What's New in Cardiac MRI? — June 20, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 55 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
June 20, 2026 · 55 articles · 15 research themes · covering June 13, 2026 – June 20, 2026
Overview
This week’s digest is dominated by a clear push toward more quantitative, multimodal cardiovascular assessment—especially using cardiac MRI. Multiple studies focus on improving CMR acquisition and analysis (e.g., 7T B1 shimming, free-breathing cine for atrial fibrillation, AI-enabled dynamic functional analysis, and PET/MR or CT-supervised reconstruction), while others emphasize extracting clinically actionable biomarkers from CMR (strain, fibrosis, perfusion reserve, synchrony, and atrial mechanics). Together, these works reflect a broader trend: moving from qualitative interpretation toward standardized, reproducible metrics that can better predict outcomes and guide management.
A second major theme is refining diagnosis and risk stratification across inflammatory and infiltrative cardiac diseases. Several articles tackle myocarditis etiology (viral vs immune-mediated) and immune/drug-related cardiac injury (including immune checkpoint inhibitor pericarditis and T-cell engager–associated myocarditis), while others highlight eosinophilic cardiac syndromes (Loeffler endocarditis and fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis) and infectious mimics such as myocardial tuberculosis and rare parasitic infection. In parallel, amyloidosis research advances noninvasive detection strategies using fibril-targeting PET and scintigraphy phenotyping, aiming for subtype-agnostic and more informative diagnostic workflows.
Finally, the digest includes important clinical translation efforts in cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia risk. Work on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (including AI ECG detection and prognostic value of left atrial reservoir strain), broader cardiomyopathy phenotyping (apical HCM, Fabry, LV non-compaction classification), and sudden cardiac death risk in athletes and post–myocardial infarction patients underscores the field’s emphasis on earlier identification and more personalized surveillance. Interventional/device studies (e.g., transcatheter pulmonary valve durability and embolization for bronchiectasis-associated shunts) complement these diagnostic advances by addressing how best to treat specific pathophysiologic targets.
Cardiac MRI & Advanced Imaging Physics/Acquisition (7T, motion, segmentation, feature tracking)
Analysis of cardiac dynamic global function.
This study proposed and evaluated a systematic AI-enabled framework for analyzing dynamic global cardiac function across the cardiac cycle from cardiac imaging, aiming to overcome the time burden of conventional end-diastole/end-systole segmentation. The key finding is that the authors present a standardized approach to quantify dynamic changes in global cardiac volumes/function over time rather than relying only on ejection fraction and static volume endpoints. This is clinically significant because it enables more detailed, time-efficient assessment of cardiac functional dynamics that could improve detection and monitoring of cardiac diseases affecting contractility and filling throughout systole/diastole.
Axel L, Kanski M, Jhaveri A et al. · JRSM cardiovascular disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Filling the Gaps: Generating 4D Dense Cardiac Anatomy from Sparse CMR for Enhanced Tetralogy of Fallot Assessment.
This work developed and validated a deep learning pipeline to generate 4D dense four-chamber cardiac anatomy from sparse, anisotropic 2D cine CMR slices for repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF), using CT-derived whole-heart segmentations to train the model. The key finding is that CT-supervised reconstruction can bridge the spatial-resolution and slice-consistency gaps of CMR to produce comprehensive dense 3D anatomy suitable for enhanced rToF assessment. This is significant because it improves the anatomical detail available from clinically accessible CMR protocols, potentially enabling better surgical planning, follow-up, and risk stratification in rToF.
Mauger C, Deng Y, Xu Y et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Size-resolved microelectrical effects of fine aerosol on nocturnal ozone: Evidence from field observations and statistical modeling.
This field study in Xi’an (2023–2025) investigated how particle electrical properties—specifically particle charge-to-mass ratio (CMR)—relate to abnormal nocturnal ozone (O3) enhancement under stable nocturnal conditions using generalized additive models (GAM), partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and an interfacial contribution model. The key finding is that particle CMR is statistically associated with nocturnal O3 variations, indicating that particulate electrical properties contribute to nocturnal O3 chemistry beyond meteorological transport alone. This is scientifically significant because it identifies a previously underappreciated aerosol property that can help explain and potentially predict nocturnal O3 behavior.
Wang Y, Zhang L, Li J et al. · Environmental research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Right Ventricular Strain Analysis with PET-derived Feature Tracking: Direct Comparison with Magnetic Resonance using Hybrid PET/MR.
This retrospective study evaluated feasibility of right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain quantification using a newly developed 13N ammonia PET feature tracking technique in 123 consecutive patients undergoing rest 13N ammonia PET/MR, using magnetic resonance (MR) strain as the reference standard. PET-derived RV strain measurements showed agreement with MR strain, supporting the technical feasibility of PET-based RV strain analysis with semi-automatic MATLAB-based feature tracking. If validated prospectively, PET feature tracking could enable more sensitive, radiation-based assessment of subtle RV dysfunction in clinical settings where MR is limited.
Katahira M, Fukushima K, Ikeda A et al. · Journal of nuclear cardiology : official publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Free-Breathing Dynamic, Regularized, Adaptive Cluster Optimization (DRACO) Cine Cardiac MRI in Atrial Fibrillation.
This prospective study tested a tailored free-breathing version of Dynamic Regularized Adaptive Cluster Optimization (DRACO) cine cardiac MRI in 30 participants (10 sinus rhythm and 20 with atrial fibrillation) using a 3.0 T bSSFP ECG-gated segmented cine framework with real-time sorted golden-step acquisition. The DRACO approach was designed to simultaneously handle cardiac and respiratory motion in atrial fibrillation, aiming to produce high-quality, quantifiable cine images without breath-holding. If confirmed in full results, DRACO could improve feasibility and reliability of cine CMR for patients with arrhythmias who cannot reliably perform breath-holds.
Ming Z, Pogosyan A, Dong X et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Parasitically coupled 16-port massive MIMO antenna for mmWave applications.
This engineering study presents and evaluates a compact 16-port parasitically coupled massive MIMO antenna for millimeter-wave (mmWave) applications, using five triangular parasitic elements plus a triangular feed-line element and an impedance matching network. The antenna is designed to resonate at 40 GHz and is optimized via a systematic comparison of single-element designs and then implemented by replicating the optimized element with modified ground-plane structures. Such compact, multiport mmWave antenna designs are significant for improving capacity and beamforming performance in next-generation wireless systems.
Mishra B, Sharma H, Misra NK et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac function and myocardial strain analysis at 7T using B1 shimming in comparison to 3T magnetic resonance imaging.
This study investigated how B1 shimming affects cardiac MRI cine imaging at 7 Tesla compared with 3 Tesla in ten healthy volunteers, using B1 mapping to compute a single B1 phase-shim vector applied across the exam and then analyzing volumetric and myocardial strain parameters from long- and short-axis images. The key finding was that an efficient single-shim-set workflow enabled cine imaging at 7T with acceptable image quality and measurable strain/volumetric parameters comparable to 3T (exact quantitative outcomes were truncated in the provided abstract). This is significant because it advances technical feasibility for 7T cardiac MRI, potentially improving assessment of myocardial mechanics when higher field strength is used.
Jung B, Hundertmark M, Peters AA et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR Quantification & Biomarkers (strain, fibrosis, perfusion, synchrony, dynamic function)
Primary heart involvement assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance is associated with capillaroscopy abnormalities in systemic sclerosis.
This cross-sectional study evaluated systemic sclerosis patients (n=40) by assessing primary heart involvement using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) after a cold stress protocol and comparing it with peripheral vasculopathy measured by nailfold capillaroscopy. The key finding was that CMR-defined SSc heart involvement was associated with capillaroscopy abnormalities, linking cardiac microvascular/inflammatory changes to systemic microvascular disease. Clinically, this supports CMR as a sensitive tool for detecting early cardiac involvement in SSc and suggests shared microvascular pathology across organs.
Martins L, Uellendahl M, Ferreira G et al. · Advances in rheumatology (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial fibrosis is associated with worse left ventricular strain and synchrony assessed by novel CMR imaging in the general population: data from the Akershus Cardiac examination 1950 study.
This population-based CMR study in an elderly general cohort (Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950; n=200) assessed how myocardial fibrosis relates to left ventricular strain and mechanical synchrony. The key finding was that greater myocardial fibrosis—quantified by septal extracellular volume (ECV) fraction for diffuse fibrosis and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) for focal fibrosis—was associated with worse LV strain and synchrony measured by CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) and fast strain-encoded MR (fSENC). Scientifically, it links subclinical fibrotic remodeling to measurable mechanical dysfunction, supporting fibrosis-targeted risk stratification even without known coronary artery disease.
Wimalanathan T, Sulkowska J, Melles AW et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CMR Detected Atrial Structural and Functional Remodeling in AF HFrEF: Ablation vs Medical Rate Control.
This study compared atrial structural and functional remodeling measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) randomized to catheter ablation (CA) versus medical rate control (MRC) in the CAMERA-MRI and CAMERA-MRI II cohorts. The key finding was that CMR detected differences in biatrial remodeling and contractile function between treatment strategies, alongside assessment of exercise capacity. These results are clinically significant because they link rhythm/rate strategies to measurable atrial mechanics in AF-HFrEF, potentially informing treatment selection.
Cho KK, Segan L, Kistler PM et al. · JACC. Clinical electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Metabolic and Redox Pathway Dysregulation in HIV-Associated Coronary Endothelial Dysfunction.
This prospective observational study examined whether coronary endothelial dysfunction in virally suppressed people with HIV (PWH) is linked to circulating proteomic signatures reflecting metabolic and redox pathway dysregulation, using in vivo stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) alongside high-throughput serum proteomics. The key finding is that endothelial dysfunction in treated HIV is associated with specific serum protein patterns consistent with altered metabolic and redox pathways. This is clinically significant because it provides mechanistic leads for why cardiovascular risk persists despite antiretroviral therapy and may support biomarker-driven stratification or targeted interventions.
Keole KS, Bukhari S, Minhas A et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CMR in Pericardial Disease (constriction, pericarditis, pericardial effusion)
Left ventricular strain and hemodynamic forces from cine CMR for detecting constrictive physiology in pericarditis.
This study assessed whether cine CMR–derived left ventricular strain and hemodynamic force (HDF) analysis can non-invasively distinguish constrictive physiology (CP) from non-constrictive physiology (NCP) in patients with CMR-confirmed pericarditis, using retrospectively analyzed 1.5T cine images from 2008–2024. The key finding was that cine-based strain metrics (including global longitudinal strain and global circumferential strain) combined with HDF analysis improved diagnostic discrimination of CP versus NCP compared with largely qualitative CMR assessment (specific performance metrics were truncated in the provided abstract). Clinically, this supports a more quantitative, timely CMR approach to identify CP in pericarditis and potentially reduce delays to appropriate management.
Vollbrecht TM, Proff A, Juraschitz S et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Amyloidosis & Tracer PET/Scintigraphy
Multimodality imaging characterization of Perugini scintigraphic grades in transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy: a single-center experience.
This single-center retrospective study assessed technetium-99m pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) scintigraphy Perugini grades in patients with suspected cardiac amyloidosis and compared multimodality imaging characteristics across ATTR-CM grades 2 versus 3. The key finding was that Perugini grade groups show clinically and imaging-relevant phenotypic differences, with implications for diagnostic yield and characterization. The scientific significance is that integrating scintigraphy with multimodality imaging can refine risk/phenotype interpretation within ATTR-CM diagnostic Perugini categories.
Bucius P, Zarambaite E, Lusaite K et al. · Journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Design and Rationale of the REVEAL PET Study: A Study of 124I-evuzamitide to Diagnose Cardiac Amyloidosis.
The REVEAL PET study design describes a multicenter phase 3, open-label, single-arm trial in adults with suspected cardiac amyloidosis to assess diagnostic performance of 124I-evuzamitide PET/CT for detecting cardiac amyloidosis. The radiotracer 124I-evuzamitide is a fibril-targeting agent that binds hypersulfated heparan sulfate glycans present across multiple amyloid subtypes. This trial’s results are intended to establish whether 124I-evuzamitide PET/CT can improve noninvasive diagnosis and subtype-agnostic detection of cardiac amyloidosis during clinical evaluation.
Dorbala S, Maurer MS, Cuddy SAM et al. · Journal of nuclear cardiology : official publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis & Immune/Drug-Related Cardiac Inflammation
A rare case of fulminant talquetamab-induced myocarditis presenting as a STEMI mimicker.
This case report studied fulminant myocarditis after initiation of talquetamab, a CD3/GPRC5D bispecific T-cell engager, in a 69-year-old man with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. The patient developed steroid-refractory myocarditis that clinically mimicked an acute STEMI. This highlights a potentially fatal, immune-mediated cardiac toxicity of talquetamab that can present as a myocardial infarction mimic and warrants early recognition and aggressive management in myeloma patients receiving BiTE therapy.
Kim EJ, Saravia SD, Sahni G · Cardio-oncology (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
L1CAM signaling through planar cell polarity drives SOX2 expression and lung adenocarcinoma metastasis.
This Nature Communications study investigated how L1CAM signaling through planar cell polarity regulates SOX2 expression and promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. The key finding was that L1CAM is expressed at the invasive front and in distant metastases of LUAD and drives the emergence/maintenance of SOX2+ metastatic progenitor states. This is significant because it identifies an actionable mechanistic pathway (L1CAM→SOX2) that could be targeted to limit metastatic progression in lung adenocarcinoma.
Park JS, Kaygusuz Y, Kenum C et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Chest Pain With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Multimodality Imaging.
This case studied a 53-year-old woman with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma receiving the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab who developed worsening pleuritic chest pain. Serial chest CT showed progressive pericardial thickening with elevated inflammatory markers and transaminitis, consistent with a cardiovascular immune-related adverse event (pericarditis) rather than infection, pulmonary embolism, or malignancy. The clinical significance is that multimodality imaging can uncover underrecognized ICI-associated pericarditis, enabling timely diagnosis and management during pembrolizumab therapy.
Roy R, Liu L, Li H et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Phenotype of Probable Viral versus Probable Immune-mediated Acute Myocarditis.
This study compared clinically defined probable viral myocarditis (pVM) versus probable immune-mediated myocarditis (pIM) in patients referred for cardiac magnetic resonance at two tertiary centers, using endomyocardial biopsy as the reference standard. The key finding was that pVM and pIM differed in their clinical presentation, CMR phenotype, and prognosis, indicating that CMR can help stratify myocarditis etiology when biopsy is not routinely performed. Scientifically and clinically, distinguishing pVM from pIM can guide management decisions (e.g., antiviral versus immunosuppressive strategies) and improve prognostic counseling.
Bernhard B, Fabian E, Stoyanov K et al. · European journal of heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Lymphatic endothelial cells actively shape immune responses in the lungs.
This review summarizes experimental evidence on how lymphatic endothelial cells in the lungs actively shape immune responses, including mechanisms such as PAR1-mediated permeabilization of lymphatic junctions. It highlights that specialized pulmonary lymphatic endothelial cells limit acute inflammation, modulate adaptive immunity, and influence tissue remodeling. Understanding these endothelial-immune control pathways could inform new therapeutic strategies targeting lung inflammation and immune regulation.
Rivers AK, Migues Ramirez C, Cleary SJ · Current opinion in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hydroxychloroquine-associated cardiomyopathy with nondiagnostic noninvasive evaluation: diagnostic value of endomyocardial biopsy in a case-based review.
This case-based review describes hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-associated cardiomyopathy in a 57-year-old woman with Sjögren’s disease who had nearly 21 years of HCQ therapy (400 mg/day; cumulative dose ~3,000 g) and had nondiagnostic noninvasive evaluation. The key diagnostic message is that endomyocardial biopsy provided diagnostic value when noninvasive tests were inconclusive. Earlier or definitive tissue diagnosis in suspected HCQ cardiotoxicity may enable timely management and potentially improve outcomes.
Alkhatib A, Al-Kofahi M, Abumuhfouz M et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Eosinophilic Cardiac Syndromes (eosinophilic effusion/myocarditis/endocarditis)
Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis After Sequential Biologic Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis.
This case studied a 35-year-old man with ulcerative colitis who developed fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis after sequential biologic therapy, most recently vedolizumab, with corticosteroid withdrawal. He rapidly progressed to cardiogenic shock with severe biventricular dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction 10%) and hypereosinophilia (2,154/μL), with coronary angiography negative for obstructive disease and cardiac MRI suggesting diffuse myocardial involvement. Endomyocardial biopsy confirmed eosinophilic myocarditis, underscoring the need to recognize and urgently treat fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis in patients exposed to biologics and steroid tapering.
Lee J, Kim D, Hong D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Benralizumab as a steroid-sparing rescue therapy in ANCA-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: real-world experience from three cases and review of the literature.
This real-world case series and literature review evaluated benralizumab, an anti–IL-5 receptor monoclonal antibody, as steroid-sparing rescue therapy in three patients with ANCA-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The key finding was that benralizumab induced rapid eosinophil depletion with clinical improvement sufficient to reduce glucocorticoid dependence in these severe, steroid-dependent/refractory ANCA-negative EGPA cases. These observations support benralizumab as a potential targeted option for type 2–driven EGPA when standard immunosuppression fails.
Sebastian A, Kosałka-Węgiel J, Puchala M et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Loeffler Endocarditis: Multimodality Imaging of a Common Cardiac Phenotype in Distinct Hypereosinophilic Syndromes.
This JACC Case Reports report describes multimodality imaging of Loeffler endocarditis, a cardiac phenotype seen in distinct hypereosinophilic syndromes, in a 43-year-old man with atopy and persistent eosinophilia. The key finding is that echocardiography and cardiac MRI demonstrated biventricular apical/intracardiac thrombi with diffuse subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement consistent with fibrotic-stage disease, and that high-dose corticosteroids rapidly improved eosinophilia with anticoagulation used for thrombosis management. This is significant because it highlights how early multimodality imaging can support recognition of Loeffler endocarditis despite nonspecific presentation, enabling timely immunosuppression and thrombosis treatment.
Salar T, Feitell S, Parikh V et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Infectious Cardiac Disease (TB, parasites, other infections)
Hemorrhagic Eosinophilic Pericardial Effusion Associated With Probable Sparganosis.
This case report studied a 25-year-old man who developed hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion after ingesting undercooked frog meat, with diagnostic workup including imaging (including cardiac MRI and PET/CT) and next-generation sequencing to exclude other causes. The key finding was that probable sparganosis (Spirometra infection) was supported by peripheral eosinophilia, eosinophils in pericardial fluid, markedly elevated IgE, and lack of alternative diagnoses despite extensive testing. Scientifically and clinically, it highlights sparganosis as a rare but important cause of hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion and the need for broad infectious evaluation when eosinophilic effusion is present.
Zhu Y, Wang D, Wu Y et al. · International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial tuberculosis: a diagnostic challenge illustrated by two cases and review of contemporary management.
This article reviewed and illustrated two clinical cases of myocardial tuberculosis—one disseminated and one isolated myocardial involvement—showing how variable presentations can mimic other cardiac diseases, and summarized contemporary management approaches. The key finding was that both patients were treated with first-line anti-tuberculosis therapy (with one also receiving corticosteroids and therapeutic anticoagulation) and achieved favorable clinical and radiological outcomes. The scientific and clinical significance is that myocardial tuberculosis should be actively considered in the differential diagnosis of cardiac masses/effusions or myocarditis-like syndromes, especially in endemic settings or with systemic clues.
Tremouilhac EM, Richaud C, Tresorier R et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiotoxicity from Cancer Therapy (chemo/targeted/ICI/biologics)
Sudden Death in Young Competitive Athletes Due to Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A 4-Decade National Referral Center Experience.
This national referral-center registry study examined sudden cardiac death in young competitive athletes (≤40 years) in Italy to characterize the prevalence and features of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) using 1994 and 2010 diagnostic criteria. ACM accounted for 29% of athlete sudden deaths, highlighting its substantial contribution to sport-related mortality. The findings emphasize the clinical importance of improved preparticipation screening and diagnostic recognition of ACM in athletes.
De Gaspari M, Pilichou K, Zorzi A et al. · Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Outcomes From the Multicenter ACCRU-LY-1804/CARiBOU TRIAL (Cytarabine, Acalabrutinib and Rituximab Integrated With Bortezomib-Based Outpatient Therapy) in 1st Line Mantle Cell Lymphoma.
This phase 2 multicenter ACCRU trial studied first-line mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) treatment using the CARiBOU regimen—alternating VR-CAP and R-cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib—in previously untreated patients. The primary endpoint was complete metabolic response (CMR) rate, with secondary outcomes including safety, feasibility of stem cell collection, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). If the regimen achieves high CMR with acceptable toxicity, it could improve initial disease control and streamline subsequent therapy decisions in MCL.
Smith SD, Sundaram S, Giri S et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myopericarditis After Combined Idarubicin and Quizartinib in FLT3-ITD-Positive AML.
This JACC Case Reports article describes a 64-year-old man with FLT3-ITD–positive acute myelogenous leukemia who developed myopericarditis after receiving idarubicin plus cytarabine followed by quizartinib (a FLT3 inhibitor). The key finding was clinically significant cardiac inflammation/myopericarditis temporally associated with the anthracycline-to-quizartinib sequence, supported by cardiac evaluation including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium enhancement. The case raises awareness that combining FLT3 inhibition with prior anthracycline exposure may increase cardiotoxic risk and warrants careful cardiac monitoring.
Spahr ZR, Vasquez MA, Tangella A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Fluoropyrimidine Cardiotoxicity With Overlapping Vasospastic and Pericardial Features: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This case report studied fluoropyrimidine cardiotoxicity in a 57-year-old man with HER2-positive gastric cancer receiving FOLFOX-6M plus trastuzumab, focusing on overlapping vasospastic and pericardial features after 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion. The key finding was severe chest pain with ECG changes and later concave ST-segment elevation despite initially negative biomarkers and normal echocardiography/coronary CT angiography, consistent with a diagnostic challenge between coronary spasm and inflammatory pericarditis. Clinically, it underscores the need for prompt recognition and differential diagnosis of fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxic syndromes during cancer therapy.
Viñas-Mendieta AE, Valencia-Hernandez HA, Ruiz-Mori E et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Thrombus & Thromboembolic Cardiac Complications (LV thrombus, thrombi in myocarditis/endocarditis)
Giant Postischemic Left Ventricular Aneurysm Without Q Waves: Multimodality Imaging-Guided Surgery.
This JACC Case Reports article describes a 55-year-old woman with inferolateral myocardial infarction who developed a giant postischemic left ventricular aneurysm without pathological Q waves. The key finding was that multimodality imaging revealed progressive left ventricular remodeling with aneurysmal evolution and mural thrombus despite misleading serial ECGs, guiding successful surgical management. Scientifically and clinically, it highlights that nonanterior aneurysms can be missed on ECG and that imaging is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment planning.
Gaido L, Attisani M, Scalini F et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A simplified geometric CMR method for reproducible quantification of left ventricular thrombus volume : Left Ventricular thrombus: a standardized measurement method.
This post-hoc analysis evaluated a simplified geometric cardiac MRI (CMR) method for standardized, reproducible quantification of left ventricular thrombus (LVT) volume using patients from the COVERT-MI trial who underwent CMR 5 days after reperfusion for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The key finding was that the simplified geometric approach was feasible and demonstrated reproducibility for LVT volume assessment. Standardizing LVT measurement could improve consistency across studies and potentially strengthen risk prediction and treatment decisions related to thrombus burden.
Fuzeau A, Angoulvant D, Pucheux J et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Disease Quantification (mitral regurgitation, flow/forward surrogate validity)
Agreement between ventricular stroke volumes and great vessel flow using cine and phase-contrast MRI in healthy subjects.
This study assessed agreement between ventricular stroke volumes derived from cine MRI and great-vessel forward flow measured by phase-contrast MRI in 15 healthy volunteers. The key finding is that Bland–Altman analyses showed systematic (additive) bias and imperfect agreement for several parameter pairs (including RV–PA and RV–Ao versus RV/LV stroke volumes), indicating that these commonly assumed surrogates do not perfectly match in healthy subjects. This is significant because it informs the validity and limitations of CMR-based indirect quantification of valvular regurgitation that relies on stroke volume/forward-flow equivalence.
Kawaguchi A, Kawaguchi W, Hayashi M et al. · Radiological physics and technology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantification of mitral regurgitation: from traditional methods to artificial intelligence.
This review summarizes how mitral regurgitation (MR) quantification has evolved from traditional echocardiographic geometric, single-frame methods to machine-learning approaches that analyze regurgitant flow throughout systole. It reports that AI-based MR quantification can better handle eccentric, multiple, and non-holosystolic jets and shows favorable agreement with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). More accurate, automated MR quantification could improve clinical decision-making and reduce operator- and assumption-dependent variability in echocardiography.
Cho K, Su J, Bonnefous O et al. · Cardiovascular ultrasound · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Death Risk (ICD risk, athlete SCD, VF, screening)
Occult Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation After Preoperative Cardiovascular Evaluation.
This case studied a 50-year-old man who experienced out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation about 1 hour after preoperative cardiovascular clearance for elective surgery. Despite extensive evaluation—including coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, electrophysiological study, and genetic testing—no structural heart disease or inherited arrhythmia syndrome was identified, and a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted. The significance is that “occult” idiopathic ventricular fibrillation can occur even after apparently reassuring preoperative workup, supporting careful perioperative risk assessment and readiness for immediate defibrillation.
Ganthan RR, Isber R, Elcicek A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A Narrative Review of Risk Assessment Approaches for Implantable Defibrillator Therapy to Prevent Sudden Cardiac Death in Acute Myocardial Infarction.
This narrative review evaluates risk assessment strategies for implantable defibrillator (ICD) therapy to prevent sudden cardiac death in acute myocardial infarction, emphasizing limitations of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)-only stratification. It synthesizes evidence supporting a shift toward more comprehensive risk models that incorporate additional modalities beyond LVEF, including advanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging approaches. Improved risk stratification could increase ICD benefit while reducing unnecessary implantation in post-MI patients.
Kakavand N, Shojaei Y, Sadri M et al. · Cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathies & Genetic/Phenotypic Classification (HCM, LVNC, Fabry, ApHCM, ACM)
Left ventricular non-compaction in heart failure: contemporary perspective on diagnostic challenges and treatment opportunities.
This review article examined the diagnostic challenges and treatment opportunities for left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) in the context of heart failure, focusing on how to distinguish true cardiomyopathic LVNC from adaptive left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT). The key finding was that evolving imaging recognition of LVHT in healthy and physiological states complicates LVNC classification and can lead to mismanagement. The clinical significance is that improved imaging/genetic and phenotypic frameworks are needed to avoid unnecessary interventions and to better identify patients at high risk.
Geavlete O, Tschöpe C, Angermann CE et al. · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance differentiates pediatric dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.
This study evaluated diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DTI) in pediatric patients to differentiate dilated versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathies using quantitative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA). The key finding was that DTI metrics provided discriminatory microstructural information beyond conventional CMR functional and tissue characterization. The significance is that DTI may improve noninvasive diagnosis and phenotyping of pediatric cardiomyopathies by capturing myocardial microstructural organization.
Juárez JT, Tobón SH, Patrón Chi SA et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multimodal phenotypic clustering predicts cardiac outcomes in Fabry disease.
This study developed and tested a multimodal phenotypic clustering framework to predict cardiac outcomes in Fabry disease using sex, genetics, clinical assessments, ECG, imaging, and biomarkers across 98 participants (525 visit-years). The key finding was that the integrated multimodal approach improved prediction of adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared with relying on single-modality assessments. Clinically, this supports more personalized cardiac surveillance and prognostication in Fabry disease by combining genetic and longitudinal cardiac data.
Shemesh E, Feigin P, Tan CY et al. · Orphanet journal of rare diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Phenotype, genotype and prognosis of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathies: A French multicentric cohort.
This French multicenter cohort study characterized phenotype, genotype, and prognosis in 201 patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) after excluding patients with Fabry disease and amyloidosis, and compared them with 419 patients with non-apical HCM. The key finding was that ApHCM has distinct genetic and clinical features and a prognosis that can be meaningfully compared to non-apical HCM based on echocardiography, cardiac MRI, genetic testing, and follow-up. The significance is that comprehensive genotype–phenotype–outcome data help clarify risk stratification and counseling for patients with ApHCM.
Martel H, Lucas C, Benjelloun H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AAVrh.10hFXN Gene Therapy for the Cardiomyopathy of Friedreich Ataxia: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.
This nonrandomized clinical trial studied systemic AAVrh.10hFXN gene therapy in adults with Friedreich ataxia (FA) cardiomyopathy caused by pathogenic variants in the frataxin (FXN) gene. The study reports safety and preliminary efficacy signals from delivering an rh.10 serotype, cardiotropic AAV vector expressing the normal human FXN coding sequence to reverse FA-associated cardiomyopathy. If confirmed in larger studies, AAVrh.10hFXN could become a disease-modifying, gene-targeted treatment for FXN-deficient cardiomyopathy in FA.
Crystal RG, Weinsaft JW, Kaminsky SM et al. · JAMA cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Rapid Onset of Iron Overload Cardiomyopathy in Cirrhosis.
This JACC Case Reports article reports two patients with cirrhosis who developed iron overload cardiomyopathy (IOC) without hereditary hemochromatosis or transfusion-dependent anemia. The key finding was rapid onset of severe cardiomyopathy in this cirrhosis population, with markedly reduced left ventricular ejection fraction over a short interval. The report suggests that iron accumulation in cirrhosis can drive IOC and supports considering iron overload evaluation in unexplained or rapidly progressive heart failure in these patients.
Nouraee CM, Swain WH, Harmon DM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Artificial Intelligence for the Detection of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy From Standard Electrocardiogram.
This study evaluated an AI algorithm (Viz HCM, Viz.ai) for detecting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from standard 12-lead ECGs in patients with suspected HCM who had cardiac MRI (cMRI) confirmation, compared against control patients without cardiomyopathy. The key finding is that the AI can classify ECGs as HCM-positive versus control with clinically useful performance and that specific ECG/clinical predictors of correct classification were identified. This is significant because earlier, scalable ECG-based detection could reduce delays in HCM diagnosis and enable earlier risk management and treatment.
Park J, Kermanshahchi J, Love CJ et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Atrial Reservoir Strain for Predicting Progression to End-Stage in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This cohort study analyzed 925 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) followed for progression to end-stage HCM (LVEF <50% without reversible causes), and used a CMR subcohort of 491 patients to test whether left atrial reservoir strain predicts progression. The key finding is that baseline left atrial reservoir strain on echocardiography/CMR-derived assessment is associated with subsequent progression to end-stage HCM over a median 6.5-year follow-up. This is clinically significant because it identifies a potentially actionable prognostic marker to improve risk stratification and surveillance intensity in HCM.
Kwak S, Jeong MH, Park CS et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Heart Failure Risk Stratification & Prognosis (including combined biomarkers)
Incremental Prognostic Impact of Quantitative Perfusion CMR and T1 Mapping in Patients with Heart Failure.
This prospective clinical study evaluated patients with heart failure referred for CMR to determine the incremental prognostic value of combining quantitative perfusion CMR with T1 mapping–derived diffuse fibrosis. The key finding was that stress/rest myocardial blood flow metrics (including perfusion reserve) together with diffuse fibrosis provided additional prognostic information beyond either component alone. Clinically, it supports using combined perfusion and fibrosis CMR biomarkers to improve risk prediction in heart failure.
Takafuji M, Sia CH, Anderton T et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association of Subclinical Cardiac Remodeling With Incident Cancer in the MESA Cohort.
This study used the MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) cohort to test whether cardiac MRI measures of subclinical cardiac remodeling are associated with incident cancer, using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. The key finding is that specific CMR-derived remodeling phenotypes are associated with future cancer risk after adjustment for relevant covariates. This is significant because it suggests a link between early, subclinical cardiac structural/functional changes and later cancer development, potentially informing future biomarker research.
Cai X, White Q, Juarez J et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Current landscape of paediatric and young adult cardio-oncology care in Latin America.
This cross-sectional survey characterized the current landscape of pediatric and young adult cardio-oncology care across Latin America, focusing on workforce training, clinical infrastructure, diagnostic resources, follow-up strategies, and research capacity. The study found that implementation and resources remain unevenly characterized across the region, indicating gaps in diagnostic and follow-up infrastructure and programmatic capacity. Mapping these deficiencies is clinically important for guiding targeted investments and building sustainable cardio-oncology services for childhood cancer survivors.
Stelmaszewski EV, Biancolini J, Gonzalez Ortiz A et al. · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Congenital Heart Disease & Pediatric Cardiac Imaging/Anesthesia
Intraoperative Cardiac Events During Pediatric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Under Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
This retrospective cohort study investigated intraoperative cardiac events in children (≤18 years) with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging under anesthesia (2013–2025). The key finding was the incidence and predictors of perioperative cardiovascular instability using a recently proposed composite framework for intraoperative cardiovascular instability. This is clinically significant because it quantifies risk during non-surgical CMR anesthesia and can guide monitoring and perioperative planning in pediatric CHD patients.
Wingert T, Liang J, Feldman K et al. · Paediatric anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Long-term CMR Findings in Pediatric COVID-19 Related Myocarditis.
This retrospective pediatric study assessed long-term cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in children with suspected COVID-19-related myocarditis (n=21) across early (<30 days), mid (30–364 days), and long-term (≥365 days) intervals. The key finding was the persistence pattern of CMR abnormalities over time using the 2009 Lake Louise criteria, showing that acute myocarditis findings may not fully resolve in all patients. The clinical significance is that it informs follow-up duration and monitoring strategies for pediatric patients after COVID-19-related myocarditis or MIS-C.
Vasquez Choy AL, Adebo DA, Patel MD et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pectus Excavatum-Induced Preload Insufficiency Presenting as Long-Standing Sinus Tachycardia.
This case studied a 65-year-old woman with long-standing sinus tachycardia and pectus excavatum to determine whether cardiac compression caused preload insufficiency despite high-dose beta-blockade. Right heart catheterization showed markedly low filling pressures (mean right atrial pressure 1 mmHg) with preserved cardiac output, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrated severe pectus excavatum (Haller index 8.1) with anterior cardiac compression. The report highlights that severe pectus excavatum can present as refractory sinus tachycardia via impaired preload filling, supporting early hemodynamic and CMR evaluation in unexplained tachycardia.
Alkhatib R, Zghyer F, Hatab T et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Shape and flow characterization of the pulmonary arteries after the LeCompte maneuver.
This retrospective single-center cohort study used statistical shape modeling (SSM) and 4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance to characterize pulmonary artery (PA) geometry and flow after the LeCompte maneuver in patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) following arterial switch operation (ASO). The key finding was that PA shape and flow metrics could be quantified in post-ASO TGA patients and compared with age/size-matched controls with structurally normal hearts. Scientifically, this provides a framework for linking post-surgical PA morphology to hemodynamics, which may help predict long-term right-sided outcomes.
Bunag JE, Casto T, Phan TT et al. · JRSM cardiovascular disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Interventions & Devices (valves, embolization, surgery approaches)
Outcomes in laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted surgery for median arcuate ligament syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared outcomes of robotic median arcuate ligament release (RMALR) versus laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release (LMALR) in adult patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome. The key finding was a comparative assessment of perioperative and postoperative outcomes across surgical approaches, synthesizing available comparative studies. Scientifically and clinically, it informs procedure selection for a rare vascular compression syndrome by clarifying whether robotic versus laparoscopic techniques differ in safety and outcomes.
Arabi Z, Geropoulos G, Jayawardena P et al. · Journal of robotic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
ECMO-Supported Pericardiectomy in Constrictive Tuberculous Pericarditis With Severe Ventricular Dysfunction.
This JACC Case Reports article described an ECMO-supported pericardiectomy in a 20-year-old man with constrictive tuberculous pericarditis and severe biventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF <15%). The key finding was that despite empirical antituberculosis therapy and heart failure management, the patient deteriorated and required veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to enable radical pericardiectomy. Clinically, it demonstrates a potential life-saving strategy for rare, severe ventricular failure complicating tuberculous constrictive pericarditis.
Elmorshidy M, Helal A, El-Din M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prospective Midterm Outcomes of the PULSTA Self-Expandable Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve: The PULSTA CE Approval Study.
This prospective study evaluated the PULSTA self-expandable transcatheter pulmonary valve (PULSTA Carpentier Edwards) in 58 patients across 11 centers to assess midterm safety, hemodynamic performance, and durability for right ventricular outflow tract dysfunction. The key findings (midterm outcomes from the multinational PULSTA CE approval trial) support the feasibility of the device across native and surgically repaired anatomies, aiming to reduce repeated surgical valve degeneration. Clinically, the trial informs longer-term adoption of a self-expanding transcatheter pulmonary valve as an alternative to repeated surgical pulmonary valve replacement.
Lee SY, Kim GB, Carminati M et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Impact of systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt embolization on right heart hemodynamics in patients with bronchiectasis.
This study evaluated right heart hemodynamic changes in 20 patients with bronchiectasis complicated by systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts (SPS) before and within 24–48 hours after SPS embolization, using right heart catheterization (SV, CI, CO, PAP, PAWP, and shunt oxygen saturation) and cardiac MRI in eligible participants. The key finding was that SPS embolization improved right heart hemodynamics shortly after the procedure (specific numeric results were truncated in the provided abstract). Clinically, early hemodynamic improvement after SPS embolization supports its role in managing bronchiectasis-associated vascular shunts and guiding post-procedural assessment.
Wu H, Jiang F, Guo L et al. · Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on June 20, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published June 13, 2026 – June 20, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.