What's New in Cardiac MRI? — June 07, 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 07, 2026 · 88 articles · 15 research themes · covering May 31, 2026 – June 07, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies, cardiac MRI (CMR) continues to expand from “anatomy and function” into mechanistic, quantitative tissue and physiology biomarkers. Multiple papers focus on standardizing and interpreting CMR tissue metrics (native T1/T2/ECV reference ranges, fibrosis surrogates, and myocardial edema frameworks), while others show how these measures improve prognosis or treatment selection—such as CMR-derived left atrial parameters for diastolic dysfunction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, baseline T1/ECV for short-term tafamidis responsiveness in transthyretin amyloidosis, and CMR mapping/radiomics for post–STEMI microvascular injury heterogeneity and risk stratification.
A second dominant theme is risk prediction and stratification using CMR-derived hemodynamics and mechanics, especially in pulmonary hypertension/right heart disease and congenital heart disease. Studies link RV–pulmonary arterial coupling, metabolic adaptation (FDG-PET/CMR), and even CMR-derived pressure–volume loop metrics to outcomes, while work in Fontan physiology and repaired congenital lesions highlights how diffuse fibrosis and flow-derived measures relate to exercise capacity and prognosis. Complementing this, several investigations address workflow and acquisition advances—automated plane prescription, motion correction for fetal CMR, non-ECG optical gating, and real-time oxygenation monitoring—aimed at making advanced CMR more feasible and reproducible.
Finally, the digest reflects a growing “precision imaging + precision therapy” direction. Trials and mechanistic studies use imaging (and sometimes imaging-informed endotypes) to guide treatment or understand biological pathways (e.g., IL-6R blockade effects in MI; stress perfusion CMR–informed therapy in ANOCA; CNI-free transplant conversion strategies in sensitized kidney recipients). Meanwhile, a substantial portion of the clinical literature consists of case-based learning in rare or diagnostically challenging cardiovascular conditions (vasculitis mimicking ischemia, unusual congenital anatomy, and immune/inflammatory syndromes), underscoring the value of multimodality imaging when standard tests are misleading or insufficient.
Cardiac MRI biomarkers & tissue characterization (T1/T2/ECV, edema, 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 healthy adults. In 181 healthy Chinese participants aged 20 to 80 years, left ventricular T1 and T2 mapping were performed on a 5.0T system to derive normal values for these quantitative biomarkers. The significance is that these reference ranges enable standardized interpretation of myocardial mapping results at 5.0T for future clinical and research applications.
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 ↗ · 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 by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and tested its relationship with ventricular arrhythmias and reduced biventricular systolic function in 296 young (median 19 years) and 138 middle-aged (56 years) male endurance athletes compared with 66 middle-aged non-athletic controls using 24-hour Holter monitoring. Non-hinge-point fibrosis was more prevalent in middle-aged athletes than in young athletes and controls, and fibrosis was evaluated as a correlate of ventricular arrhythmias and systolic dysfunction. The results support CMR-detected fibrosis as a potential mechanistic link to arrhythmia risk and impaired ventricular function in veteran endurance athletes.
De Paepe J, D’Ambrosio P, De Bosscher R et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
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. Using penalized Cox proportional hazards with elastic net regularization (CoxNet) and MRI inputs including cine steady-state free precession, native T1/T2 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement, the model identified high-risk patients and evaluated key predictors of performance. Such an imaging-based ML risk tool could improve prognostication and guide management decisions in HCM beyond conventional clinical risk factors.
Geyer T, McIntosh C, Sood V et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association of Mitral Annular Disjunction on Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Cardiovascular Outcomes.
This prospective CMR registry analysis assessed the prevalence and prognostic impact of mitral annular disjunction (MAD) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in 1969 patients, and examined associations with native T1 relaxation times measured at septal and lateral positions in end-systole and end-diastole. MAD was defined as ≥1 mm separation between the left atrial wall at the mitral hinge point and adjacent left ventricular myocardium, and the study tested whether MAD correlated with altered myocardial relaxation (and cardiovascular outcomes). Clinically, establishing MAD’s prognostic value and its relationship to native T1 could improve CMR-based identification of patients at higher cardiovascular risk.
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.
In a prospective study of 75 newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients (62 men; mean age ~44 years), investigators used non-contrast cardiac MRI—including cine imaging plus native T1 and T2 mapping—to compare biventricular function, mechanics, and tissue characteristics between severe and non-severe OSA and relate these to nocturnal hypoxemia. The study found that OSA severity was associated with measurable cardiac abnormalities on non-contrast CMR metrics despite potential limitations of conventional CMR measures (abstract truncated). These results suggest non-contrast CMR tissue mapping may detect early subclinical myocardial injury in OSA and enable earlier cardiovascular risk stratification.
Wang J, Cheng Z, Du J et al. · BMC medical imaging · (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 evaluated ferumoxytol-enhanced (FE) cardiac MRI using a new myocardial “T1 tracking” hybrid 2D/3D steady-state sequence to measure cyclic systolic-to-diastolic intramyocardial blood volume (iMBV) dynamics in a clinical MRI setting. The key finding was that the technique could capture systolic-to-diastolic iMBV changes without vasodilator stress, supporting its use as a marker of coronary microcirculation. Clinically, this could enable noninvasive detection and monitoring of coronary artery disease (CAD) by quantifying microvascular blood volume dynamics.
Unal HB, Zeynali S, Ahmed A et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI in Depiction of Myocardial Edema: A Comprehensive Review.
This comprehensive review studied the imaging problem of myocardial edema across cardiovascular diseases and summarized how cardiac MRI can depict edema using established sequences and interpretive strategies. The key finding was that myocardial edema is a multifactorial pathophysiologic marker spanning ischemic, inflammatory, infiltrative, toxic, infectious, and autoimmune conditions, but it requires careful differentiation from mimics and artifact sources. Clinically, the review emphasizes that accurate edema detection and differential diagnosis improve risk stratification and management decisions.
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 in a preclinical model of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. In 31 Sprague-Dawley rats receiving weekly intravenous doxorubicin (2 mg/kg) for up to 12 weeks, MRI parametric mapping variables were associated with early death using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Scientifically, the results support native T1 and ECV as prognostic biomarkers for early anthracycline cardiotoxicity, potentially enabling earlier intervention in future translational studies.
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 study evaluated 60 wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) patients receiving tafamidis, using baseline CMR native myocardial T1 (T1native) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and then assessing one-year worsening heart failure outcomes. The key finding was that myocardial T1 mapping metrics obtained at baseline were informative for short-term (one-year) treatment responsiveness and/or risk of worsening heart failure during tafamidis therapy. Clinically, this suggests CMR T1 mapping could help stratify ATTR-CM patients and monitor tafamidis effectiveness beyond conventional biomarkers.
Kitagawa T, Hamamoto K, Okamoto D et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI for ischemia/MI outcomes (infarct size, MVO, PTT, remodeling)
Cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with acute myocardial infarction: The added clinical value.
This review summarized the added clinical value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) beyond standard ventricular function assessment. It highlighted that CMR can quantify infarct size and the ischemic area at risk and detect microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial hemorrhage, and interstitial remodeling using late gadolinium enhancement and parametric mapping (native T1, T2, T2*, extracellular volume). The significance is that these CMR biomarkers better reflect pathophysiology linked to adverse left ventricular remodeling and long-term outcomes, supporting improved risk stratification.
Alberti M, Faggioni L, Cioni D et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway of Takotsubo syndrome: current evidence and future directions.
This review integrated current evidence on cardiac computed tomography (CT) into the diagnostic pathway for Takotsubo syndrome (TS), focusing on how CT complements cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) when CMR is contraindicated or limited. The key finding is that while CMR remains the reference standard for TS tissue characterization and ventricular function assessment, cardiac CT can provide actionable information in real-world scenarios where CMR cannot be performed. This improves diagnostic flexibility and may reduce time to diagnosis in suspected TS patients.
Cau R, Gatti M, Suri JS et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI-based Histologic Heterogeneity of Microvascular Obstruction at Cardiac MRI for Predicting MACEs: A Multicenter Study.
This multicenter retrospective study evaluated an AI-based cardiac MRI pipeline with automated microvascular obstruction (MVO) segmentation and radiomic feature extraction in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who had MVO. The model quantified heterogeneity of microvascular injury and improved prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) compared with manual/less granular approaches (details truncated in abstract). These findings support AI-enabled CMR radiomics as a more scalable way to risk-stratify post-STEMI patients by capturing spatial heterogeneity of microvascular damage.
Chen BH, Li SL, Xiang JY et al. · Radiology · (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 study enrolled 521 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients who underwent 3.0-T CMR and assessed pulmonary transit time (PTT) plus global myocardial strain (longitudinal, circumferential, radial) across Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) stages. The key finding was that CMR-derived PTT and myocardial strain parameters were prognostically associated with outcomes after STEMI, with performance/associations varying by CCS stage. This supports using CMR first-pass perfusion PTT and feature-tracking strain as risk stratification tools for post-STEMI prognosis.
Hu YY, Zhang ZX, Li S et al. · European journal of radiology open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 CMR infarct characteristics at 30 days after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The key finding was that specific baseline biomarker levels were significantly associated with 30-day CMR parameters reflecting infarct/intermediate remodeling stage. This provides a multi-biomarker strategy to anticipate CMR-defined post-MI tissue outcomes and potentially refine early risk stratification.
Horbach T, Wenzl FA, Manka R et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (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 assessed diagnostic yield of second-line functional imaging after abnormal coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in 1410 patients (mean age 62 ± 8.1 years, 67% male) with ≥50% diameter stenosis, comparing dobutamine stress echocardiography, SPECT, CMR, and/or PET against invasive angiography with fractional flow reserve (FFR) as the reference standard. The key finding was that the diagnostic performance of second-line functional imaging varied by modality when benchmarked to FFR, informing which tests best identify functionally significant coronary disease after abnormal CCTA. This is significant because it supports evidence-based selection of functional imaging strategies to reduce unnecessary invasive procedures and improve downstream management.
Rasmussen LD, Hoek R, Westra J et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT in cardiomyopathies & genetic heart disease (HCM, DCM, athlete’s heart, rare syndromes)
CMR-Derived Left Atrial Parameters for Assessing Diastolic Dysfunction and Prognosis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This dual-center study evaluated whether CMR-derived left atrial (LA) parameters can assess guideline-defined left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) and predict outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Among 248 HCM patients and 70 controls who underwent both echocardiography and CMR, LA volumetric and related CMR measures were used to classify patients into normal versus elevated left atrial pressure (LAP) groups (Grade ≥ II LVDD) and to test prognostic associations. The clinical significance is that CMR LA metrics may provide a noninvasive, prognostically relevant alternative to echocardiography-based LVDD assessment in HCM.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy in pediatric cardiac MRI.
This case report described the role of cardiac MRI in a pediatric patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who had normal ECG and echocardiography but underwent MRI for cardiac assessment. The key finding was that cardiac MRI provided prognostic and treatment-relevant information despite normal initial screening tests. Scientifically and clinically, it highlights cardiac MRI as a sensitive tool for early cardiomyopathy detection in DMD when conventional measures are unrevealing.
Hansen RM, Takahashi MS, Sakthivel MK · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.
This case report evaluated cardiac involvement in a 54-year-old woman with genetically confirmed SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP) using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance. The key finding was nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, with alternative causes excluded and extended cardiomyopathy gene testing negative. Scientifically, it documents DCM as a previously unreported systemic cardiac manifestation of SPG4-HSP and supports considering cardiomyopathy in SPG4-HSP patients.
Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiopulmonary physical fitness and tissue characterization through T1 and T2 mapping: new insights on athlete’s heart.
This study examined associations between cardiorespiratory fitness measured by 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 T1/T2 tissue characterization metrics were related to CPET-derived physical fitness, providing new insights into how athlete’s heart physiology relates to myocardial relaxation/tissue properties. These data help refine interpretation of T1/T2 mapping in athletes and may improve differentiation between physiological remodeling and early cardiomyopathy.
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 summarized evidence and practical guidance on exercise recommendations for patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS), a genetic autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with major cardiovascular risk from aortic root dilatation and dissection. The review’s key conclusion is that exercise can be beneficial but must be individualized and generally favors lower-intensity, controlled activities while avoiding high-intensity or high–afterload/competitive exertion that may increase aortic stress. Clinically, the synthesis supports safer exercise prescription to balance cardiovascular benefits against the unique aortic pathology risk 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 used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking to quantify myocardial deformation in Olympic athletes with normal cardiovascular evaluation and compared results across sports disciplines and sex against age- and sex-matched sedentary controls. The key finding was that myocardial deformation patterns differed by sports discipline and sex despite normal baseline cardiovascular screening, reflecting extreme athlete’s-heart remodeling. These results support CMR deformation/feature-tracking as a discipline- and sex-sensitive tool for distinguishing physiological athlete remodeling from early cardiomyopathy.
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 work investigated how loss of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter SLC5A6 (cardiac-specific Slc5a6 knockout, Slc5a6cKO) drives dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and whether vitamin supplementation can rescue disease in a mouse model. Slc5a6cKO mice developed progressive cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, impaired coenzyme A synthesis, metabolic dysfunction, and premature death by 26 weeks, and the study identified a therapeutic potential for vitamin-based intervention. These findings link SLC5A6-mediated biotin/pantothenic acid uptake to energy metabolism in DCM and suggest a genotype-informed, vitamin-targeted therapeutic strategy.
Fullerton MO, Phillips LC, Redgrave RE et al. · JCI insight · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Semiautomatic method for peak velocity quantification using 4D flow imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
This prospective single-center study developed and tested a semiautomatic postprocessing method for measuring left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) peak velocity on 4D-flow cardiac MRI in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). The new semiautomatic approach improved reliability and reproducibility compared with labor-intensive conventional workflows for LVOT peak velocity quantification. More consistent LVOT velocity measurements could strengthen risk stratification and treatment planning in HCM where LVOTO severity guides management.
Desdoit X, Bouzerar R, Dantoing C et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From healthy to heart failure in 24 hours: defining the upper limit of exercise-induced cardiac fatigue.
This study investigated cardiac consequences of extreme exercise by evaluating a former professional ultra-endurance athlete before and after 12-hour and 24-hour intense cycling world-record attempts using echocardiography, rest and exercise cardiac MRI (CMR), and biomarkers (BNP and cardiac troponin-I). The key finding was that intense prolonged exercise produced measurable cardiac fatigue progressing toward heart failure physiology within 24 hours, as reflected by imaging and biomarker changes across timepoints. The results help define an upper limit of exercise-induced cardiac stress and inform risk assessment for extreme endurance events.
Foulkes SJ, Anderson M, Janssens K et al. · Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI & hemodynamics in pulmonary hypertension/right heart failure
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 key finding was that higher pulmonary vascular resistance was associated with increased RV glucose metabolism and impaired RV-PA coupling, consistent with early maladaptive metabolic remodeling before overt structural changes. This is significant because it links metabolic imaging biomarkers to hemodynamic load and coupling abnormalities, potentially enabling earlier risk stratification of RV failure in 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 ↗
CMR-derived left ventricular pressure-volume loops enhance individualized assessment of disease severity and prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension in adults.
This study used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to derive left ventricular pressure–volume (PV) loops and tested their prognostic value in 96 adult patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who underwent clinically indicated CMR, compared with 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. CMR-derived LV PV-loop metrics were computed and related to outcomes using right heart catheterization data, treatment information, and time to death or lung transplantation (abstract truncated). If validated, CMR PV-loop–based assessment could provide individualized, mechanistic severity and prognosis estimates in PAH beyond conventional imaging alone.
Castiglione A, Bergström E, Kjellström B et al. · Physiological reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 biventricular strain and rapid long-axis strain (RLAS)–based prognostic models for composite adverse events in asymptomatic dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) patients after arterial switch operation (ASO), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance data in training, test, and external cohorts. The key finding was that strain measures—particularly rapid long-axis strain (RLAS)—identified impaired biventricular mechanics and improved risk stratification for long-term composite adverse events compared with less informative approaches. This is clinically significant because it supports earlier, CMR-derived mechanical risk prediction to better select d-TGA ASO patients for closer follow-up or intervention.
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.
The study investigated whether CMR-derived right ventricular (RV)–arterial coupling quantified as stroke volume to end-systolic volume ratio (SV/ESV) improves prognostic stratification in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients classified as intermediate-risk by the 2022 ESC/ERS four-strata model. The key finding was that SV/ESV–based RV–arterial coupling could further separate 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 ESC/ERS intermediate-risk categorization using CMR hemodynamic/functional quantification, potentially improving prognostic precision in PH.
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 review synthesized evidence on end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) after tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) repair, focusing on how EDFF assessment relates to restrictive RV physiology and prognosis. The key finding was that EDFF should be viewed as a multifactorial hemodynamic phenomenon rather than a specific surrogate for myocardial stiffness, based on mechanistic and imaging studies. This is significant because it guides clinicians and researchers in interpreting EDFF measurements more accurately for management decisions and prognostic evaluation 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 ↗
Cardiac MRI & congenital heart disease (including Fontan, CHD imaging, post-repair risk)
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 measures—native T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV)—relate to exercise capacity compared with healthy controls. It found an association between elevated myocardial extracellular volume/T1-based fibrosis markers and reduced exercise tolerance in the Fontan circulation. The results suggest that CMR fibrosis quantification may serve as an early, clinically relevant biomarker of Fontan physiology and exercise limitation.
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 review article summarized how multimodality cardiac imaging supports evaluation of heart failure and surgical transplant planning in adults with congenital heart disease (ACHD). It highlights that guideline-recommended routine imaging surveillance and condition-tailored protocols at expert centers are important for identifying patients who need evaluation for advanced therapies (abstract truncated). The clinical significance is optimizing imaging selection and longitudinal follow-up to guide timely transplant and advanced-therapy 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 retrospective single-center study evaluated dual-phase 3D modified Dixon (mDixon) steady-state MR angiography (MRA) in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) at 3T, using free-breathing dual-phase acquisition with respiratory navigator gating and interleaved diastolic/systolic imaging. The key finding was that dual-phase 3D mDixon improved phase-dependent image quality and enabled more reliable vessel measurements compared with single-phase approaches (specific results truncated). This supports dual-phase mDixon steady-state MRA as a practical technique to better quantify pediatric CHD vascular anatomy while managing motion and flow artifacts.
Xu E, Song X, Liu Y et al. · Journal of environmental management · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The role of advanced imaging in the diagnosis and management of scimitar syndrome in pediatric patients.
This imaging review studied how advanced imaging modalities—cardiac CT and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)—depict scimitar syndrome (SS) in pediatric patients and how imaging findings map to clinical management. The key finding was that SS is characterized by partial/total anomalous right pulmonary venous drainage to the hepatic vein/IVC with associated right lung and pulmonary artery hypoplasia and collateral/cardiobronchial malformations, with management options ranging from surgical rerouting to resection depending on anatomy. Clinically, the review supports using CT/CMR to define anatomic variants and guide individualized treatment planning 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 ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT in valvular heart disease & structural abnormalities (MR/AR/TR, congenital variants)
Mitral Regurgitation Assessment Using a Novel Automated 3D Color Flow Quantification: Comparison With 2D PISA and CMR.
This retrospective clinical study assessed mitral regurgitation (MR) severity using a novel automated 3D color flow quantification tool (3D Auto CFQ) and compared it with 2D PISA and CMR in 185 consecutive patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The key finding was that 3D Auto CFQ—combining real-time 3D TEE color Doppler with a fluid-dynamics-based model—showed feasibility and performance for MR quantification relative to conventional 2D PISA and CMR reference measures. This is significant because it addresses limitations of 2D PISA (geometric assumptions and single-frame analysis) by enabling more automated, geometry-aware MR quantification.
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 article describes a 43-year-old woman with an obstructive huge tricuspid pouch associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) that persisted into adulthood. The key finding was that cardiac MRI showed a large perimembranous VSD with bidirectional flow into the tricuspid pouch but no effective communication with the right ventricle, producing RV inflow obstruction without pulmonary arterial hypertension. This is significant because it documents a rare anatomic mechanism of tricuspid inflow obstruction and supports MRI-based characterization to guide surgical management.
Rentapalla SK, Kumar B, Mukherjee A et al. · JACC. Case 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 385 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic adults (NYHA I–II) with chronic moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR). FT-LVGLS improved risk stratification for adverse events and provided incremental prognostic value beyond the 2025 ESC/EACTS Class I/IIb surgical indication parameters. These findings support using CMR FT-LVGLS to refine timing of intervention and surveillance in chronic AR patients.
Li B, Liu Y, Dai L et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (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 viscous energy dissipation (VED) and related hemodynamic measures in the context of AR severity. AR changed LV diastolic filling flow patterns and increased the hemodynamic burden as reflected by VED, supporting 4D-flow-derived metrics as complementary to regurgitant fraction (RF). Clinically, this supports using 4D-flow MRI to better quantify AR-related LV stress and potentially improve severity assessment beyond conventional RF alone.
Abdallah W, Darwish A, Garcia J et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Gender differences in clinical phenotype, right-heart remodelling and outcomes in severe tricuspid regurgitation: a cardiac magnetic resonance study.
This multicenter CMR study compared sex-related differences in clinical phenotype, right-heart remodeling, and all-cause mortality among patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) who underwent CMR, with patients undergoing tricuspid valve intervention censored at procedure time. The key finding was that women and men differed in right ventricular remodeling patterns and in mortality outcomes under medical therapy. These findings highlight sex-specific prognostic considerations in severe TR and support more tailored risk assessment using CMR.
Hinojar R, Rodriguez Palomares J, Barreiro-Pérez M 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) following three pregnancies. The key finding was that multimodal imaging and right/left heart catheterization demonstrated systemic-level pulmonary vascular resistance with bidirectional shunting and right ventricular dilation/dysfunction. This is significant because it highlights the diagnostic value of integrated imaging and catheter-based hemodynamic assessment for adult PDA presenting with severe pulmonary hypertension.
Corsi D, Mousa A, Patel D et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging for arrhythmias & electrophysiology (risk, ablation, ICD/EV-ICD)
Treatment of Premature Ventricular Contractions: A Review of Medical Therapy, Catheter Ablation, and Emerging Treatments.
This Cardiology in Review article summarized evidence on treating premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in patients with and without structural heart disease, covering medical therapy, catheter ablation, and emerging treatments. The key finding was that clinical impact varies by symptom burden, PVC frequency, ventricular function, and underlying myocardial disease, with PVC-induced cardiomyopathy as a key risk in selected patients. This is significant because it provides a framework for selecting diagnostic evaluation (ECG, ambulatory monitoring, exercise testing, CMR) and tailoring therapy intensity to patient-specific risk.
Elattar S, Hodhod A, Basha NR et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 healthy veteran male endurance athletes (cyclists/triathletes aged ≥50 years) using implantable loop recorders (ILRs) alongside cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Fifty-five ventricular arrhythmia events were recorded, and the study found a relationship between exercise timing/patterns and when ventricular arrhythmias occurred. These findings suggest that in long-term endurance athletes, real-world exercise timing may help identify periods of increased ventricular arrhythmia risk and could inform monitoring strategies.
Javed W, Brown B, Chambers B et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Open-Irrigated Helical Radiofrequency Septal Ablation for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This JACC Case Reports report describes a 60-year-old man with drug-refractory obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) undergoing open-irrigated helical radiofrequency septal ablation via subclavian venous access using a dedicated catheter. The provoked LV outflow tract gradient fell immediately from 130 to 30 mm Hg with sustained improvement at 12 months, septal fibrosis on 6-month CMR, and no procedural or follow-up complications. The case suggests feasibility and potential effectiveness of this open-irrigated helical RF approach for septal reduction in oHCM.
Sun Y, Zhou X, Zhang M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CA in AF With LVSD With and Without LV Fibrosis: Results From the CAMERA-MRI II Trial.
This analysis from the CAMERA-MRI II randomized trial compared catheter ablation (CA) outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) stratified by LV late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) burden on CMR. Patients with LV LGE positive status (≥5%) versus LGE negative (<5%) showed differential outcomes after CA, indicating that myocardial fibrosis modifies the benefit of ablation. These results support using CMR LGE to personalize CA decisions in AF with LVSD by accounting for underlying fibrosis.
Segan L, Kistler PM, Cho K et al. · JACC. Clinical electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Time trends in ICD recommendations and predictors of device activation hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a real-world cohort study.
This real-world, single-center retrospective cohort study included 52 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients who received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for primary prevention between 2014 and 2024, assessing time trends in European Society of Cardiology (ESC) ICD recommendations and predictors of device activation. The key finding was that evolving guideline criteria changed real-world ICD eligibility and influenced event detection/activation patterns over time, with identifiable clinical/imaging predictors of ICD activation. This informs how guideline updates translate into actual ICD performance and sudden cardiac death risk management in HCM.
Marques Antunes M, Carvalheiro R, Cardoso I et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging automation, AI, and machine learning for cardiac imaging workflows
CardioMorphNet: Cardiac motion prediction using a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep network.
This paper proposed CardioMorphNet, a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep network for 3D cardiac motion prediction using short-axis (SAX) cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. The key technical finding is that incorporating a recurrent variational autoencoder to model spatio-temporal dependencies across the cardiac cycle and using posterior models for bi-ventricular segmentation improves deformable registration and motion estimation compared with intensity-only registration approaches. Scientifically, it advances automated, anatomy-aware cardiac motion estimation that could support downstream functional assessment and abnormality detection.
Movahed RA, Rezaee A, Zakeri A et al. · Medical image analysis · (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 post-processing of short-axis cine CMR images for segmentation in a diverse cohort of 346 cases including 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 showed varying degrees of agreement with expert-derived measurements, quantified using correlations, mean differences, and Dice coefficients for segmentation overlap. This is clinically significant because it informs which automated CMR segmentation tools may be most reliable across disease types and imaging workflows.
Hadler T, Ammann C, Saad H et al. · Scientific reports · (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 prospective study developed interpretable machine learning models using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) radiomics combined with 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). The key finding was that the CMR radiomics–clinical model could stratify LVDD risk in this MASLD/T2DM population with interpretability features supporting model decision drivers. Scientifically, it advances early, noninvasive LVDD risk prediction using CMR imaging patterns in a high-risk metabolic cohort.
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 study developed an intensity-guided multimodal myocardial pathology segmentation method (I-MMSeg) for multimodal cardiac MRI, using a multimodal large language model (e.g., GPT-4o) to generate modality-specific intensity priors for segmentation in myocardial infarction pathology imaging. The key finding was that GPT-4o–generated intensity priors capturing relative intensity ordering across regions and boundary-specific intensity characteristics improved segmentation guidance beyond conventional morphology/geometry priors. This is significant because it introduces a text-promptable, modality-aware intensity prior strategy that could enhance CMR-based myocardial pathology quantification for MI risk assessment and treatment planning.
Fang D, Gu Y, Yu L et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Advanced CMR acquisition & motion correction / gating / real-time methods
Exploration of 3D fetal cardiac MRI in the late second trimester.
The study assessed feasibility and diagnostic performance of automated motion-correction tools for 3D fetal cardiac MRI in late second trimester fetuses with and without congenital heart disease (CHD). Using black-blood fetal CMR datasets reconstructed into 3D volumes (20 to 27+6 weeks’ gestation), the investigators evaluated image quality and 19 cardiovascular structures with sequential segmental analysis. The results are significant because they extend fetal CMR toward earlier gestational assessment by enabling 3D imaging despite fetal motion constraints.
Pm van Poppel M, Uus A, Steinweg JK et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Fully Automated Free-Breathing Cardiac MRI at 3T: A Prospective Randomized Study of Image Quality, Efficiency, and Workflow Burden.
This prospective randomized study compared fully automated versus manual free-breathing cardiac MRI (CMR) at 3T in patients referred for non-stress CMR, focusing on workflow efficiency and image quality. The fully automated workflow integrated automated plane prescription steps and reduced total examination time while maintaining acceptable plane prescription accuracy and image quality. This is clinically significant because it provides prospective evidence that automation can lower workflow burden and improve consistency in routine CMR practice.
Li K, Zhou W, Yang X et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Laser HeartBeat: Feasibility of a Contactless Optical Gating Method for Cardiac MRI.
This study developed and tested Laser HeartBeat (Laser HB), a contactless optical gating method for cardiac MRI in which defocused laser speckle imaging tracks chest-wall microvibrations. The key finding was that the proposed MRI-compatible optical acquisition and real-time Laser HB trigger algorithm can robustly extract cardiac timing signals without ECG or other contact sensors. This is clinically significant because it offers a practical, interference-resistant alternative gating approach that could improve CMR feasibility and image quality in challenging setups.
Gao Q, Zhu Y, Zhang X et al. · IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering · (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 responses to respiratory maneuvers in ten young healthy female volunteers. The key finding was that two real-time sequences (including RT bSSFP and RT FLASH) plus a semi-automated analysis workflow enabled continuous, motion-robust oxygenation assessment, aiming to reduce reliance on ECG-triggered acquisitions and manual interpretation. This is significant because it advances non-invasive, practical OS-MR approaches for studying myocardial oxygenation dynamics under physiologic stress.
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 ↗
Multimodality imaging in inflammatory/autoimmune cardiovascular disease
Extensive Cardiac Involvement in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Presenting With Severe Aortic Regurgitation and Atrioventricular Block.
This case report described a 53-year-old woman with ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting with severe aortic regurgitation and progressive high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block, initially suspected as non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Multimodality imaging showed inflammatory valvuloaortic thickening with cusp retraction, moderate pericardial effusion, and nonischemic septal late gadolinium enhancement alongside worsening AV block. The report is clinically important because it documents an uncommon pattern of ANCA-associated vasculitis with severe inflammatory valvuloaortic disease and conduction system involvement that can mimic ischemic presentations.
David-Pardo DG, Reyes-T RE, Luna G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Phenotypic Spectrum of Cardiac Involvement in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.
This case series characterized the phenotypic spectrum of cardiac involvement in three patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), including distinct cardiomyopathy trajectories. The key finding was that EGPA cardiac disease ranged from inflammatory cardiomyopathy responsive to intensified immunosuppression and guideline-directed medical therapy, to advanced fibrotic phenotypes requiring mechanical circulatory support with limited reversibility, with additional eosinophilic peri-/myocardial manifestations. This is significant for clinicians because it emphasizes that EGPA cardiac involvement can be activity-independent and heterogeneous, affecting prognosis and treatment intensity.
Majeed Z, Manaila AS, Xu B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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, risk stratification, and long-term cardiovascular implications in pediatric patients. The key finding was that KD most commonly leads to coronary dilation and aneurysm formation, whereas MIS-C coronary involvement appears less frequent and often transient. This is significant because it informs surveillance intensity and long-term cardiovascular risk management strategies for children after these inflammatory syndromes.
Fatima A, Akram MB, Asghar AH et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diagnostic challenges in isolated cardiac sarcoidosis.
This review evaluated diagnostic approaches for isolated cardiac sarcoidosis (iCS)—granulomatous inflammation limited to the myocardium—in terms of how multimodality imaging, endomyocardial biopsy, and molecular testing perform when extracardiac sarcoidosis is absent. It found that iCS remains a diagnosis of exclusion and that cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography provide complementary information on inflammation, fibrosis, and ventricular function, while electroanatomic mapping-guided biopsy may improve histologic yield and genetic testing may further refine diagnosis. Clinically, integrating these modalities can increase diagnostic confidence in a condition with poor prognosis and high diagnostic uncertainty.
Tersalvi G, Rossi VA, Hundertmark M et al. · ESC heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocarditis in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: serologic and clinical correlates in a single-center registry.
In a single-center retrospective cohort of 142 adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), the study characterized serologic and clinical correlates of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-confirmed myocarditis using the 2018 Lake Louise Criteria and assessed the diagnostic performance of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI). It found that CMR-confirmed myocarditis could be identified in relation to clinical/serologic features and that myocarditis had an independent prognostic impact relative to interstitial lung disease (ILD). This supports CMR-based myocarditis evaluation and hs-TnI-informed suspicion as clinically meaningful for risk stratification in IIM.
Álvarez-Troncoso J, Refoyo-Salicio E, Díaz-Planellas S et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Practical Multi-Modality Imaging Approach.
This multi-modality imaging review summarized cardiovascular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and how echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), computed tomography (CT), and nuclear imaging can be used for detection, characterization, and monitoring. The key finding is that SLE cardiovascular involvement spans pericardial disease, myocarditis, coronary artery disease, and valvular disease, each with modality-specific strengths and limitations. Clinically, it provides a practical imaging framework to guide selection of the most informative tests for SLE-related cardiac complications.
Borchsenius JIH, Dons M, Sengeløv M et al. · The Canadian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Features, Treatment, and Outcomes of Sintilimab-Induced Myocarditis.
This retrospective study analyzed 34 reported cases of sintilimab-induced myocarditis in adults (median age 64; 23 males) to characterize clinical features, timing, and outcomes after treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab. The key finding was that myocarditis onset occurred 1–120 days post-treatment (median 21 days) with common presentations including dyspnea (41.2%) and chest tightness (35.3%). The findings support improved recognition and management of immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis, informing diagnostic suspicion and treatment planning.
Liu M, Sun W, Pan Y et al. · Journal of immunotherapy (Hagerstown, Md. : 1997) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diagnostic and prognostic value of T2 mapping in cardiac sarcoidosis.
This diagnostic/prognostic study enrolled 39 patients with cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent both 3T cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and 18F-FDG PET to assess inflammation and fibrosis. The key finding was that T2 mapping (and related T1/T2 mapping measures) provided diagnostic and prognostic information for cardiac sarcoidosis, potentially reflecting active inflammation without relying on PET or contrast-enhanced late gadolinium enhancement alone. Clinically, T2 mapping could enable more practical longitudinal monitoring of inflammation activity in cardiac sarcoidosis.
Uno M, Kosuge H, Kobayashi M et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardio-oncology surveillance & treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity
Cardiac Biomarkers and Multimodality Imaging in Surveillance During Oncologic Therapy: An Integrated Approach to Cardio-Oncology.
This narrative integrated approach article reviewed how cardiac biomarkers and multimodality imaging are used for surveillance during oncologic therapy in the context of cardio-oncology. It emphasizes cardiovascular toxicity risk from therapies including anthracyclines, HER2-targeted agents, VEGF inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and chest radiotherapy, aligning surveillance strategies with the 2022 European Society of Cardiology cardio-oncology framework (abstract truncated). The significance is improved early detection and risk management of cancer therapy–related cardiovascular complications using combined biomarker–imaging monitoring.
Agrawal SP, Lussier A, Patel DS et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Nuclear cardiology for amyloidosis (PET/SPECT/CT)
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). This could reduce misclassification and improve noninvasive diagnostic accuracy for ATTR-CM in routine nuclear cardiology workflows.
Nazerani-Zemann T, Stanzel S, Weitzer F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Therapeutics and mechanistic trials in cardiovascular disease (drug/biologic effects)
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 (abatacept) with anti–IL-6/IL-6R therapy improves outcomes in highly HLA-sensitized kidney transplant recipients, particularly those at risk of rejection after conversion from calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)–based regimens. The combination was associated with long-term allograft survival and preserved graft function without the expected donor-specific antibody (DSA) rebound and rejection events. This supports a CNI-free conversion strategy using CTLA4-Ig plus IL-6/IL-6R blockade as a potential approach for managing antibody- and T cell–mediated rejection risk in highly HLA-sensitized patients.
Jordan SC, Chandran S, Ammerman N et al. · Transplantation direct · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Endotype-informed therapy and effects on illness perception and psychological health in patients with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease.
This randomized, multicentre CorCMR trial evaluated whether non-invasive stress perfusion CMR—used to define ischaemic endotypes and guide targeted therapy—improves illness perception and psychological health in patients with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA). The key finding was that endotype-informed therapy based on stress perfusion CMR was associated with better illness perception and psychological outcomes compared with standard angiography-guided care. This is significant because it supports a CMR-driven precision strategy to address both diagnostic uncertainty and patient-reported psychological burden in ANOCA.
Bradley CP, McKinley G, Orchard V et al. · European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
EuroNet-PHL-LP1: Complete resection or low-dose chemo for pediatric low-risk nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
EuroNet-PHL-LP1 studied treatment strategies for children and adolescents (<18 years) with early-stage (stage IA/IIA) 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 trial design and reported outcomes indicate that completely resected patients can be managed with surveillance, while unresectable patients receive three cycles of CVP to achieve favorable event-free survival comparable to historical anthracycline-containing approaches. This supports risk-adapted de-escalation to reduce anthracycline exposure in pediatric early-stage nLPHL while maintaining disease control.
Shankar AG, Landman-Parker J, Mascarin M et al. · Blood advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arteriovenous fistula creation results in cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in a uremic pig model.
This preclinical uremic pig study investigated whether arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation for hemodialysis induces cardiac dysfunction and remodeling, using a large-animal model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) induced by renal embolization followed by AVF creation supported by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The key finding was that AVF creation produced measurable cardiovascular changes consistent with cardiac remodeling in the uremic setting (abstract truncated). Scientifically, the model provides a mechanistic platform to study how AVF-related hemodynamic stress contributes to cardiac deterioration in end-stage kidney disease.
Kane J, Singh PG, Kilari S et al. · American journal of physiology. Renal physiology · (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.
In the ASSAIL-MI trial substudy, investigators tested whether IL-6 receptor inhibition with tocilizumab (monoclonal antibody targeting IL-6R) alters platelet activation and thrombus-formation markers in patients with myocardial infarction. The key finding was that tocilizumab modulated soluble markers of platelet activation (including P-selectin and sCD40L) and coagulation/thrombus-related biomarkers (including tissue factor, TFPI, PAI-1, and D-dimer). This mechanistic evidence links IL-6R blockade to changes in hemostatic and inflammatory pathways relevant to MI progression and thrombosis.
Ueland T, Dahl TB, Michelsen A et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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), targeting the left ventricle and assessing amyloid burden with 18F-Flutemetamol amyloid PET and CMR (extracellular volume and T1 mapping) at baseline and 12 weeks. The key finding was that the intervention was feasible and measurable changes in cardiac amyloid burden were assessed using both PET and CMR biomarkers after treatment. This is significant because it provides early clinical evidence for a novel radiotherapy approach aimed at reducing myocardial transthyretin amyloid deposition in ATTRwt-CA.
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 study evaluated tarlatamab outcomes in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients who received at least one dose between 5/16/2024 and 6/15/2025 across three US institutions, including a “trial-ineligible” subgroup defined by factors such as ECOG performance status ≥2 and prior grade ≥2 pneumonitis or interstitial lung disease. The key finding was that real-world effectiveness and tolerability could be characterized in patients who would not have met eligibility criteria for pivotal tarlatamab trials. This is significant because it informs how tarlatamab performs in broader clinical practice populations, improving decision-making for second-line SCLC treatment beyond trial-selected patients.
Cooper AJ, Liang J, McDonald S et al. · Lung cancer (Amsterdam, Netherlands) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Case reports & rare cardiovascular diagnoses (single-patient or small series)
Wide Complex Tachycardia of Uncertain Origin: Demonstration of Atrioventricular Dissociation by Doppler Echocardiography.
This JACC Case Reports report describes a 72-year-old woman with unstable wide complex tachycardia of uncertain origin in whom Doppler echocardiography demonstrated atrioventricular dissociation. The key finding was that Doppler echocardiography provided evidence for AV dissociation, helping clarify the mechanism of the wide complex tachycardia when cardioversion and amiodarone were complicated by subsequent stroke and contraindications. This is clinically significant because it highlights Doppler echocardiography as a useful bedside technique for mechanistic diagnosis in WCT when ECG-based classification is challenging.
Khattab A, Timmerman C, Kee A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pericardial Hemangioma: A Case Report and Updated Literature Review.
This JACC Case Reports article presented a 57-year-old man with pericardial hemangioma and included an updated literature review. The key finding was that multimodality imaging (CT angiography showing a hypervascular pericardial mass and cardiac MRI suggesting an epicardial tumor contiguous with the visceral pericardium) led to surgical excision after DOTATATE PET/CT and catecholamine testing were normal. This is significant because it emphasizes an organized diagnostic approach to distinguish pericardial hemangioma from other hypervascular cardiac masses that can mimic it.
Azees R, Udongwo N, Esomonye T et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 presented with cardiogenic shock and was found to have large biventricular intracardiac thrombi consistent with probable antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The key finding was that extensive biventricular thrombosis can occur in APS and may present with profound hemodynamic compromise, with limited evidence guiding management despite initiation of inotropes and anticoagulation. Clinically, it underscores the need to consider APS in unexplained intracardiac thrombi and shock, even when the presentation is atypical.
Contractor P, Deng J, O’Neill LP et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical Takotsubo Syndrome After Elective Stenting of the Left Anterior Descending Artery.
This case report described a 77-year-old woman who developed apical Takotsubo syndrome shortly after elective percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting of the left anterior descending artery. The key finding was that despite postprocedural chest pain and ECG changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction, coronary angiography showed patent stent placement without acute thrombosis, and cardiac MRI supported Takotsubo diagnosis. Clinically, it highlights the importance of distinguishing Takotsubo syndrome from procedural MI after PCI to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate escalation.
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 described a 61-year-old man with postinfarction left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm presenting with recurrent cardiogenic shock one month after myocardial infarction. The key finding was that prolonged mechanical circulatory support with an Impella 5.5 device served as a bridge to heart transplantation, allowing hemodynamic stabilization until successful transplant. This provides practical evidence that percutaneous LV support can be a feasible alternative when surgical risk is prohibitive in LV pseudoaneurysm.
Callahan S, Horvat N, Yu M · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 who underwent concomitant pericardiectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting, with assessment of systemic effects reflected by liver stiffness. The key finding was a marked reduction in liver stiffness after surgical relief of constrictive physiology, consistent with improvement of congestive hepatopathy. The report highlights that pericardiectomy can reverse extracardiac consequences measurable by stiffness-based assessment, even in complex surgical scenarios.
Tabesh E, Darouei B, Kakavand N et al. · Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 describes a 42-year-old man with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ACM) who required epicardial ablation for ventricular arrhythmia circuits and had an extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) with a retrosternal lead. During epicardial ablation, electromagnetic interference occurred, illustrating a practical safety/feasibility challenge when performing ablation in patients with EV-ICDs. The report is clinically important for procedural planning and device-management strategies during epicardial ablation in ACM patients with extravascular ICD systems.
Proust M, Ouyang F, Breitenstein A et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Navigating Mechanical Support in Cardiogenic Shock With Arterial Hypoplasia: Lessons From Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome.
This report described a 19-year-old man with arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS) presenting with cardioembolic stroke and rapidly evolving cardiogenic shock, where multimodality imaging (cranial CTA, aortic angiography, and cardiac MRI) characterized severe biventricular dysfunction and extreme atrial enlargement. The key clinical finding was that profound iliofemoral and aortic hypoplasia/tortuosity (e.g., iliofemoral arteries ~3 mm, ascending aorta ~19 mm) made mechanical thrombectomy and peripheral veno-arterial ECMO technically unfeasible. The case highlights how ATS-associated vascular anatomy can directly determine feasibility of standard mechanical circulatory 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 ↗
Multi-organ infarctions secondary to a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma in early childhood.
This case report studied a 4-year-old female with acute stroke and renal infarct in whom transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac MRI identified a cardiac mass consistent with cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPFE). Surgical resection confirmed CPFE on histopathology, and the presentation was attributed to embolization causing multi-organ infarctions. The report highlights that, despite rarity in early childhood, CPFE should be considered in pediatric patients with embolic events and stroke 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 ↗
A Case of the Uncommon Cause of Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Coronary Fistula and Coronary Stenosis, Which One to Intervene?
This case report studied a patient with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) in whom diagnostic evaluation identified two distinct coronary mechanisms: a mid-left anterior descending (mid-LAD) stenosis (~50%) and a high-flow coronary artery fistula from the LAD to the main pulmonary artery. The key finding was that comprehensive noninvasive and invasive physiology/imaging before, during, and after intervention clarified which lesion(s) drove symptoms and guided management. Scientifically and clinically, it underscores the need to evaluate both coronary stenosis and fistula physiology when deciding whether and what to intervene in CCS.
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 ↗
Non-cardiac/health systems & epidemiology (population-level or non-imaging methods)
Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in heart failure and myeloproliferative neoplasms: clinical applications and risk scores - a narrative review.
This narrative review examined diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and risk-score frameworks for patients with heart failure (HF) coexisting with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). It found that shared thrombo-inflammatory biology and clonal hematopoiesis create cardiovascular risk that is often under-captured by existing HF risk models, and it summarizes emerging biomarker candidates and imaging/clinical variables used to stratify risk. Clinically, the review highlights the need for cardio-hematology–specific biomarker panels and risk scores to better identify and manage HF risk in MPN populations.
Muraretu IR, Gurghean AL, Gradinaru A et al. · Cardio-oncology (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Invariant state modelling for robust adaptive intrusion detection in software-defined internet of things environments.
The study developed an invariant state modeling approach (RADIUS) for robust adaptive intrusion detection in software-defined Internet of Things (SD-IoT) environments using a Temporal Convolution Encoder (TCE) with dilated causal convolutions and an Adaptive State Transition Module (ASTM). The key finding was that RADIUS can learn efficient traffic embeddings and detect non-stationary, non-recurrent attacks by modeling latent state transitions, improving robustness compared with conventional IDS approaches under heterogeneous traffic and evolving threats. This is significant because it provides a deployable deep-learning IDS framework tailored to SD-IoT conditions where attack distributions change over time.
Gowroju S, Reddy SSS, Choudhary S et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
In vivo evidence of blood flow slippage: failure of the no-slip boundary condition assumption.
This study tested in vivo whether the cardiovascular “no-slip” boundary condition holds by imaging seven healthy adults with 4D-flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance of the descending thoracic aorta and quantifying near-wall tangential velocities and wall shear stress using Navier–Stokes data assimilation. Near-wall blood exhibited tangential “slippage” with velocities on the order of ~30 (units truncated in abstract), indicating failure of the strict no-slip assumption in vivo. The results have direct implications for the validity of cardiovascular fluid-dynamics models that rely on no-slip boundary conditions when estimating shear stress and related hemodynamic biomarkers.
Jarolímová A, Hron J, Tůma K et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Advancing Brain and Body Vascular Imaging in Bipolar Disorder: A Report From the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Vascular Task Force.
This expert review synthesized evidence from the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Vascular Task Force on how multisystem vascular imaging can be integrated into bipolar disorder (BD) research and care. It highlights the “heart–brain nexus” and organizes vascular imaging approaches across brain, eye, heart, and body to identify mechanisms and future research directions. The review is significant for guiding translational studies that use vascular imaging biomarkers to better understand and potentially treat BD.
Mio M, Chen PH, Kennedy KG et al. · Bipolar disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A rapid phage-free platform for antigen-specific VNAR screening with BATCH system.
This study developed a phage-free bacterial two-hybrid (BATCH) platform for rapid antigen-specific screening of shark-derived variable new antigen receptors (VNARs) using an immunized Chiloscyllium plagiosum spleen cDNA library (~10^8 diversity). Using Cre recombinase-based selection in BTH101 cells with dual lacZ and chloramphenicol resistance readouts (enhanced by triple lacO sites and cAMP feedback), the authors identified two unique VNAR binders (VNAR1a and VNAR1b). The work provides a faster, phage-free alternative to phage display for VNAR discovery, expanding tools for single-domain antibody engineering.
Tang W, Hu J, Zhu Y et al. · Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society · (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 blood pressure responses in 135 adult females undergoing cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine how systolic blood pressure (SBP) patterns relate to cardiac output, vascular resistance, and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇o2peak). The key finding was that SBP responses—both absolute SBPmax categories and workload-indexed SBP (SBP/W-slope)—were associated with hemodynamic measures (CO and vascular resistance) and V̇o2peak across fitness levels. Clinically, workload-indexed SBP metrics may improve interpretation of exercise hemodynamics and help identify individuals with impaired cardiovascular performance.
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 study used integrative omics in the ARIC cohort, combining protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) for plasma proteins with genome-wide association studies of 19 cardiovascular diseases and 82 cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) traits to identify potentially druggable plasma proteins. The key finding was that linking CMR-derived phenotypes to proteome-wide association study (PWAS) and Mendelian randomization (as described) prioritized specific plasma proteins as candidate therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease. These results support a CMR-informed, genetic-to-protein drug discovery pipeline for uncovering novel, druggable biomarkers/targets in CVD.
Gong W, Guo P, Liu L et al. · Life metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Forecasting mortality and decomposition analysis for cancer deaths in Egypt (2014-2030).
This population-level study analyzed national vital registration data in Egypt for 19 cancer types from 2014–2023 and forecasted cancer mortality through 2030 using a hybrid ARIMA–ETS time-series model with decomposition of drivers (population growth, aging, and age-specific mortality). The key finding was that projected cancer mortality trends to 2030 were quantified and attributed to specific contributions from demographic change and age-specific death rates (with a reported overall increase magnitude in the abstract). Scientifically and for public health planning, the model identifies which demographic and epidemiologic components are most responsible for future cancer mortality burden in Egypt.
Elshishiney G, Li M, Zou Y et al. · Cancer epidemiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on June 07, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published May 31, 2026 – June 07, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.