What's New in Cardiac MRI? — June 14, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 48 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
June 14, 2026 · 48 articles · 15 research themes · covering June 07, 2026 – June 14, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) continues to expand from “diagnosis” into quantitative risk stratification. Multiple studies leverage tissue characterization (e.g., T1 rho edema-defined area at risk, LGE patterns/granularity, ECV, and scar quantification) and hemodynamic phenotyping (MRI congestion staging, LA–LV coupling) to predict remodeling, heart failure symptoms, and adverse outcomes. In takotsubo syndrome specifically, CMR-derived measures such as left ventricular stroke volume indexed (LVSVi) and stress cardiomyopathy complications (including persistent sinus node dysfunction) are used to refine prognosis beyond conventional clinical variables.
A second dominant theme is the clinical value of multimodality imaging for “difficult” cardiac presentations—distinguishing thrombus from structural complications, and identifying rare infectious or malignant cardiac involvement. Case reports highlight intracardiac metastasis with thrombus, intramyocardial dissecting hematoma mimicking LV thrombus, and complex hydatid/toxoplasma cardiac disease where CMR confirms extent and guides urgent management. Relatedly, interventional and procedural strategies (e.g., percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy for right atrial thrombus) are framed as feasible options when surgery is prohibitive.
Finally, the digest shows rapid methodological momentum in AI and imaging analytics: uncertainty-aware segmentation, explainable models for intramyocardial hemorrhage prediction, and cross-scanner adaptation for automated strain all aim to make CMR outputs more reliable and deployable. These technical advances run in parallel with more rigorous interpretation standards (e.g., multiplicity handling for strain comparisons, standardized LGE granularity workflows). Together, the articles suggest a field moving toward more precise, reproducible, and clinically actionable imaging biomarkers—while also broadening cardiovascular risk assessment to systemic conditions such as HIV, immune/endocrine disorders, and even downstream cancer risk.
Cardiac MRI biomarkers for prognosis and remodeling
The Feasibility of Low Contrast Dose Dual-energy CT for Quantifying Myocardial Focal Scar via Extracellular Volume Fraction.
This prospective study evaluated whether low-contrast-dose dual-energy CT (DECT) using late iodine enhancement (DECT-LIE) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) can quantify myocardial focal scar (MFS) compared with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and CMR-ECV. In 33 patients with confirmed old myocardial infarction, DECT-LIE-ECV measurements were compared segment-by-segment with CMR-LGE-defined MFS and remote myocardium on matched slices, alongside native and enhanced T1 mapping. If validated, low-contrast DECT could provide a more accessible quantitative alternative to CMR for scar assessment.
Chen F, Jia T, Luo L et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical significance of incidental pericardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance.
This retrospective single-center study evaluated the clinical significance of incidentally detected pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients undergoing clinically indicated CMR for unrelated reasons. The key finding was that incidental pericardial LGE may not simply represent active inflammation, and its presence could reflect clinically relevant subclinical processes with potential prognostic implications. If validated, incidental pericardial LGE could become a useful CMR finding for risk stratification beyond the original referral indication.
Lepre V, Moretto N, De Martino M et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index in Health and Disease: A Longitudinal Multicohort Analysis.
This longitudinal multicohort analysis studied the Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index (LACI)—the ratio of left atrial (LA) to left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (EDV)—across health and disease populations using cardiac magnetic resonance–derived volumes. The study established population-specific reference thresholds and characterized how LACI relates to cardiac structure and function, while assessing whether it adds predictive value beyond established clinical/imaging markers. Defining LACI reference ranges and incremental prognostic utility supports broader clinical implementation of LA–LV coupling as an imaging biomarker.
Roy R, Salatzki J, Szabo L et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial salvage and functional recovery prediction: T1 rho vs conventional CMR in acute myocardial infarction.
This study evaluated whether T1 rho–based cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measures of edema-defined area at risk (AAR) and infarcted myocardium can predict adverse left ventricular remodeling in 60 reperfused acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). It found that both edema-defined AAR and infarcted myocardium were detectable by T1 rho and could be used to predict convalescent-stage remodeling, with microvascular obstruction (MVO) present in 61.7% of patients. Scientifically, it suggests T1 rho CMR may improve functional recovery prediction after AMI by quantifying myocardium at risk and injury more directly than conventional approaches.
Guo M, Qian Y, Wu C et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 the prognostic value of stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in adults (≥18 years) with known or suspected coronary artery disease and supranormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥65% on CMR). It found that stress perfusion CMR provided prognostic information despite supranormal LVEF, indicating that perfusion abnormalities can identify higher-risk patients. Clinically, the results suggest stress perfusion CMR can refine risk assessment in patients who might otherwise be considered low risk based on preserved or supranormal LVEF.
Pakdeesrisakda K, Kaolawanich Y · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) diagnosis, risk, and complications
Sinus Node Dysfunction in Takotsubo Syndrome: An Uncommon Presentation.
This case report studied sinus node dysfunction (SND) as a conduction complication of Takotsubo syndrome in a 68-year-old patient presenting with acute pulmonary edema, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and troponin elevation. Although cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed stress cardiomyopathy with complete recovery of LV systolic function, the sinus node dysfunction persisted and required permanent pacemaker implantation. The finding highlights that Takotsubo syndrome can cause persistent conduction system injury, not just transient LV dysfunction.
Zakynthinos GE, Kalogeras K, Vlachojannis GJ et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Recurrent Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy Triggered by COVID-19 Infection Complicated by Ventricular Tachycardia Arrest and Cardiogenic Shock: A Case Report.
This case report studied recurrent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy triggered by COVID-19 infection in a 73-year-old Hispanic woman with a prior Takotsubo episode in 2013. The illness course was complicated by ventricular tachycardia arrest and cardiogenic shock, indicating severe malignant arrhythmia and hemodynamic decompensation during recurrence. Clinically, it underscores that COVID-19 can precipitate recurrent Takotsubo with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, warranting close rhythm and shock monitoring.
Gonzalez Alvarez RR · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo Syndrome: From Pathophysiology and Diagnosis to Management.
This review studied the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in predominantly postmenopausal women presenting with acute heart failure that mimics myocardial infarction. It found that TTS is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction with regional wall motion abnormalities beyond a single coronary territory and no culprit coronary lesions, with multifactorial mechanisms including catecholamine-mediated cardiotoxicity and coronary microvascular dysfunction. Clinically, the synthesis supports stress-trigger recognition and guideline-based diagnostic differentiation from acute coronary syndromes to guide appropriate management.
Marschall A, Salamanca J, Cecconi A et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Independent prognostic value of left ventricular stroke volume index in patients with takotsubo syndrome: insights from the EVOLUTION registry.
This observational registry analysis studied whether CMR-derived left ventricular stroke volume indexed (LVSVi) has independent prognostic value in 376 patients with takotsubo syndrome (TTS). It found that patients with LVSVi <35 mL/m² versus ≥35 mL/m² had different risks for a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause death, with follow-up to 360 days. The findings support using LVSVi from CMR for risk stratification in TTS beyond conventional clinical variables.
Arcari L, Cau R, Pontone G et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary microvascular dysfunction and post-PCI adjunct therapies
Inhibition of late sodium current (INa) to prevent coronary MICROvascular dysfunction in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease: A phase IIb multicenter, randomized, controlled and open label study (INaMICRON).
This phase IIb multicenter randomized open-label trial (INaMICRON) studied whether early inhibition of the late sodium current with ranolazine, added to guideline-directed medical therapy, can prevent coronary microvascular dysfunction in adults with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent successful primary PCI and had at least one significant non-culprit lesion planned for staged PCI. The trial design targets favorable modulation of microvascular function during the early post-infarction phase by comparing ranolazine versus standard therapy in a 1:1 allocation. If effective, ranolazine could become an early adjunct strategy to reduce residual coronary microvascular dysfunction after STEMI despite successful reperfusion.
Di Serafino L, Ciaramella L, De Rosa S et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial infarction complications and thrombus vs structural lesions
Intramyocardial Dissecting Hematoma After Myocardial Infarction Diagnosed by Multimodality Imaging.
This JACC Case Reports report studied a 47-year-old man with myocardial infarction complicated by a rare intramyocardial dissecting hematoma that initially mimicked a left ventricular (LV) thrombus. Despite anticoagulation, the patient deteriorated to cardiogenic shock and ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac MRI ultimately demonstrated extensive anterior transmural infarction with a dissecting intramyocardial cavity consistent with intramyocardial dissection. The case is clinically important because it highlights multimodality imaging—especially CMR—for distinguishing thrombus from mechanical post-MI complications that may require different management.
Borg BC, Josephs C, Ghincea C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging of cardiomyopathies (HCM, Chagas, RV remodeling)
Right Ventricular Remodeling in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: Imaging, Arrhythmia Risk, and Timing of Pulmonary Valve Replacement.
This narrative review studied right ventricular (RV) remodeling after repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) and linked imaging findings to arrhythmia risk and the timing of pulmonary valve replacement. It found that chronic pulmonary regurgitation, residual RV outflow obstruction, fibrosis, and electromechanical dyssynchrony drive progressive RV dilation and functional decline, creating an arrhythmogenic substrate. The review is significant because it frames how multimodal imaging and electrophysiology can guide optimal timing of pulmonary valve replacement to reduce long-term complications.
Fatima H, Akram MB, Sher A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic Value of MRI-Based Left Ventricular Trabecular Complexity for Sudden Cardiac Death in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This prospective study evaluated whether MRI-based left ventricular myocardial trabecular complexity quantified by fractal dimension (FD) predicts sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and examined associations with sarcomere variants. In 835 HCM patients imaged with 3T SSFP cine sequences, FD-based trabecular complexity was assessed by blinded cardiologists and related to SCD risk and genetic sarcomere findings. The clinical significance is that trabecular complexity could refine risk stratification to guide preventive interventions in HCM.
Zhang J, Yu M, Pu L et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Puberty-Associated Emergence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: When Genetics Meets Growth.
This case report studied puberty-associated phenotypic conversion of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in a 13-year-old boy who was genotype-positive with a strong family history of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. The key finding was that HCM features emerged during adolescence after earlier childhood evaluations were negative, consistent with growth- or hormone-associated timing of genotype-to-phenotype expression. Clinically, it highlights the need for longitudinal cardiac surveillance through puberty in genotype-positive children even when early childhood screening is normal.
Mashiah G, Schamroth N, Yaeger-Yarom G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Parameters Predict New-Onset Symptoms of Heart Failure in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective cohort study investigated which cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging parameters predict new-onset heart failure (HF) symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The key finding was that specific CMR-derived measures of cardiac structure and tissue/functional characteristics were associated with subsequent development of HF symptoms. These results support using CMR biomarkers to identify HCM patients at higher risk for symptomatic HF progression.
da Silva DS, Karlinski Vizentin V, Ferreira Felix I et al. · ESC heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The NHLBI HCM Registry.
This registry-based study analyzed predictors of long-term outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using the NHLBI HCM Registry, integrating prospectively collected clinical history, imaging, genetic, and biomarker data. The key finding was that combining these multimodal data elements improves risk prediction for adverse events beyond existing guidelines that primarily target sudden cardiac death. Clinically, this approach aims to reduce avoidable implantable cardioverter-defibrillator use while better identifying patients at true risk.
Kramer CM, Kolm P, DiMarco JP et al. · JAMA · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in Chagas cardiomyopathy for phenotypic characterisation and risk stratification.
This review studied cardiac imaging approaches for phenotypic characterization and risk stratification in Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCM) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection. It found that advanced cardiac imaging detects myocardial involvement and injury patterns that often precede overt clinical markers, including conduction abnormalities, ventricular arrhythmias, focal aneurysms, diffuse fibrosis, and heart failure. The scientific significance is that imaging can improve early detection and stratify risk in CCM, where conventional measures may underestimate subclinical disease.
Johnson A, Katraj SVK, Pooranachandran V · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Infectious cardiac disease (hydatid, toxoplasmosis, Chagas)
Amazonian toxoplasmosis complicated by severe hypoxemic pneumonia and myopericarditis in an immunocompetent adult.
This case report studied Amazonian toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent adult with severe hypoxemic pneumonia and documented myopericarditis. The key finding was that cardiac involvement (myopericarditis) occurred despite preserved immunity, emphasizing that early symptoms can be nonspecific and cardiac abnormalities may be clinically silent. Clinically, it underscores the importance of considering and actively evaluating for cardiac complications in severe toxoplasmosis presentations even in immunocompetent patients.
Fréville B, Herrebrecht C, Samawak C et al. · BMC infectious diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Isolated Cardiac Hydatid Disease Presenting as Ventricular Remodeling and Tamponade.
This case report studied isolated cardiac hydatid disease (Echinococcus) presenting with ventricular remodeling and cardiac tamponade in a 16-year-old woman. The key finding was that multimodality imaging revealed a large intact pericardial hydatid cyst with adjacent myocardial thinning, concentric hypertrophy of uninvolved left ventricular segments, active pericarditis, and tamponade physiology, later confirmed intraoperatively. Clinically, it highlights that hydatid cysts can present as life-threatening tamponade with secondary myocardial remodeling, warranting prompt multimodality assessment and surgical planning.
Yousuf Q, Rashid A, Choh NA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Echinococcosis: Rare and Challenging Presentations-A Case Series.
This retrospective case series studied five patients with cardiac echinococcosis (hydatid disease) presenting with cystic cardiac masses in an endemic setting. It found that while initial work-up used X-ray and transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed the diagnosis in all cases and showed cyst involvement of intramyocardial/epicardial layers, the interventricular septum, or the right atrium. The clinical significance is that CMR should be used to confirm suspected cardiac hydatid cysts, and awareness is essential to avoid misdiagnosis of cardiac cystic lesions.
Delibaş D, Soylu BG, Yumak T et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Drug- and immune-related myocardial injury (HCQ, HIV, cortisol/PA axis)
Association Between HIV Infection Duration and Left Ventricular Concentric Remodeling and Myocardial Fibrosis: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Cardiac MRI.
This prospective cross-sectional cardiac MRI study assessed whether HIV infection duration is associated with left ventricular concentric remodeling and myocardial fibrosis using 1.5T SSFP cine and MOLLI sequences. It compared 83 HIV-infected participants (short-duration <5 years vs long-duration ≥5 years) with 34 matched HIV-negative controls and evaluated MRI markers including LV volumes, ejection fraction, mass, mass-to-volume ratio, and global longitudinal strain. The significance is that longer HIV duration may correspond to greater cardiac structural remodeling and fibrosis burden, supporting MRI-based monitoring of cardiovascular injury in HIV.
Deng C, Sun W, Gao T et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Primary Aldosteronism: CXCR4- and FAP-Targeted PET/MR for Adrenal-Cardiac Axis.
This study investigated the adrenal-cardiac axis in primary aldosteronism (PA) by integrating CXCR4-targeted 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/MR and FAP-targeted 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET with cardiac MRI to assess remodeling-related activity. In 82 participants (40 with PA including aldosterone-producing adenoma and idiopathic hyperaldosteronism, plus 42 with essential hypertension), it evaluated how adrenocortical activity relates to myocardial remodeling signals in vivo. The findings could clarify mechanisms linking aldosterone excess to cardiovascular risk and support imaging-guided phenotyping of PA-related cardiac changes.
Ding J, Wang K, Song J et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular effects of metyrapone treatment in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion: a secondary analysis.
This secondary analysis studied cardiovascular effects of cortisol-lowering therapy with metyrapone in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). In 15 MACS patients (12 females, mean age 59 years) treated for 12 weeks with evening metyrapone doses (500 mg at 6 p.m. and 250 mg at 10 p.m.), the investigators assessed changes in blood pressure regulation, cardiac fat depots, heart function and morphology, and other cardiovascular risk factors. If beneficial, metyrapone could represent a targeted medical approach to reduce cardiovascular morbidity in MACS by improving cardiometabolic and cardiac structural parameters.
Niziolek H, Just I, Baumgartner C et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The association between current CD4 counts and subclinical myocardial injury by cardiac magnetic resonance in HIV: independence from cardiovascular risk factors.
This prospective study examined whether immune status, specifically current CD4+ counts, is associated with subclinical myocardial injury on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in people with HIV (PWH), independent of cardiovascular risk factors. In 98 PWH without known cardiovascular disease and 91 Framingham Risk Score–matched non-HIV controls, CMR tissue measures (including native T1/T2 mapping, extracellular volume fraction, and late gadolinium enhancement) showed associations with current CD4 counts. The findings suggest that immune status contributes to subclinical myocardial injury in HIV beyond traditional cardiovascular risk profiling.
Gan Y, Zhan Y, Zhang R et al. · AIDS (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Hydroxychloroquine Cardiotoxicity Confirmed by Electron Microscopy: The Myocarditis Mimic.
This case report studied hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) cardiotoxicity in a 79-year-old woman after 10 years of HCQ therapy who presented with low-output physiology and symptoms mimicking myocarditis. It found that CMR showed diffuse patchy midmyocardial and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement and that positron emission tomography demonstrated diffuse FDG uptake with subendocardial sparing, while endomyocardial biopsy confirmed cardiomyocyte vacuolization and electron microscopy supported HCQ-related injury. The clinical significance is that HCQ-induced myocarditis-like cardiotoxicity can be confirmed with biopsy and electron microscopy, emphasizing the need to consider medication toxicity in myocarditis mimics.
Behr P, Paik KS, Park C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular heart disease imaging and intervention assessment (aortic/mitral)
Aortic Stenosis Progression: Lessons from Multimodality Imaging.
This 2026 review studied the clinical progression of calcific aortic stenosis in aging populations and evaluated how multimodality imaging (echocardiography, cardiac MRI, cardiac CT, and nuclear imaging) characterizes valve calcification, metabolic activity, and severity. It found that imaging “checkpoints” can quantify both structural burden and active disease processes, supporting risk stratification beyond echocardiography alone. The work is significant because these imaging endpoints may serve as targets for clinical trials aiming to halt or slow aortic stenosis progression.
Jain R, Padang R, Postalian A et al. · Mayo Clinic proceedings · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance reclassification of aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A COMPARE-TAVI 1 substudy.
This prespecified COMPARE-TAVI 1 substudy compared transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) versus cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) for quantifying post–transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) aortic regurgitation (AR) using VARC-3 criteria in randomized patients receiving Sapien 3/Sapien 3 Ultra or Myval/Myval Octacor valves. The key finding was that CMR provides direct quantification of regurgitant flow and can reclassify AR severity relative to semiquantitative, operator-dependent TTE measures. Clinically, this supports more accurate AR assessment after TAVI, which may improve post-procedural management and trial endpoint consistency.
Pedersen AAU, Pedersen ALD, Mogensen NSB et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of Concomitant Mitral Regurgitation in Moderate Aortic Stenosis: Assessment of Remodeling and Clinical Outcomes.
This JACC Cardiovascular Imaging study evaluated how concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) affects cardiac remodeling and clinical outcomes in patients with moderate aortic stenosis (AS) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). In 742 patients with at least moderate AS on CMR (422 with moderate AS and 320 with severe AS), outcomes were stratified by AS severity and MR burden and compared across groups including isolated moderate and severe AS. The study addresses whether MR meaningfully worsens remodeling and prognosis in moderate AS, which could influence risk assessment and timing of intervention.
Gabr EM, Xiao M, Saeed M et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Congenital and developmental cardiac anomalies (including shunts)
Congenital Absence of the Left Atrial Appendage in Atrial Fibrillation With Gastrointestinal Bleeding.
This case report described congenital absence of the left atrial appendage (LAA) in a 78-year-old man with permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) and recurrent obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac MRI confirmed congenital absence of the LAA without atrial thrombus, prompting consideration of LAA occlusion strategies given high bleeding risk and the need to balance thromboembolism prevention with anticoagulation. The report highlights how rare LAA anatomy variants can alter stroke-risk assumptions and anticoagulation/occlusion decision-making in AF patients.
Nashtar MA, Steinmetz M, Trippe J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Evaluation of an unbalanced right dominant atrioventricular canal with a single 4D flow dataset.
This case report studied preoperative imaging strategy for an unbalanced, right-dominant atrioventricular (AV) canal in a pediatric patient, using a single cardiac MRI 4D flow dataset. The key finding was that this brief 4D flow MRI approach accurately quantified ventricular volumes and AV valve sizes, enabling correct surgical pathway selection. The clinical significance is that streamlined 4D flow MRI may improve decision-making between univentricular palliation versus biventricular repair in complex congenital AV canal anatomy.
Ream S, Schoeneberg L, King W · Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Flow-Driven Right-to-Left Shunting Through the Patent Foramen Ovale Causing Hypoxemia and Embolism in a Partial Uhl Anomaly.
This JACC case report studied a partial Uhl anomaly in a 49-year-old woman, focusing on flow-driven right-to-left shunting through a patent foramen ovale (PFO) causing hypoxemia and embolism. The key finding was that despite normal right-sided pressures, multimodality imaging identified a permanent PFO shunt predominantly driven by altered flow patterns from right ventricular myocardial thinning and dysfunction. Clinically, it emphasizes that shunting and embolic risk can occur without elevated right-sided pressures, supporting careful evaluation of PFO in rare congenital right-heart disorders.
Laboratto LE, Vannoni G, Nieto G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right Ventricular Apical Hypoplasia With a Novel Morphologic Presentation: The “Christmas Hat” Sign.
This case report studied right ventricular (RV) apical hypoplasia in a 9-year-old boy with chronic cyanosis and digital clubbing using multimodal cardiac imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). CMR showed a novel compensatory ventricular configuration in which the left ventricular (LV) apex was elongated and projected rightward, producing a distinctive “Christmas hat” morphology. Recognizing this rare RV developmental pattern and its imaging signature can improve diagnostic accuracy and phenotyping of congenital RV apical hypoplasia.
Meléndez-Ramírez G, Patrón-Chi SA, Figueroa-Galván FS et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac masses, thrombi, and interventional thrombectomy
Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy for a Large Right Atrial Thrombus in a Critically Ill Patient.
This case report studied percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy for a large right atrial (RA) thrombus in a 52-year-old dialysis-dependent woman with type 1 diabetes and prior pancreas and kidney transplantation. Using transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, the authors found that FlowTriever-guided percutaneous aspiration achieved near-complete thrombus removal when surgery was prohibitive, with only a small residual thrombus treated using systemic anticoagulation. Scientifically and clinically, it supports FlowTriever as a feasible interventional option for catheter-related infected RA thrombi when operative risk is high.
Nashtar MA, Steinmetz M, Schnitzbauer A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ovarian Endometrioid Carcinoma Presenting With Presumed Right Ventricular Intracardiac Metastasis and Superimposed Thrombus: A Rare Manifestation of Gynecologic Malignancy.
This case report studied a 69-year-old woman with FIGO grade 3 ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) who developed presumed right ventricular intracardiac metastasis with superimposed thrombus. Imaging identified a right ventricular mass with associated thrombus in the setting of gynecologic malignancy. The report highlights that rare intracardiac right ventricular metastatic disease from ovarian endometrioid carcinoma can present with thrombus and should be considered when evaluating cardiac masses in cancer patients.
Memon M · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac hemodynamics and congestion phenotyping
MRI staging of haemodynamic congestion and clinical outcomes.
This study evaluated cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)–derived hemodynamic congestion metrics—MRI-wedge (left ventricular filling pressure) and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVi)—and their prognostic value for clinical outcomes. The key finding was that patients stratified into four MRI hemodynamic stages (normal, isolated volume overload, isolated pressure overload, combined overload) showed differential associations with outcomes and with non-invasive markers of myocardial fibrosis. Scientifically and clinically, it supports CMR-based hemodynamic staging as a noninvasive way to predict prognosis and relate congestion physiology to myocardial remodeling.
Mantini C, Sorella A, Falco D et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI/ML methods for cardiac imaging and segmentation/uncertainty
Modeling Aleatoric Uncertainty in Cardiac MRI Segmentation: Probabilistic Detection and Contour Regression.
This 2026 methods study investigated probabilistic cardiac MRI segmentation to model aleatoric uncertainty for left and right ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF/RVEF) biomarkers at the individual-patient level. It found that uncertainty-aware segmentation using probabilistic detection and contour regression can better calibrate biomarker variance than approaches evaluated only by population-level overlap metrics. Scientifically, calibrated uncertainty can improve reliability of AI-derived cardiac biomarkers for diagnosis and longitudinal monitoring.
Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Tourais J et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Parameter-efficient adaptation of foundational models for automated myocardial strain analysis.
This study investigated parameter-efficient adaptation of foundational deep learning models for automated myocardial strain analysis across imaging domains, focusing on cross-scanner generalization. It introduced CardiacSAM, a lightweight Segment Anything Model (SAM) fine-tuned with Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA) for cardiac segmentation, paired with uniGradICON for myocardial motion estimation, to enable robust strain estimation with minimal adaptation data. This approach could reduce the need for large labeled datasets and improve deployment of automated strain tools in new clinical sites.
Bernardo A, Mato G, Calandrelli M et al. · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Predicting Intramyocardial Hemorrhage Before Reperfusion in STEMI Patients With Intrinsically Explainable Artificial Intelligence.
This JACC Advances study developed an intrinsically explainable artificial intelligence model to predict intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) before reperfusion in patients with STEMI using electrocardiographic, angiographic, and clinical variables. Using 288 STEMI patients from the MIRON-PREDICT cohort (252 for development, 36 for validation), it created a bedside score that identifies patients at risk of IMH prior to reperfusion. Clinically, pre-reperfusion IMH risk stratification could guide early management decisions and trial enrichment for therapies targeting IMH.
Youssef K, Vora KP, Gupta R et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
NOTO: Noise-Tolerate Evidential Learning for Open-Set Cross-modal Retrieval.
This paper studied NOTO (Noise-Tolerate Evidential Learning) for open-set cross-modal retrieval under conditions of open-set noisy labels (OSNL) where new categories fall outside the training label space. The key finding was that NOTO improves retrieval robustness compared with closed-set assumptions by explicitly tolerating label noise and open-set category emergence. Scientifically, it advances multimodal retrieval methods toward more realistic real-world settings where annotations are noisy and label spaces are not closed.
Pu R, Su C, Hu P et al. · IEEE transactions on image processing : a publication of the IEEE Signal Processing Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Imaging workflow/statistics rigor and interpretation standards
Segmental strain in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy: clarifying the role of multiple-comparison adjustment and the clinical interpretation of limits of agreement.
This methodological correspondence studied how multiple-comparison adjustment affects interpretation of segmental left ventricular longitudinal strain derived from feature-tracking cardiac magnetic resonance (FT-CMR) in relation to 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. It emphasized that without appropriate multiplicity handling, segment-level comparisons and limits of agreement can be misinterpreted for individual or longitudinal clinical use. The significance is improved statistical rigor and more cautious clinical translation of strain thresholds across imaging modalities.
Malik MMUD, Jayaswal RP · Journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical Importance of All the Characteristics of Late Gadolinium Enhancement from Acquisition to Expert and Artificial Intelligence Analysis: State-of-the-Art.
This state-of-the-art review examined how late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) “granularity” on cardiac magnetic resonance—covering location, extent, and pattern—can be assessed from acquisition through expert and artificial intelligence analysis. It finds that the prognostic and diagnostic value of LGE depends not only on presence/extent but also on acquisition choices (contrast-media selection, post-processing) and on how interpretation models capture these detailed characteristics. Standardizing LGE granularity workflows and leveraging AI could improve myocardial tissue characterization across cardiac diseases and strengthen risk prediction.
Florence J, Unger A, Gonçalves T et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-cardiac comorbidities and systemic outcomes (cancer, liver, dementia, suicide, MASLD)
Rates, Timing and Correlates of Suicide in Norwegian Prisons: A 23-Year National Cohort Study.
This 23-year national cohort study examined suicide timing and correlates among people incarcerated in Norwegian prisons from 2000–2022 using linked Norwegian registry data (nPRIS). It found that suicide risk varies by imprisonment timing and is associated with sociodemographic, criminological, and clinical factors. The results are significant for designing targeted prevention strategies and identifying high-risk periods and subgroups within correctional healthcare.
Bukten A, Mehlum L, Lokdam NT et al. · Archives of suicide research : official journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Relative importance of weight gain among cardiometabolic risk factors in the development of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An observational study using large-scale health examination data.
This retrospective cohort study assessed how weight gain relative to other cardiometabolic risk factors contributes to incident metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) using large-scale health examination data. Among 7,687 individuals without baseline steatotic liver disease, it evaluated associations of baseline cardiometabolic risk factors and 5-year weight changes with new MASLD and estimated a weight-gain threshold linked to increased risk. The results aim to identify which obesity-related indices (e.g., BMI and waist circumference) and weight gain patterns most strongly drive MASLD development, informing prevention strategies.
Sahara K, Yokoyama S, Ito T et al. · Internal medicine (Tokyo, Japan) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Da Vinci® X™, Versius®, and Hugo™ RAS in minimally invasive robotic-assisted hysterectomy: the COMPAR-HYST prospective study.
This prospective single-center non-randomized COMPAR-HYST study compared robotic-assisted hysterectomy outcomes across three platforms—da Vinci X™, Versius®, and Hugo™—in consecutive adult women scheduled for elective laparoscopic hysterectomy in 2024. The key finding (as framed by the study design and outcomes) was platform-dependent differences in performance and perioperative outcomes captured by a composite “optimal hysterectomy” endpoint. Clinically, it provides comparative evidence to guide selection among competing robotic systems for minimally invasive hysterectomy.
Garzon S, Landi S, Da Ros A et al. · Surgical endoscopy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Correlation Between Computer-Assisted Ultrasonographic Parameters and Histological Findings in Glomerular Diseases: A Multivariate Ordinal Analysis.
This study correlated computer-assisted renal ultrasonographic and Doppler parameters with kidney biopsy histology in patients with glomerular diseases. The key finding was that multivariate ordinal analysis linked quantitative ultrasound measures—such as cortical-to-liver/spleen echogenicity ratio, corticomedullary ratio (CMR), renal resistivity index (RRI), splenic resistivity index (SRI), and DI-RISK—with lupus nephritis activity and chronicity histological components. Clinically, it suggests that standardized, image-analysis–based ultrasound metrics could help noninvasively reflect biopsy-determined disease severity.
Araújo NC, da Silveira Rioja L, Suassuna JHR · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association of Subclinical Cardiac Remodeling With Incident Cancer in the MESA Cohort.
This study assessed whether subclinical cardiac remodeling measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is associated with incident cancer in the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) cohort. Using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, the key finding was that specific CMR remodeling metrics were linked to future cancer occurrence, including analyses for cancer subtypes. Scientifically, it supports a potential mechanistic link between early cardiovascular remodeling and later cancer risk.
Cai X, White Q, Juarez J et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (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 evaluated the effect of hospital admission on health care outcomes and spending among Medicare beneficiaries with dementia after emergency department (ED) visits. Using emergency physician admission propensity as the instrument, it estimated how admission versus non-admission influenced downstream physical/cognitive outcomes and costs. The results are significant for care-transition policy, suggesting whether ED-to-inpatient transitions may worsen outcomes and increase spending in persons with dementia.
Ikesu R, Mayeda ER, McGarry K et al. · Annals of internal medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical care processes in oncology (nursing/catheters)
Nurses’ Clinical Decision-Making During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Dressing Application and Removal: A Qualitative Study.
This qualitative study used a Think Aloud method to examine registered nurses’ clinical decision-making when applying and removing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dressing and securement combinations in two quaternary cancer care wards in Brisbane, Australia (one adult, one paediatric). Nurses’ reasoning was analyzed with Framework Analysis and mapped to Dual Process Theory to characterize how they judged dressing integrity, safety, and when to intervene during application/removal. These findings can inform targeted training and standardization to improve PICC care quality and reduce procedure-related complications in oncology settings.
Larsen EN, Wickins J, Marsh N et al. · Seminars in oncology nursing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on June 14, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published June 07, 2026 – June 14, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.