What's New in Cardiac MRI? — June 09, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 56 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
Jump to category
What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
June 09, 2026 · 56 articles · 15 research themes · covering June 02, 2026 – June 09, 2026
Overview
This week’s digest is dominated by advances in cardiac MRI as both a quantitative tool and a prognostic biomarker platform. Multiple studies focus on tissue characterization (e.g., extracellular volume, T1/T2 mapping, reference ranges, and oxygenation-sensitive approaches) and show how these measurements can refine risk prediction across diverse conditions—from coronary artery disease and Takotsubo syndrome to pediatric Fontan physiology and myocarditis mimics. Complementing this, several papers emphasize functional and deformation metrics (feature tracking strain, left atrial parameters for diastolic dysfunction) as additional layers of stratification beyond conventional echocardiography or guideline-based criteria.
A second major theme is the move toward automation and standardization in imaging workflows. Vendor-to-vendor benchmarking of AI segmentation, shape-guided deep learning for motion prediction, automated free-breathing CMR pipelines, and contactless optical gating all point to a field-wide push to reduce operator dependence and improve reproducibility. In parallel, hemodynamic phenotyping is expanding beyond standard measures: 4D-flow MRI studies probe both fundamental modeling assumptions (no-slip boundary condition) and clinically relevant flow consequences of aortic regurgitation, while stress perfusion CMR and endotype-guided strategies aim to better characterize ischemia and nonobstructive coronary disease.
Finally, the clinical narrative is enriched by targeted case-based and review evidence in complex or rare scenarios—Takotsubo (including thrombotic complications and post-PCI diagnostic pitfalls), inflammatory and genetic cardiomyopathies, and uncommon cardiac masses or infections. Together, these articles reinforce a broader message: integrating multimodality imaging, advanced CMR-derived biomarkers, and individualized phenotyping is increasingly central to diagnosis, timing of intervention, and risk management.
AI & Automated Cardiac Imaging Quantification
Invariant state modelling for robust adaptive intrusion detection in software-defined internet of things environments.
This paper proposed RADIUS, an invariant state modeling framework for robust adaptive intrusion detection in software-defined internet of things (SD-IoT) environments. It uses a Temporal Convolution Encoder with dilated causal convolutions to build traffic embeddings and an Adaptive State Transition Module to identify latent state transitions for non-stationary attacks. The scientific significance is a more deployable IDS approach for heterogeneous, high-throughput SD-IoT traffic, but the abstract truncation prevents stating quantitative detection performance results.
Gowroju S, Reddy SSS, Choudhary S et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Exploration of 3D fetal cardiac MRI in the late second trimester.
This study evaluated feasibility and diagnostic potential of automated motion-correction 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, the investigators assessed image quality and 19 cardiovascular structures with sequential segmental analysis across 20–27+6 weeks’ gestation. The findings support extending fetal CMR beyond late gestation by improving robustness to fetal motion, potentially enabling earlier CHD characterization.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Fully Automated Free-Breathing Cardiac MRI at 3T: A Prospective Randomized Study of Image Quality, Efficiency, and Workflow Burden.
This prospective randomized study examined whether a fully automated free-breathing cardiac MRI workflow at 3T improves image quality and reduces workflow burden compared with a manual workflow in patients referred for non-stress CMR. The key finding was that the automated pipeline integrated automated plane prescription steps and was tested with total examination time as the primary endpoint and plane prescription accuracy and image quality as secondary endpoints (full results truncated). If effective, automation could standardize cardiac MRI acquisition, reduce operator dependence, and improve throughput in routine clinical 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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Laser HeartBeat: Feasibility of a Contactless Optical Gating Method for Cardiac MRI.
This engineering feasibility study evaluated Laser HeartBeat (Laser HB), a contactless optical gating method for cardiac MRI using defocused laser speckle imaging to track chest-wall microvibrations. The key finding was that Laser HB uses an MRI-compatible optical acquisition module and a real-time processing/trigger pipeline with a proposed trigger algorithm to extract robust cardiac timing without ECG or other contact sensors (full performance metrics truncated). If validated, contactless optical gating could reduce setup constraints and improve robustness of CMR gating in patients where ECG-based gating is unreliable.
Gao Q, Zhu Y, Zhang X et al. · IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering · (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 3D cardiac motion prediction from short-axis cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) images. The key contribution is a recurrent variational autoencoder framework that models spatiotemporal dependencies across the cardiac cycle and uses posterior models for bi-ventricular segmentation and motion estimation. Scientifically, it advances automated, anatomy-aware cardiac motion estimation that could improve downstream assessment of cardiac function and disease 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) segmentation models (two commercial and one research) for automated post-processing of short-axis cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images in a diverse cohort of 346 cases (including dilated cardiomyopathy, left ventricular hypertrophy, healthy volunteers, and other cardiac diseases). The key finding was that AI-derived ventricular volumes and left ventricular mass showed measurable agreement with expert-derived values and that segmentation performance (e.g., Dice coefficient) and slice detection could be benchmarked across vendors. This is clinically significant because it provides evidence to select and validate vendor-specific CMR AI tools for reliable, automated quantification in routine cardiac imaging workflows.
Hadler T, Ammann C, Saad H et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Tissue Characterization & Biomarkers
Field Strength Dependence, Physiologic Correlates, and Prognostic Significance of Ventricular Blood Pool T2 Mapping on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
This retrospective CMR study measured ventricular blood pool T2 values and the right-to-left ventricular (RV/LV) blood pool T2 ratio at 1.5T and 3T to evaluate field-strength dependence, physiologic correlates, and prognostic significance for major adverse cardiac events. The key finding is not provided in the truncated abstract, but the study design included reproducibility testing and determination of field-specific cut-points. Scientifically, establishing robust, field-strength–specific T2 thresholds could improve the clinical utility of blood pool T2 mapping for cardiovascular risk prediction.
Iarovich MD, Ibrahim F, Matos JF et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with acute myocardial infarction: The added clinical value.
This review studied the added clinical value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) beyond standard measures of ventricular volumes and ejection fraction. The key finding was that CMR uniquely characterizes infarct size, ischemic area at risk, microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial hemorrhage, and interstitial remodeling using late gadolinium enhancement and parametric mapping (native T1, T2, T2*, extracellular volume). Scientifically and clinically, these tissue-level biomarkers are linked to adverse left ventricular remodeling and long-term outcomes, supporting CMR as a comprehensive prognostic tool in AMI.
Alberti M, Faggioni L, Cioni D et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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) using 5.0T cardiac MRI in healthy adults. The key finding was the generation of normal parameter values from 181 healthy Chinese participants aged 20–80 years using left ventricular T1/T2 mapping (motion correction and sequence details truncated). Clinically, these reference ranges enable more accurate interpretation of myocardial mapping results at 5.0T for future diagnostic 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 ↗
Predictive value of myocardial extracellular volume fraction for mortality and heart failure in known or suspected coronary artery disease patients.
This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) fraction measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) predicts mortality and incident heart failure in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Using native and post-contrast T1 mapping with a modified look-locker inversion protocol, higher ECV was associated with worse clinical outcomes (mortality and heart failure onset) via Cox proportional hazards modeling. The finding supports ECV as a CMR biomarker of interstitial fibrosis that can improve prognostication in coronary artery disease populations.
Krittayaphong R, Jirataiporn K, Yindeengam A et al. · European journal of radiology · (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 healthy volunteers. In ten young healthy women on a 3T scanner, two real-time oxygenation-sensitive (OS) MR sequences and a semi-automated analysis workflow enabled continuous, motion-robust assessment of myocardial oxygenation dynamics compared with ECG-triggered acquisitions. The work is significant because it advances non-invasive, less labor-intensive approaches for tracking myocardial oxygenation physiology during controlled respiratory 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 ↗
Quantitative 99mTc-PYP SPECT/CT at 90 minutes improves diagnostic stratification in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
This retrospective single-center study evaluated 170 patients with suspected transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) using 99mTc-PYP scintigraphy with planar imaging at 60 and 180 minutes plus quantitative SPECT/CT at 90 minutes. The key finding is that adding quantitative 90-minute SPECT/CT improved diagnostic stratification, particularly addressing the limited specificity of planar imaging in patients with Perugini score 1. Clinically, the technique can reduce diagnostic ambiguity and better identify ATTR-CM in borderline cases where planar results are insufficient.
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 assessed pediatric Fontan patients at moderate altitude and compared them with healthy controls to determine whether CMR-derived diffuse myocardial fibrosis markers—native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV)—relate to exercise capacity. The key finding is the characterization of the association between myocardial extracellular volume/T1 measures and exercise tolerance in the Fontan circulation. The clinical significance is that CMR fibrosis quantification may serve as an early, actionable biomarker for functional impairment in pediatric Fontan physiology.
Arnouts EC, Drysdale ND, Gerstner Saucedo J et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI in Specific Cardiomyopathies & Genetic/Inflammatory Diseases
Cardiac imaging in Chagas cardiomyopathy for phenotypic characterisation and risk stratification.
This narrative review summarized how cardiac imaging is used to characterize phenotypes and stratify risk in Chagas cardiomyopathy caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. It emphasizes that advanced imaging can detect myocardial involvement earlier than conventional clinical markers, supporting improved identification of conduction abnormalities, arrhythmia risk, and progressive fibrosis. The clinical significance is better phenotypic classification and risk stratification to guide management in a population with often silent, long-evolving cardiac disease.
Johnson A, Katraj SVK, Pooranachandran V · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hydroxychloroquine Cardiotoxicity Confirmed by Electron Microscopy: The Myocarditis Mimic.
This case report described hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) cardiotoxicity in a 79-year-old woman after 10 years of HCQ therapy who presented with symptoms mimicking myocarditis. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed diffuse patchy midmyocardial and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement, while endomyocardial biopsy with electron microscopy demonstrated cardiomyocyte vacuolization, confirming a myocarditis mimic. The significance is that electron microscopy can help distinguish HCQ-induced cardiomyopathy from inflammatory myocarditis, informing safer diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Behr P, Paik KS, Park C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in heart failure and myeloproliferative neoplasms: clinical applications and risk scores - a narrative review.
This narrative review summarized diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and risk scores for patients with heart failure coexisting with Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). It focuses on cardio-oncology–relevant biomarkers and imaging approaches that capture thrombo-inflammatory risk, clonal hematopoiesis, and treatment-related cardiovascular damage. The clinical significance is that current models often underrepresent HF in MPNs, and the review aims to support improved risk assessment, though specific biomarker performance metrics are not included in the truncated abstract.
Muraretu IR, Gurghean AL, Gradinaru A et al. · Cardio-oncology (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Extensive Cardiac Involvement in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Presenting With Severe Aortic Regurgitation and Atrioventricular Block.
This case report studied a 53-year-old woman with ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting with severe inflammatory valvuloaortic disease, severe aortic regurgitation, and progressive high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block. Multimodality imaging showed inflammatory valvuloaortic thickening with cusp retraction, moderate pericardial effusion, and nonischemic septal late gadolinium enhancement alongside worsening AV block. The report highlights that ANCA-associated vasculitis can cause rare, clinically severe cardiac involvement that may be detected with advanced imaging and should prompt urgent immunologic evaluation and management.
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 studied three patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) to define the phenotypic spectrum of cardiac involvement. The key findings were three distinct patterns: (1) inflammatory cardiomyopathy with severe biventricular dysfunction that improved after escalation of immunosuppression plus guideline-directed medical therapy, (2) an advanced nonischemic fibrotic phenotype with cardiogenic shock requiring temporary and durable mechanical circulatory support, and (3) a relapsing-remitting eosinophilic peri—(truncated in abstract). Clinically, the work emphasizes that EGPA cardiac disease can be activity-independent and heterogeneous, supporting phenotype-driven risk stratification and treatment intensity.
Majeed Z, Manaila AS, Xu B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The Heart of the Thymus: A Rare Tale of Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy in the Absence of Myasthenia Gravis.
This case report studied a 54-year-old man with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who presented with septic shock and decompensated heart failure, ventricular arrhythmias, and a calcified anterior mediastinal mass later diagnosed as a thymoma. The key finding was that the patient’s cardiac phenotype occurred in the absence of myasthenia gravis, supporting thymoma-associated systemic effects independent of MG. The report is clinically significant because it broadens the differential diagnosis of nonischemic cardiomyopathy to include thymoma even when MG is not present.
Barman M, Al Hariri B, Babiker T et al. · Clinical 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 studied cardiovascular involvement patterns in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), focusing on coronary artery imaging, risk stratification, and long-term cardiovascular considerations. It found that KD most commonly causes persistent coronary artery abnormalities (dilation/aneurysms), whereas MIS-C coronary involvement is less frequent and often transient, with different long-term implications. The review is significant for guiding pediatric cardiac surveillance strategies and risk stratification after inflammatory syndromes.
Fatima A, Akram MB, Asghar AH et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Unique Shield: An Obstructive Huge Tricuspid Pouch Associated With Ventricular Septal Defect Developing Into Adulthood.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 43-year-old woman with an obstructive huge tricuspid pouch associated with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) that persisted into adulthood. Cardiac MRI demonstrated 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 (PAH). The case is significant because it documents an unusual anatomic mechanism of tricuspid inflow obstruction and supports surgical partial excision of the pouch with VSD closure while preserving the tricuspid valve.
Rentapalla SK, Kumar B, Mukherjee A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic challenges in isolated cardiac sarcoidosis.
This review/article analyzed the diagnostic pathway for isolated cardiac sarcoidosis (iCS) in the context of its definition as granulomatous inflammation limited to the myocardium, emphasizing multimodality imaging, endomyocardial biopsy, and molecular testing. The key finding is that iCS remains a diagnosis of exclusion with complementary roles for cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography to assess inflammation, fibrosis, and ventricular function, while electroanatomic mapping-guided biopsy may improve histologic yield and genetic testing may further refine risk and diagnosis. Scientifically and clinically, it highlights how integrating imaging and tissue/molecular approaches can address the major diagnostic limitations that make iCS prognostically adverse and difficult to confirm.
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 case-based report examined pediatric cardiac MRI in a patient with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who had normal ECG and echocardiography. The key finding is that cardiac MRI provided additional information relevant to prognosis and management despite normal initial screening tests. The clinical significance is that cardiac MRI can detect subclinical myocardial involvement in DMD, potentially enabling earlier risk stratification and treatment decisions.
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 studied 142 adults with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) to characterize serologic and clinical correlates of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-confirmed myocarditis using the 2018 Lake Louise Criteria, and to evaluate high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-TnI) performance and myocarditis’s independent prognostic impact versus interstitial lung disease (ILD). The key finding is that CMR-confirmed myocarditis was associated with specific clinical/serologic patterns and that hs-TnI was assessed for diagnostic utility, while myocarditis’s prognostic contribution was quantified relative to ILD. Scientifically, it supports CMR-based myocarditis phenotyping in IIM and informs how biomarkers and comorbid ILD should be weighed for prognosis.
Álvarez-Troncoso J, Refoyo-Salicio E, Díaz-Planellas S et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 (HSP) to evaluate suspected systemic cardiac involvement. The key finding is that echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, while extended cardiomyopathy gene testing was negative for alternative causes. Clinically, it expands the phenotype of SPG4-HSP to include dilated cardiomyopathy and supports cardiac imaging and evaluation in patients with SPG4-HSP.
Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway of Takotsubo syndrome: current evidence and future directions.
This review studied how cardiac CT could be integrated into the diagnostic pathway for Takotsubo syndrome (TS) when cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is contraindicated or limited. It summarized current evidence that CMR remains the reference standard for TS tissue characterization and ventricular dysfunction, while outlining future roles for cardiac CT in such scenarios. The review is clinically significant because it addresses practical imaging alternatives to improve diagnostic accuracy for TS.
Cau R, Gatti M, Suri JS et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A Slc5a6-Deficient Mouse Model Reveals Metabolically Driven Cardiomyopathy with Therapeutic Potential for Vitamin-Based Intervention.
This study investigated the role of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter SLC5A6 in early-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by analyzing human families with SLC5A6 mutations and generating a cardiac-specific SLC5A6 knockout mouse model (Slc5a6cKO) to test vitamin-based intervention. The key finding was that Slc5a6cKO mice developed progressive cardiomyopathy with hypertrophy, fibrosis, impaired coenzyme A synthesis, and premature death, and that vitamin supplementation had therapeutic potential. This is clinically significant because it links SLC5A6 deficiency to metabolically driven cardiac dysfunction and suggests a targeted, vitamin-based treatment strategy for a genetically defined DCM subtype.
Fullerton MO, Phillips LC, Redgrave RE et al. · JCI insight · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI for Valvular Heart Disease & Hemodynamics
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 prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In 248 HCM patients and 70 controls undergoing both echocardiography and CMR, patients were stratified by echocardiographic LAP categories (normal/Grade I vs elevated LAP, Grade ≥ II) and LA volumetric and related CMR measures were analyzed for diagnostic and prognostic performance (details truncated). The findings support using CMR LA metrics as a noninvasive alternative for LVDD assessment and risk prediction 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 ↗
Mitral Regurgitation Assessment Using a Novel Automated 3D Color Flow Quantification: Comparison With 2D PISA and CMR.
This retrospective study compared a novel automated three-dimensional color flow quantification tool (3D Auto CFQ) with conventional 2D proximal isovelocity surface area (2D PISA) and CMR for mitral regurgitation (MR) assessment. In 185 patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), 3D Auto CFQ integrated real-time 3D TEE color Doppler with a fluid-dynamics-based model and was evaluated against 2D PISA and CMR-derived severity/regurgitant volume (details truncated in the abstract). The clinical significance is that automated 3D quantification may reduce geometric assumptions and improve MR quantification accuracy compared with standard 2D methods.
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 ↗
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 relationships with AR severity (including regurgitant fraction) and hemodynamic burden quantified by viscous energy dissipation (VED). The key finding was that AR severity was associated with measurable changes in LV flow patterns and VED, indicating that 4D-flow-derived metrics can capture hemodynamic consequences beyond conventional measures. This is significant because it supports using 4D-flow MRI to better characterize AR-related LV remodeling and potentially improve noninvasive assessment of disease severity and physiological impact.
Abdallah W, Darwish A, Garcia J et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
4D-Flow MRI Hemodynamics & Fluid Dynamics
In vivo evidence of blood flow slippage: failure of the no-slip boundary condition assumption.
This study tested whether the in vivo “no-slip” boundary condition (zero tangential blood velocity at the vessel wall) holds in humans by imaging seven healthy adult volunteers with 4D-flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D-flow CMR) of the descending thoracic aorta and modeling blood as a Navier–Stokes fluid. The key finding was evidence of blood flow “slippage,” with near-wall tangential wall velocities on the order of ~30 (units truncated in abstract) indicating violation of strict no-slip behavior. This is significant because it challenges a foundational assumption in cardiovascular fluid dynamics modeling and may affect how wall shear stress and related hemodynamic metrics are computed from in vivo data.
Jarolímová A, Hron J, Tůma K et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Arrhythmias, Fibrosis & Risk Stratification
Treatment of Premature Ventricular Contractions: A Review of Medical Therapy, Catheter Ablation, and Emerging Treatments.
This review studied treatment options for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), covering medical therapy, catheter ablation, and emerging treatments in patients with and without structural heart disease. It found that clinical impact depends on symptom burden, PVC frequency, ventricular function, and underlying myocardial disease, with catheter ablation and newer approaches offering benefit particularly when PVC-induced cardiomyopathy or malignant arrhythmia risk is present. The review is significant for aligning diagnostic workup (ECG, ambulatory monitoring, echo, exercise testing, and cardiac MRI) with individualized escalation of therapy.
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 evaluated 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 cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and implantable loop recorders (ILRs). Fifty-five ventricular arrhythmia events were detected on ILR, and the study assessed how arrhythmia timing related to daily exercise patterns tracked by computerized devices. The findings may help refine risk stratification and monitoring strategies for ventricular arrhythmias in long-term endurance athletes.
Javed W, Brown B, Chambers B et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial fibrosis and its relationship with ventricular arrhythmias and reduced ventricular systolic function in young and veteran endurance athletes.
This study assessed the relationship between myocardial fibrosis and ventricular arrhythmias and reduced ventricular systolic function in 296 young (median 19 years), 138 middle-aged (56 years), and 66 middle-aged non-athletic control male participants using CMR fibrosis quantification and 24-hour Holter monitoring. Non-hinge-point fibrosis was more prevalent in middle-aged athletes than in young athletes and controls, and the study examined associations between fibrosis burden, ventricular arrhythmias, and systolic function. These results support the concept that age- and training-related myocardial remodeling in endurance athletes may contribute to arrhythmia risk.
De Paepe J, D’Ambrosio P, De Bosscher R et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain Improves Risk Stratification in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.
This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking-derived left ventricular global longitudinal strain (FT-LVGLS) predicts adverse outcomes in 385 patients with chronic moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and no or minimal symptoms (NYHA I–II; mean age 54.1 years) who underwent CMR between 2010 and 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. This is scientifically and clinically significant because it supports using FT-LVGLS from standard CMR to refine timing and selection of patients for intervention in chronic AR.
Li B, Liu Y, Dai L et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Sports Cardiology & Athlete’s Heart
Cardiopulmonary physical fitness and tissue characterization through T1 and T2 mapping: new insights on athlete’s heart.
This study investigated associations between cardiopulmonary 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 the presence of measurable links between CPET-derived physical fitness and CMR tissue characterization parameters (T1/T2), reflecting athlete’s heart remodeling. Clinically, this could improve interpretation of CMR mapping in athletes and help distinguish physiologic adaptation from 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 studied evidence-based exercise recommendations for patients with Marfan syndrome, a genetic autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder with major cardiovascular risks such as aortic root dilatation and dissection. It synthesizes current guidance on how to balance exercise benefits against potential harms given Marfan-specific cardiovascular pathology. The review is significant for clinicians and patients because it provides practical, updated direction for safe physical activity in a high-risk genetic population.
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 cardiomyopathies, comparing Olympic athletes with sedentary controls matched for age and sex. The study reported discipline- and sex-related differences in CMR-derived deformation metrics among athletes with otherwise normal cardiovascular evaluation. These data support the use of CMR feature tracking as an advanced functional tool in sports cardiology.
Monosilio S, Prosperi S, Filomena D et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 7 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Pulmonary Hypertension & Right Ventricular Adaptation
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. It found that increased pulmonary vascular resistance/afterload was associated with enhanced RV glucose metabolism and impaired RV-PA coupling, suggesting early maladaptive metabolic changes before overt structural remodeling. The results are significant for identifying earlier, potentially actionable markers of RV deterioration in pulmonary hypertension using combined PET and CMR phenotyping.
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 ↗
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction & Ischemia Phenotyping
Prognostic value of stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease and supranormal left ventricular ejection fraction.
This cohort study evaluated prognostic value of stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance in adults with known or suspected coronary artery disease who had supranormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥65% on CMR). Participants were divided into groups based on the extent of stress perfusion abnormalities, and outcomes were tracked to determine whether stress perfusion adds prognostic information despite preserved/supranormal LVEF. The scientific significance is that stress perfusion CMR could refine risk prediction in patients with supranormal LVEF, but the key results are not included in the truncated abstract.
Pakdeesrisakda K, Kaolawanich Y · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Noninvasive Detection of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction.
This narrative review studied noninvasive diagnostic approaches for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMVD) in patients whose symptoms can mimic obstructive coronary artery disease. The key finding was a synthesis of noninvasive tools for CMVD evaluation, focusing on how they can distinguish CMVD from epicardial coronary disease (with details truncated in the abstract). Scientifically, the review supports earlier and more accurate CMVD diagnosis to enable targeted management and potentially reduce adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Li L, Tse G, Bazoukis G et al. · Current cardiology reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Endotype-informed therapy and effects on illness perception and psychological health in patients with chest pain and no obstructive coronary artery disease.
The CorCMR trial studied whether non-invasive stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (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). Compared with standard angiography-guided care, endotype-informed management improved patient illness perceptions and psychological outcomes (details truncated in the abstract). This supports CMR endotype–guided, non-invasive risk/phenotype stratification as a strategy to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and improve mental health in ANOCA patients.
Bradley CP, McKinley G, Orchard V et al. · European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo Syndrome Imaging & Prognosis
Independent prognostic value of left ventricular stroke volume index in patients with takotsubo syndrome: insights from the EVOLUTION registry.
Using the EVOLUTION registry, investigators assessed whether cardiac magnetic resonance–derived left ventricular stroke volume indexed (LVSVi) measured a median of 5 days after admission predicts outcomes in patients with takotsubo syndrome. Patients were stratified by LVSVi <35 versus ≥35 mL/m², and the study followed them for a median of 360 days with major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause death as endpoints. The clinical significance is that LVSVi may provide additional risk stratification beyond conventional imaging in takotsubo syndrome, but the specific hazard/association values are not present in the truncated abstract.
Arcari L, Cau R, Pontone G et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (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 large biventricular thrombi in the setting of probable antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). The key finding is that extensive intracardiac thrombosis with biventricular involvement occurred despite initial probable APS laboratory findings, and management with inotropes and anticoagulation was attempted but could not be sustained. The case highlights the diagnostic uncertainty and limited evidence for optimal management of massive intracardiac thrombosis when APS is suspected.
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 examined 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 is that postprocedural chest pain and ECG changes mimicked acute myocardial infarction, but coronary angiography showed a patent stent without acute thrombosis, and cardiac magnetic resonance supported Takotsubo syndrome. The clinical significance is that clinicians should consider Takotsubo syndrome after PCI to avoid mislabeling it as procedural MI and to guide appropriate management.
Vitalieva K, Shalaginova Y, Stukalova O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Thrombus, Embolism & Hypercoagulable States
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria Presenting With Progressive Biventricular Thrombi.
This case report studied a 34-year-old woman with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) presenting with progressive biventricular thrombi after a viral respiratory infection. The patient developed a large left ventricular thrombus with additional biventricular involvement, with cardiac MRI raising concern for thrombus and echocardiography showing regional wall motion changes alongside hemolysis and thrombocytopenia. The report is significant because it underscores the need to consider PNH in thrombotic presentations and highlights cardiac MRI/echo roles in detecting extensive intracardiac thrombosis.
Nunnelee JS, Weber GA, Bergeron NP et al. · Case reports in hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pericardial Disease & Constrictive Physiology
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, with attention to 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. The report is significant because it suggests that pericardiectomy can reverse congestive hepatopathy-related tissue changes measurable by elastography.
Tabesh E, Darouei B, Kakavand N et al. · Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging in Rare Cardiac Masses & Infections
Cardiac Echinococcosis: Rare and Challenging Presentations-A Case Series.
This retrospective case series reviewed five patients with cardiac echinococcosis (hydatid cysts) presenting to a single center between 2009 and 2024. Diagnosis was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance in all cases after initial work-up with X-ray and/or transthoracic echocardiography, and cysts involved intramyocardial/epicardial layers, the interventricular septum, or the right atrium. The report highlights that cardiac hydatid disease should be considered when evaluating cardiac cystic masses in endemic regions, improving diagnostic accuracy and management planning.
Delibaş D, Soylu BG, Yumak T et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pericardial Hemangioma: A Case Report and Updated Literature Review.
This article reports a 57-year-old man with a pericardial hemangioma evaluated using coronary computed tomography angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and DOTATATE PET/CT, with histopathology after surgical excision. Imaging showed a hypervascular epicardial pericardial mass contiguous with the visceral pericardium, initially raising suspicion for an intrapericardial paraganglioma, but normal DOTATATE PET/CT and plasma catecholamines shifted the diagnostic conclusion. The case underscores the need for an organized multimodality diagnostic approach to distinguish rare pericardial hemangioma from other hypervascular cardiac masses that can mimic malignancy or neuroendocrine tumors.
Azees R, Udongwo N, Esomonye T et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT Diagnostic Pathways & Multimodality Reviews
Cardiovascular Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Practical Multi-Modality Imaging Approach.
This review studied multimodality imaging approaches to characterize cardiovascular manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), focusing on pericardial disease, myocarditis, coronary artery disease, and valvular involvement. It highlighted how echocardiography, CMR, cardiac CT, and nuclear imaging each contribute strengths and limitations for detection and monitoring. The clinical significance is improved practical selection of imaging tests to manage cardiovascular risk and complications in SLE patients.
Borchsenius JIH, Dons M, Sengeløv M et al. · The Canadian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Trials, Case Reports & Therapeutic Interventions (Non-imaging)
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 and antibody-mediated rejection. The combination produced long-term allograft survival and preserved graft function without the expected donor-specific antibody rebound that can occur with CNI-free conversion. This supports a clinically actionable immunotherapy strategy for HS patients who cannot tolerate calcineurin inhibitors due to neuro/nephrotoxicity.
Jordan SC, Chandran S, Ammerman N et al. · Transplantation direct · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Estimating the Effect of Hospital Admission on Health Care Outcomes and Spending Among Persons With Dementia : A Quasi-experimental Study.
This quasi-experimental instrumental variable study estimated the effect of hospital admission on health outcomes and health care spending among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged ≥66 years with dementia who visited an emergency department in 2017–2019. The abstract provided does not include the results needed to state the key finding. Without the outcome estimates, the clinical significance for dementia care transitions cannot be determined from the provided text.
Ikesu R, Mayeda ER, McGarry K et al. · Annals of internal medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Wide Complex Tachycardia of Uncertain Origin: Demonstration of Atrioventricular Dissociation by Doppler Echocardiography.
This JACC Case Reports report studied a 72-year-old woman with unstable wide complex tachycardia (WCT) to demonstrate atrioventricular dissociation using Doppler echocardiography. The case showed that Doppler echocardiography could identify atrioventricular dissociation in a complex WCT scenario where initial cardioversion and amiodarone were not durable, and subsequent stroke limited antiarrhythmic options. Clinically, it highlights Doppler echocardiography as a practical bedside technique to refine WCT mechanism when rhythm diagnosis is uncertain.
Khattab A, Timmerman C, Kee A 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 EuroNet-PHL-LP1 trial studied treatment strategies in children and adolescents (<18 years) with early-stage (IA/IIA) nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL), comparing complete lymph node resection with active surveillance versus low-intensity anthracycline-free CVP chemotherapy for unresectable disease. The key finding reported is that patients with completely resected lymph nodes were managed with active surveillance, while those with unresectable nodal disease received three cycles of CVP, aiming to maintain high event-free survival while reducing treatment intensity. Clinically, the study supports risk-adapted de-escalation in pediatric nLPHL to preserve outcomes while minimizing anthracycline exposure.
Shankar AG, Landman-Parker J, Mascarin M et al. · Blood advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Microaxial Left Ventricular Assist Device as Bridge to Transplantation in Postinfarction Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm.
This case report studied the use of a microaxial left ventricular assist device (Impella 5.5) as bridge-to-transplant in a 61-year-old man with post–myocardial infarction left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysm presenting with recurrent cardiogenic shock. Prolonged Impella 5.5 support maintained hemodynamic stability until the patient underwent successful heart transplantation. The report highlights a potential lifesaving alternative when surgical repair of LV pseudoaneurysm is prohibitively risky.
Callahan S, Horvat N, Yu M · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Open-Irrigated Helical Radiofrequency Septal Ablation for Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This JACC Case Reports study described 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 novel dedicated open-irrigated helical radiofrequency catheter. 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, supported by septal fibrosis on 6-month cardiac magnetic resonance and no reported procedural or follow-up complications. This is clinically significant because it documents feasibility and early effectiveness of a specific helical ablation catheter approach for septal reduction therapy in oHCM.
Sun Y, Zhou X, Zhang M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on June 09, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published June 02, 2026 – June 09, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.