging improved phase-dependent vessel border delineation and enabled more reliable vessel diameter measurements compared with single-phase performance (as assessed by two independent readers). The technique’s ability to capture cyclic/phase-related vascular detail without breath-holding may improve noninvasive pediatric CHD vascular assessment and measurement consistency for clinical planning and follow-up.
Beissel LD, Hart C, Isaak A et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · 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 chronic kidney disease induced by renal embolization to test whether arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation, supported by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), causes cardiovascular dysfunction and remodeling. AVF creation produced adverse cardiac remodeling and impaired cardiac function in the uremic setting, linking AVF-related hemodynamic compensation to downstream heart injury. These findings support the uremic large-animal model as a mechanistic platform to study why AVF contributes to cardiovascular morbidity in end-stage kidney disease and to test potential interventions.
Kane J, Singh PG, Kilari S et al. · American journal of physiology. Renal physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multi-organ infarctions secondary to a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma in early childhood.
This report described a 4-year-old girl with acute stroke and renal infarction in whom transthoracic echocardiography identified a cardiac mass and cardiac MRI confirmed a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPFE). Surgical resection established the diagnosis on histopathology, highlighting CPFE as the embolic source despite its rarity in early childhood. Clinically, the case emphasizes that CPFE should be included in the differential diagnosis of 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 ↗
Ferumoxytol-Enhanced Myocardial T1 Tracking Using a Hybrid 2D/3D Steady-State MRI Sequence Captures Cyclic Intramyocardial Blood Volume Dynamics.
This feasibility study developed a hybrid 2D/3D steady-state “T1 tracking” MRI technique to measure ferumoxytol-enhanced cyclic intramyocardial blood volume (iMBV) dynamics from systole to diastole on clinical MRI scanners. Ferumoxytol-enhanced T1 tracking captured systolic-to-diastolic iMBV changes, supporting detection of coronary microcirculation-related dynamics without vasodilator stress. If validated clinically, this approach could provide a noninvasive MRI biomarker for coronary artery disease and microvascular dysfunction using a single contrast-enhanced acquisition.
Unal HB, Zeynali S, Ahmed A et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A rapid phage-free platform for antigen-specific VNAR screening with BATCH system.
This study created a phage-free bacterial two-hybrid screening platform (BATCH) for rapid antigen-specific VNAR discovery using a Cre recombinase-immunized Chiloscyllium plagiosum spleen cDNA library (~10^8 diversity). Using BATCH in BTH101 cells with dual lacZ and chloramphenicol resistance (CmR) readouts (enhanced by triple lacO sites and cAMP feedback), the authors identified two unique VNAR binders (VNAR1a and VNAR1b) against the target antigen. The method provides a faster, phage-independent alternative to phage display for generating single-domain shark antibody candidates with potentially improved access to cryptic epitopes.
Tang W, Hu J, Zhu Y et al. · Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society · (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 analyzed a patient with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) found to have both a coronary fistula and coronary stenosis, and it evaluated which lesion to intervene on using comprehensive noninvasive and invasive diagnostic testing before, during, and after intervention. The workup demonstrated two distinct mechanisms contributing to symptoms, including an unexpectedly high-flow coronary artery fistula from the LAD to the main pulmonary artery alongside a mid-LAD stenosis. The report underscores the need for detailed physiologic and anatomic assessment to guide targeted intervention when multiple coronary abnormalities coexist.
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 ↗
Clinical Features, Treatment, and Outcomes of Sintilimab-Induced Myocarditis.
This retrospective analysis reviewed 34 published clinical case reports of sintilimab-induced myocarditis to characterize presentation, timing, and outcomes after immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Myocarditis onset occurred 1–120 days after sintilimab (median 21 days), with common symptoms including dyspnea and chest tightness, and the study summarized clinical patterns relevant to diagnosis and management. The findings support clinicians in recognizing and treating myocarditis as an immune-related adverse event of sintilimab, improving diagnostic vigilance and risk stratification.
Liu M, Sun W, Pan Y et al. · Journal of immunotherapy (Hagerstown, Md. : 1997) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From healthy to heart failure in 24 hours: defining the upper limit of exercise-induced cardiac fatigue.
This single-subject study investigated cardiac consequences of extreme exercise by performing serial echocardiography, rest and exercise cardiac MRI (CMR), and biomarker testing (BNP and cardiac troponin-I) before and after 12-hour and 24-hour intense cycling world-record attempts in a former professional ultra-endurance athlete. After the 12-hour attempt, the athlete showed no respiratory compromise and underwent detailed imaging/biomarker assessment to define the upper limit of exercise-induced cardiac fatigue, with further evaluation after the 24-hour attempt. The results aim to delineate how far extreme endurance exercise can be pushed before measurable cardiac injury or dysfunction occurs, informing safety thresholds for high-intensity training.
Foulkes SJ, Anderson M, Janssens K et al. · Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI in Depiction of Myocardial Edema: A Comprehensive Review.
This comprehensive Radiographics review synthesized current evidence on cardiac MRI approaches for detecting myocardial edema across ischemic, inflammatory, infiltrative, toxic, infectious, and autoimmune conditions. It highlights practical challenges such as imaging artifacts, differential diagnoses, and how edema detection informs clinical risk stratification. Scientifically, the review consolidates technique selection and interpretation strategies to improve diagnostic accuracy when myocardial edema is suspected.
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 animal study evaluated whether cardiac MRI native T1 and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) can predict early mortality from anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in 31 Sprague-Dawley rats treated with weekly intravenous doxorubicin (2 mg/kg) for up to 12 weeks. Using Cox proportional hazards modeling with time-dependent covariates, the authors assessed associations between MRI parametric mapping measures and early death, with histology performed after death to corroborate injury. If translatable, these MRI biomarkers could enable earlier identification of high-risk patients developing doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and guide timely cardioprotective management.
Kim NY, Park J, Park HS 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 imaging review studied the diagnostic and management role of advanced cardiac imaging (cardiac CT and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, CMR) in pediatric patients with scimitar syndrome (partial/total right anomalous pulmonary venous drainage). It found that CT/CMR delineate scimitar syndrome variants—right lung and pulmonary artery hypoplasia, abdominal aortopulmonary collaterals, and associated cardiac/bronchial anomalies—thereby linking anatomic findings to clinical presentation and surgical or rerouting strategies. The clinical significance is that CT/CMR characterization can guide individualized treatment planning and improve diagnostic confidence in this rare congenital cardiopulmonary disorder.
Nguyen TVN, Emral HG, Voges I et al. · International journal of cardiology. Congenital heart disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Absolute and workload-indexed exercise blood pressure responses: associations with cardiac output, vascular resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness in females.
This study examined exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP) responses in 135 adult females (51±8 years) undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing across a wide fitness range, relating SBP patterns to cardiac output (CO), vascular resistance, and V̇o2peak. It found that SBP responses stratified by SBPmax (<190 vs ≥190 mmHg) and workload-indexed SBP (SBP/W-slope) were associated with the pressure–flow relationship (SBP relative to CO) and with cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak). The scientific significance is that workload-indexed SBP metrics may improve hemodynamic interpretation and risk/fitness assessment beyond absolute SBP during exercise.
Janssens K, Howden EJ, Mitchell AM et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (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 proteome-wide association study (PWAS) using protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) data from the ARIC cohort and genome-wide association studies for 19 cardiovascular diseases and 82 CMR traits. It identified potentially druggable plasma proteins by linking genetic determinants of plasma proteins to CMR phenotypes and cardiovascular disease outcomes through sequential PWAS and Mendelian randomization analyses. The clinical significance is that the approach prioritizes plasma protein targets that could be leveraged for novel cardiovascular therapeutics.
Gong W, Guo P, Liu L et al. · Life metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
One-year worsening heart failure and myocardial T1 mapping in patients with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy undergoing tafamidis treatment.
This retrospective study evaluated one-year outcomes and myocardial T1 mapping by CMR in 60 wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients treated with tafamidis. It found that baseline CMR native myocardial T1 (T1native) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV), along with cardiac biomarkers (high-sensitivity troponin T and NT-proBNP), were used to assess treatment responsiveness and associations with a one-year composite of worsening heart failure. The scientific significance is that CMR T1 mapping may help characterize short-term disease activity and prognostic stratification in tafamidis-treated wild-type ATTR-CM.
Kitagawa T, Hamamoto K, Okamoto D et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Forecasting mortality and decomposition analysis for cancer deaths in Egypt (2014-2030).
This population-level modeling study analyzed cancer mortality in Egypt using national vital registration data for 19 cancer types from 2014–2023 and forecasted through 2030 with a hybrid ARIMA–ETS time-series approach. It found projected changes in cancer mortality and used decomposition analysis to quantify contributions from population growth, population aging, and age-specific mortality rates to observed and projected cancer deaths. The public-health significance is that the forecast and decomposition can inform resource allocation and prevention strategies tailored to Egypt’s demographic and epidemiologic transitions.
Elshishiney G, Li M, Zou Y et al. · Cancer epidemiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance pulmonary transit time and myocardial strain across different stages of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
This prognostic CMR study assessed pulmonary transit time (PTT) and myocardial strain across CCS stages in 521 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent 3.0-T CMR. It found that PTT measured during first-pass perfusion (contrast travel from right to left ventricle) and CMR feature-tracking myocardial strain parameters were associated with outcomes, with prognostic value varying by CCS classification stage. The clinical significance is that CMR-derived PTT and strain may improve risk prediction after STEMI beyond conventional clinical staging.
Hu YY, Zhang ZX, Li S et al. · European journal of radiology open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Effect of Interleukin-6 Receptor Inhibition by Tocilizumab on Platelet Activation and Markers of Thrombus Formation: A Substudy of the ASSAIL-MI Trial.
This ASSAIL-MI trial substudy investigated whether interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) inhibition with tocilizumab alters platelet activation and thrombus-formation markers in patients with myocardial infarction. It measured soluble platelet activation markers (P-selectin, sCD40L) and coagulation/fibrinolysis markers (tissue factor, TFPI, PAI-1, D-dimer) and found that IL-6R blockade modulated these inflammatory–coagulation pathways. The clinical significance is that tocilizumab’s effects on thrombus biology may help explain changes in myocardial salvage and inform anti-inflammatory strategies in MI.
Ueland T, Dahl TB, Michelsen A et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multi-biomarker approach for predicting cardiac magnetic resonance parameters at 30 days after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
This pre-specified CLEVER-ACS substudy evaluated whether baseline biomarkers—high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT), NT-proBNP, CCN1, and PCSK9—predict cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) infarct characteristics at 30 days after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). It found that specific baseline biomarker levels were associated with 30-day CMR parameters reflecting the intermediate post-infarction stage. The scientific significance is that a multi-biomarker panel may enable earlier, non-imaging risk stratification of infarct healing and remodeling captured by CMR.
Horbach T, Wenzl FA, Manka R et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (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.
This study developed interpretable machine learning models using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) radiomics plus clinical variables to predict left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in 175 patients with metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It found that combining radiomic features with clinical data improved prediction of LVDD risk and produced interpretable outputs to support model transparency. The clinical significance is earlier identification of LVDD in MASLD/T2DM patients, potentially enabling proactive cardiovascular risk management.
Xia J, Leng S, Xu B et al. · Journal of diabetes investigation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic and prognostic value of T2 mapping in cardiac sarcoidosis.
This diagnostic and prognostic study assessed T1 and T2 mapping on 3T cardiac magnetic resonance in 39 patients with suspected/confirmed cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) who also underwent 18F-FDG PET. It found that myocardial T1 and T2 mapping can detect inflammation-related changes without radiation or contrast and may provide diagnostic and prognostic information complementary to late gadolinium enhancement and PET. The clinical significance is that CMR T1/T2 mapping could reduce reliance on burdensome PET for routine CS follow-up while improving risk stratification.
Uno M, Kosuge H, Kobayashi M et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Time trends in ICD recommendations and predictors of device activation hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a real-world cohort study.
This single-centre retrospective real-world cohort studied 52 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention between 2014 and 2024, evaluating how evolving ESC guideline recommendations affected ICD eligibility and subsequent event detection. ICD implantation and detection performance were influenced by the changing criteria over time, with outcomes assessed in relation to contemporary eligibility definitions and follow-up event capture. These findings are clinically significant because they quantify the real-world impact of guideline expansion for primary-prevention ICD use in HCM on sudden cardiac death risk management and monitoring.
Marques Antunes M, Carvalheiro R, Cardoso I et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (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 multicentre cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study enrolled patients with at least severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who underwent CMR to compare sex-related differences in clinical phenotype, right ventricular (RV) remodelling, and all-cause mortality under medical therapy. The key finding was that women and men with severe TR differed in CMR-derived RV remodelling patterns and that these differences were associated with mortality outcomes. The results are important for risk stratification and for tailoring management strategies for severe TR by incorporating sex-specific RV structural and prognostic information.
Hinojar R, Rodriguez Palomares J, Barreiro-Pérez M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Incorporating modality-specific intensity prior as text prompt for multimodal myocardial pathology segmentation.
This study developed and evaluated an intensity-guided multimodal myocardial pathology segmentation method (I-MMSeg) that uses multimodal large language models (e.g., GPT-4o) to generate modality-specific intensity priors for CMR-based segmentation. The key finding was that incorporating modality-specific intensity priors as text prompts improved segmentation performance for myocardial pathology compared with approaches relying mainly on morphological/geometric priors. This is scientifically significant because it provides a new multimodal CMR segmentation framework that leverages LLM-derived intensity guidance to support downstream myocardial infarction risk assessment.
Fang D, Gu Y, Yu L et al. · Medical image analysis · (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 assessed 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 arterial switch operation (ASO), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) strain measurements. The key finding was that rapid long-axis strain–based prognostic models improved identification of patients at risk for composite adverse events compared with less informative strain metrics. Clinically, this supports earlier and more accurate long-term risk stratification in post-ASO d-TGA patients using CMR-derived strain.
Hu L, Guo C, Liu X et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Enhancing Intermediate-Risk Stratification in Pulmonary Hypertension: CMR-Derived Quantification of Right Ventricular-Arterial Coupling.
This retrospective CMR/RHC study evaluated pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients classified as intermediate-risk by the 2022 ESC/ERS four-strata model and tested whether CMR-derived right ventricular–arterial coupling quantified as stroke volume to end-systolic volume ratio (SV/ESV) improves prognostic stratification. The key finding was that SV/ESV meaningfully reclassified intermediate-low versus intermediate-high risk groups for the composite endpoint of clinical worsening (hospitalization for congestive heart failure or death). This is significant because it refines risk assessment within the intermediate-risk PH category using an imaging biomarker derived from CMR.
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 restrictive physiology to a multifactorial hemodynamic phenomenon. The key finding is that EDFF is not a single, specific surrogate of myocardial stiffness but instead reflects multiple interacting determinants of post-repair RV physiology. The review is clinically relevant because it guides more accurate interpretation of EDFF in ToF follow-up and informs how clinicians should use it in prognosis and management decisions.
Baneu P, van Dijk AP, Duijnhouwer AL et al. · International journal of cardiology. Congenital heart disease · (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 prospective first-in-human exploratory trial studied low-dose ventricular radiotherapy (10 Gy in 5 daily fractions) in patients with wild-type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTRwt-CA), targeting the left ventricle. The key finding was that treatment feasibility was demonstrated with measurable changes assessed at baseline and 12 weeks using 18F-flutemetamol amyloid PET (septal and lateral LV tissue-to-background ratio) and CMR (extracellular volume and T1 mapping). Scientifically and clinically, it supports the concept that localized radiotherapy may modulate cardiac amyloid burden in ATTRwt-CA and provides early imaging endpoints for future efficacy trials.
Guijarro D, Massie E, Zilli T 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 real-world, multi-institution retrospective cohort analyzed tarlatamab outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients who received at least one dose between 5/16/2024 and 6/15/2025, with particular focus on a “trial-ineligible” population defined by factors such as ECOG performance status ≥2 and prior grade ≥2 pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease. The key finding was that real-world outcomes differed from those expected in pivotal trials because trial-ineligible patients were more likely to have baseline characteristics that could affect tolerability and effectiveness. This is clinically significant because it informs how tarlatamab performs in broader practice populations that would not have met clinical-trial eligibility criteria.
Cooper AJ, Liang J, McDonald S et al. · Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) · (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 evaluated diagnostic yield of second-line functional imaging after abnormal coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in 1410 patients with ≥50% diameter stenosis, comparing dobutamine stress echocardiography, SPECT, CMR, and/or PET against invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard. The key finding was that diagnostic performance varied by the choice of functional imaging modality when benchmarked to FFR, providing evidence to guide modality selection after abnormal CCTA. This is important for clinical decision-making because it helps optimize downstream testing pathways to confirm hemodynamically significant coronary disease.
Rasmussen LD, Hoek R, Westra J et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Multimodality imaging of patent ductus arteriosus with severe pulmonary hypertension following 3 pregnancies.
This radiology case report described multimodality imaging of a 46-year-old woman with severe pulmonary hypertension due to a previously unrecognized large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) after three pregnancies. The key finding was that imaging and catheterization demonstrated systemic-level pulmonary vascular resistance with bi-directional shunting and right ventricular dilation/dysfunction. The case is clinically significant because it highlights the value of multimodality imaging to diagnose adult PDA with advanced pulmonary vascular disease and to characterize shunt physiology for management planning.
Corsi D, Mousa A, Patel D et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Smoking cessation after first STEMI enhances infarct healing: a cardiac MRI study.
This prospective study evaluated how smoking cessation after a first ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) affects infarct healing in 672 revascularized first-time STEMI patients, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at baseline, 4 months, and 12 months. Patients who quit smoking showed improved infarct dynamics consistent with enhanced infarct healing compared with those who continued smoking. These findings support smoking cessation as a modifiable factor that can improve post-STEMI myocardial recovery, with CMR providing a mechanistic imaging endpoint for secondary prevention.
Troger F, Pamminger M, Reindl M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI for cardiovascular diagnosis and imaging analysis
Addressing disparities in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: A systematic review of artificial intelligence in the early identification to improve patient outcomes.
This systematic review assessed artificial intelligence (AI) tools for early identification of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), focusing on non-invasive diagnostic and screening approaches relevant to underdiagnosed Black populations. Across the included studies, AI-based methods were reported to detect subtle ATTR-CM patterns earlier than conventional approaches, potentially improving time-to-diagnosis and outcomes. The review highlights a promising but still emerging role for AI in reducing diagnostic disparities in ATTR-CM.
Zhang Z, Lim N, Abi-Rached J et al. · Journal of the National Medical Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR-based risk stratification after MI (scar, strain, perfusion, biomarkers)
Endotype-informed therapy and effects on illness perception and psychological health in patients with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease.
The Coronary microvascular angina Cardiac Magnetic Resonance imaging (CorCMR) trial evaluated whether non-invasive stress perfusion CMR–defined ischemic endotypes and endotype-informed targeted therapy improve illness perception and psychological health versus standard angiography-guided care in patients with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA). Endotype-guided management based on stress perfusion CMR improved patient-reported illness perception and psychological outcomes compared with angiography-guided care. This supports using CMR endotyping not only for ischemia characterization but also for addressing diagnostic uncertainty–related psychological distress.
Bradley CP, McKinley G, Orchard V et al. · European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Wide Complex Tachycardia of Uncertain Origin: Demonstration of Atrioventricular Dissociation by Doppler Echocardiography.
This case report studied a 72-year-old woman with unstable wide complex tachycardia (WCT) of uncertain origin to demonstrate atrioventricular dissociation using Doppler echocardiography. Doppler echocardiography provided evidence of atrioventricular dissociation, helping clarify the arrhythmia mechanism when cardioversion and amiodarone were limited by stroke risk and comorbid constraints. The report highlights Doppler echocardiography as a practical bedside technique for arrhythmia mechanism determination in complex WCT presentations.
Khattab A, Timmerman C, Kee A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI techniques and acquisition workflow innovations
Laser HeartBeat: Feasibility of a Contactless Optical Gating Method for Cardiac MRI.
The paper studied the feasibility of Laser HeartBeat (Laser HB), a contactless optical gating method for cardiac MRI using defocused laser speckle imaging to track chest-wall microvibrations. The proposed real-time optical acquisition and triggering pipeline demonstrated robust cardiac gating performance without ECG or other contact sensors. This could reduce setup constraints and electromagnetic interference in CMR, improving workflow and image quality for patients where contact sensors are problematic.
Gao Q, Zhu Y, Zhang X et al. · IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 by increasing reader confidence and diagnostic accuracy. In 120 patients scanned on GE, Philips, and Siemens 1.5T systems, grayscale inversion improved visual contrast for subendocardial infarcts and increased reader confidence, with effects assessed across reader experience and vendor. The technique offers a simple, vendor-independent post-processing method to enhance CMR scar interpretation in routine clinical practice.
Károlyi M, Groenhoff L, Spiczak JV et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI tissue characterization (T1/T2/ECV, edema, diffuse fibrosis)
Reference Ranges for Myocardial Native T1, T2, and Extracellular Volume at 5.0T Cardiac MRI in Healthy Adults.
This prospective study established reference ranges for myocardial native T1, T2, and extracellular volume (ECV) measured by 5.0T cardiac MRI in 181 healthy Chinese adults aged 20–80 years. Using 5.0T T1/T2 mapping techniques, the authors generated normal parameter distributions for native relaxation times and ECV. These reference values enable more accurate interpretation of 5.0T CMR tissue characterization in clinical and research settings.
Wang S, Qian X, Wu Y et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Atrial function and diastolic dysfunction using CMR
CMR-Derived Left Atrial Parameters for Assessing Diastolic Dysfunction and Prognosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This dual-center study assessed whether CMR-derived left atrial (LA) parameters can diagnose guideline-defined left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and predict prognosis in 248 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients versus 70 controls. Patients with elevated left atrial pressure (LAP; echocardiographic Grade ≥ II LVDD) showed distinct CMR LA volumetric/hemodynamic parameter patterns, and these CMR measures provided diagnostic and prognostic value for elevated LAP–defined LVDD. The findings suggest CMR LA metrics could improve risk stratification of diastolic dysfunction in HCM beyond echocardiography alone.
Liao W, Zhong J, Tang W et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Incremental prognostic value of left atrial strain for heart failure-related events following ST-Segment elevation myocardial infarction.
This study investigated whether left atrial (LA) strain measured by cardiac MRI adds prognostic value for heart failure (HF)-related events after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) across patients with different left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) levels. LA strain provided incremental risk stratification for subsequent HF-related events beyond discharge LVEF, including in patients with normal LVEF at discharge. Clinically, LA strain could improve post-STEMI risk prediction and guide earlier HF surveillance or intervention.
Zhao Y, Chen XY, Zhu GJ et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Heart failure and metabolic/nutritional reprogramming (preclinical)
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 randomized pig model study induced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with a metabolic switch toward increased myocardial glucose uptake by creating viable dysfunctional myocardium via progressive coronary artery stenosis, then tested whether a high-fat diet (20% lard) reprograms cardiac metabolism and improves systolic function. Compared with control diet, the high-fat diet improved systolic function and shifted cardiac metabolism away from the glucose-dominant state toward fatty-acid utilization. These preclinical results support nutritional/metabolic reprogramming as a potential therapeutic strategy for HFrEF.
Galán-Arriola C, Pérez-Camargo D, Ferrarini A et al. · Basic research in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammation, immune-mediated cardiovascular injury, and myocarditis
Deciphering Leukocyte Subpopulation Contributions to Ventricle Remodeling and Neuroinflammation After Myocardial Infarction Using Total-Body Molecular Imaging.
Using a C57BL/6N mouse model of permanent coronary artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction (MI), this study used total-body molecular imaging with PET to determine how macrophages and neutrophils contribute to ventricle remodeling and concurrent neuroinflammation. Peripheral macrophage depletion with clodronate-loaded liposomes and neutrophil inhibition with a neutralizing anti-Ly6G antibody altered post-MI inflammatory signaling and neuroinflammatory responses, linking specific leukocyte subpopulations to downstream remodeling and risk. These mechanistic findings support targeting distinct immune cell populations to reduce both cardiac and neuroinflammatory consequences after MI.
Lolatte K, Hess A, Willmann M et al. · Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardio-oncology and cancer therapy–related cardiovascular toxicity
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 prospective clinical study evaluated a pharmacokinetic-informed, CNS-directed high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) regimen—3 g/m2 infused over 3 hours with or without intrathecal chemotherapy—in 336 patients with large B-cell lymphomas (LBCL) at increased CNS risk who achieved complete metabolic response on CMR after RCHOP or derivatives. The protocol significantly reduced CNS relapses and improved survival compared with historical expectations for similar high-risk groups, with CNS risk reassessed using updated CNS-IPI and extranodal criteria. These results support a dosing-schedule–optimized HD-MTX strategy as an effective approach to prevent CNS recurrence in high-risk LBCL.
Ferreri AJM, Erbella F, Angelillo P et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Transplantation and immunosuppression strategies
CTLA4-Ig + Anti-IL-6/IL-6R Treatment Results in Long-term Allograft Survival and Function in Highly HLA-sensitized Patients.
The study evaluated whether combining CTLA4-Ig with anti–IL-6/IL-6R therapy improves outcomes in highly HLA-sensitized (HS) transplant recipients at risk for cell-mediated rejection (CMR) and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). The combined regimen was associated with long-term allograft survival and preserved graft function without the expected donor-specific antibody (DSA) rebound concerns when converting away from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)–based regimens. This supports a CNI-free conversion strategy using CTLA4-Ig plus IL-6/IL-6R blockade as a clinically relevant option for HS patients with CNI neuro/nephrotoxicity.
Jordan SC, Chandran S, Ammerman N et al. · Transplantation direct · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Case reports of rare cardiac conditions and procedural complications
An indolent course of undifferentiated pleomorphic cardiac sarcoma mimicking myxoma: A case report.
This case report described a 71-year-old woman with cardiac undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) that initially mimicked a myxoma, with early cardiac MRI showing only subtle atrial septal thickening. Over 2 years, follow-up imaging demonstrated progressive growth leading to surgical resection, and histopathology with immunohistochemistry confirmed high-grade UPS. The report emphasizes the diagnostic challenge of rare malignant cardiac tumors and the value of longitudinal imaging when initial findings are nonspecific.
Ziaei H, Palmquist E, Fagman H et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on June 06, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published May 30, 2026 – June 06, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.