What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

June 26, 2026 · 57 articles · 15 research themes · covering June 19, 2026 – June 26, 2026

Overview

This week’s digest is dominated by advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) as a multi-purpose platform for earlier detection and better risk stratification. Multiple studies emphasize tissue characterization (e.g., diffuse fibrosis, native T1, and chronic myocardial iron remnants after hemorrhagic MI) and show that even subclinical substrate can impair cardiac mechanics and predict adverse outcomes. Complementing this, several papers focus on functional CMR metrics—strain, diastolic impairment markers, and ventricular geometry/remodeling—highlighting how refined quantitative measures can improve interpretation across populations (age/sex, systemic disease, and cardiomyopathy phenotypes) and potentially refine guideline-based decisions such as ICD candidacy in dilated cardiomyopathy.

A second major theme is “precision phenotyping” across complex clinical contexts using multimodal imaging and structured workflows. Consensus statements and reviews standardize how to evaluate athletes (including exercise stress echocardiography and multimodality imaging selection) and how to approach pericardial disease by clinical scenario. In systemic/immune-mediated conditions, CMR is repeatedly positioned as a key tool for detecting cardiac involvement beyond the obvious—ranging from systemic sclerosis heart involvement and immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis to infectious myopericarditis and diagnostic pathways for persistent troponin elevation with normal coronaries. Parallel work in right-heart and pulmonary vascular disease underscores the growing use of CMR-derived hemodynamic surrogates (e.g., RV–PA coupling, RV dyssynchrony) to capture functional reserve and prognosis.

Finally, the digest reflects rapid growth in imaging informatics and translational modeling. Several studies develop or validate AI and digital tools for segmentation, cross-scanner generalization, and even report structuring to reduce ambiguity—supporting more scalable, reproducible CMR interpretation. Meanwhile, interventional and mechanistic research (including MINOCA diagnostic pathways and experimental models of vascular remodeling and diabetic silent myocardial ischemia) reinforces the broader shift toward integrating imaging biomarkers with practical clinical decision-making and mechanistic understanding.

---

Cardiac MRI biomarkers & tissue characterization (fibrosis, T1/T2*, iron, scar/edema)

The importance of spatial resolution in detecting chronic myocardial iron remnants following hemorrhagic myocardial infarction with T2* MRI.

This study examined how spatial resolution affects detection of chronic myocardial iron remnants after hemorrhagic myocardial infarction (hMI) using T2* cardiac MRI, combining digital phantom simulations and ex-vivo swine hearts (n=10) imaged 8 weeks post-hMI. The key finding was that detection performance for iron deposits depends strongly on voxel size and slice thickness (and varies with SNR), with coarser resolution reducing the ability to identify iron remnants. Scientifically, it provides practical imaging guidance for optimizing T2* MRI acquisition to reliably quantify chronic hemorrhage-related iron deposition.

Zhang X, Yang HJ, Dharmakumar R · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 analysis used advanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques in 200 elderly participants without known coronary artery disease to test whether myocardial fibrosis relates to left ventricular strain and mechanical synchrony. Diffuse fibrosis quantified by septal extracellular volume (ECV) and focal fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were associated with worse LV strain and synchrony metrics derived from CMR feature tracking (and related strain measures). The results suggest that even subclinical myocardial fibrosis in the general population can impair LV mechanics, supporting CMR fibrosis assessment as an early marker of adverse cardiac function.

Wimalanathan T, Sulkowska J, Melles AW et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Cardiac MRI functional assessment & strain/diastolic metrics

Cine-derived mitral annular relaxation velocity for detection of preclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

This substudy of the PARABLE trial evaluated whether cine-derived mitral annular relaxation velocity measured by cardiac MRI (CMR-MARV, termed CMR e-prime) can detect preclinical left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (ALVDD) in 236 at-risk patients, compared with 25 age- and sex-matched controls. The study found that CMR-MARV differed between groups and provided diagnostic accuracy for identifying preclinical diastolic dysfunction, with additional assessment of diastolic strain rates from feature tracking (FT). Clinically, CMR-MARV offers a noninvasive imaging biomarker to detect early diastolic impairment before overt heart failure develops.

McVeigh N, Ryan D, Ryan F et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Standardized MRI-Based Quantification of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume: Reproducibility and Agreement With Cardiac Computed Tomography.

This retrospective study evaluated a standardized MRI-based method to quantify epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) and compared its reproducibility and agreement with cardiac computed tomography (CT) in 127 patients with aortic stenosis (AS) plus 11 volunteers. The key finding was that the standardized MRI approach yields reproducible EATV measurements and shows agreement with CT, supporting MRI as a radiation-free alternative. Clinically, validated MRI quantification of EATV can enable cardiometabolic risk assessment alongside functional imaging without CT radiation exposure.

Gronwald J, Gersch SS, Böttiger Z et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Cardiac imaging in systemic/immune-mediated disease (e.g., systemic sclerosis, myocarditis, pericarditis)

Pathway for the Diagnosis and Management of Pericardial Disease: Contemporary Perspective.

This contemporary perspective studied diagnostic and management pathways for the spectrum of pericardial disease (acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, effusive-constrictive pericarditis, and constrictive pericarditis) using modern guideline-informed clinical phenotyping and multimodal imaging. It found that organizing care into five key clinical scenarios improves alignment of diagnosis and treatment with urgency and phenotype, including incorporation of targeted immunomodulatory therapies. The pathway framework is significant because it aims to reduce variability in real-world implementation and improve timely, scenario-appropriate management of pericardial disorders.

Sivalokanathan S, Herzog E, Haider SW et al. · Critical pathways in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Pre-heart failure in early chronic kidney disease: clinical epidemiology and treatment.

This review studied the epidemiology and treatment implications of “pre-heart failure” in early chronic kidney disease (CKD), focusing on CKD stages G1–G3 and especially those with albuminuria (KDIGO A2–A3). It found that even mild CKD—particularly with albuminuria—correlates with subclinical cardiac abnormalities such as left ventricular hypertrophy, concentric remodeling, and diastolic dysfunction, which can progress toward heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The significance is that it reframes early CKD as a cardiovascular risk state with actionable opportunities for earlier detection and intervention before overt HF develops.

Zoccali C, De Caterina R, Tuttle KR et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Heart involvements in systemic sclerosis beyond pulmonary hypertension: From conduction, rhythm and function defects to coronary artery disease.

This narrative review studied cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) beyond pulmonary hypertension, covering conduction/rhythm/function defects and extending to coronary artery disease and coronary microvascular dysfunction. It found that, independent of pulmonary arterial hypertension, SSc commonly involves the heart (with clinically manifest disease in roughly 15–35% and subclinical dysfunction in about 70% when advanced screening is used), contributing to morbidity and mortality. The significance is that it emphasizes broader cardiac surveillance and recognition of non-PH cardiac phenotypes in SSc patients.

Barile R, Rotondo C, Giancaspro G et al. · La Revue de medecine interne · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Myocarditis: A Retrospective Case Series.

This retrospective case series studied immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis in five patients treated at Mayo Clinic Florida (2019–2024), focusing on anti–PD-1 therapy timing and diagnostic categorization using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and histopathology when available. It found myocarditis onset occurred between 5 and 30 days after starting anti–PD-1 therapy, and cases were classified as definite, probable, or possible based on CMR findings (and pathology when present). Clinically, the series highlights the early post-ICI window for myocarditis and supports CMR-based phenotyping to guide recognition and management of this high-fatality irAE.

Monsanto MA, Schneider A, Chirila RM et al. · Romanian journal of internal medicine = Revue roumaine de medecine interne · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Myopericarditis Secondary to Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in an Immunocompetent Young Male-A Case Report.

This case report studied a young immunocompetent male with myopericarditis caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection. The key finding was that the patient developed acute myocardial injury/myopericardial syndrome attributable to toxoplasmosis despite intact immune function. This is clinically important because it highlights that T. gondii should be considered in the differential diagnosis of myopericarditis even in immunocompetent patients.

Leahy N, Quinn S, Crinion D · Reports (MDPI) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A rare case of fulminant talquetamab-induced myocarditis presenting as a STEMI mimicker.

This case report studied fulminant myocarditis in a 69-year-old man with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after starting talquetamab, a CD3/GPRC5D bispecific T-cell engager. The patient developed steroid-refractory myocarditis that clinically mimicked an acute STEMI presentation. The report highlights that talquetamab can cause immune-mediated, life-threatening myocarditis requiring high clinical suspicion and prompt cardiotoxicity management even when symptoms resemble coronary occlusion.

Kim EJ, Saravia SD, Sahni G · Cardio-oncology (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) after a cold stress protocol to assess primary heart involvement (SSc-HI) and compared it with peripheral microvascular vasculopathy measured by nailfold capillaroscopy. CMR-defined SSc-HI was associated with capillaroscopy abnormalities, linking cardiac microvascular dysfunction/inflammation-fibrosis signatures to systemic peripheral vasculopathy. These findings support CMR as a sensitive tool for detecting clinically relevant heart involvement in systemic sclerosis and may help stratify patients at risk for cardiac complications.

Martins L, Uellendahl M, Ferreira G et al. · Advances in rheumatology (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Cardiac imaging in cardiomyopathies & structural phenotypes (e.g., DCM, LVNC/LVHT, remodeling)

Morphological and functional evaluation of the left ventricle in severe aortic stenosis with afterload mismatch: a South African single-centre, cross-sectional cardiovascular MRI-based study.

This South African single-center cross-sectional CMR study investigated left ventricular (LV) remodeling and systolic function in severe aortic stenosis (AS) with afterload mismatch by comparing patients with low ejection fraction high-gradient severe AS (LEF-HG; LVEF <50%) versus those with normal ejection fraction high-gradient severe AS (NEF-HG). The key finding was framed around testing whether insufficient LV hypertrophy (LVH) leads to high wall stress and thereby contributes to systolic dysfunction in afterload mismatch. Scientifically and clinically, the work uses CMR-based morphology and function to clarify mechanisms of LV decompensation in high-gradient AS, potentially guiding earlier identification of patients at risk for progression.

Rajah MR, Doubell AF, Herbst PG · BMJ open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

[Incremental value of CMR for the 2025 appropriate use criteria of ICD implantation in sudden cardiac death risk stratification of dilated cardiomyopathy].

This single-center retrospective study evaluated the incremental value of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue characterization for sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients, alongside the 2025 appropriate use criteria (AUC) for ICD implantation. It enrolled DCM patients who underwent CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping at Fuwai Hospital (2012–2021) and assessed how CMR findings improved prediction beyond the 2025 AUC framework. The clinical significance is refining ICD decision-making in DCM by adding CMR-derived myocardial substrate information to guideline-based risk criteria.

Zhou D, Wang LL, Lian XQ et al. · Zhonghua xin xue guan bing za zhi · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Age-Related Concentric Remodeling and Sex-Dependent Dimensional Variation in Left Ventricular Geometry: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study.

This retrospective cross-sectional cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study evaluated how age and sex influence left ventricular (LV) geometry in 95 adult patients undergoing clinically indicated CMR, using linear indices such as LV wall thickness and LV end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) plus proportional measures (e.g., relative wall thickness). It found age-related concentric remodeling patterns and sex-dependent differences in LV dimensional geometry when assessed with routinely reported CMR linear/proportional parameters. The clinical significance is that these geometry-focused CMR metrics may improve interpretation of cardiac remodeling across aging and sex, beyond mass/volume-only approaches.

Capkan DU, Kaplan M · Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Right Side Accessory Pathway Mediated Cardiomyopathy Treated with Amiodarone: First Adult Case Report.

This first adult case report studied a 44-year-old man with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and a right-sided accessory pathway–mediated cardiomyopathy treated pharmacologically with amiodarone. The key finding was complete clinical and electrocardiographic reversal of right-sided preexcitation–associated ventricular dyssynchrony and the resulting cardiomyopathy after amiodarone, without proceeding to catheter ablation. This is significant because it suggests that, in selected adults, amiodarone may be a reversible alternative to ablation for accessory-pathway–driven cardiomyopathy.

Costa A, Laxina I, Hakim F et al. · American journal of therapeutics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Brain Cortex Thinning in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy　- Associations With Myocardial Fibrosis and Cognitive Impairment.

This study examined brain cortex thinning in patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and tested associations with myocardial fibrosis and cognitive impairment using MRI. The key finding was that, among 77 post–heart-transplant patients (35 with CAV, 42 without) plus 45 healthy controls, the CAV group showed significant cortical thinning in specific regions (e.g., bilateral superior frontal gyrus, left angular gyrus, left supramarginal gyrus) and these changes related to myocardial fibrosis and cognition. This is significant because it links CAV-related cardiac pathology to measurable neuroanatomical and cognitive outcomes, suggesting a potential imaging biomarker pathway.

Qin Q, Zhu D, Zheng N et al. · Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Native T1 Mapping and Clinical Risk Characterization in Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study.

This retrospective cardiac MRI study investigated whether native T1 mapping improves clinical risk characterization in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) beyond conventional markers like LVEF and late gadolinium enhancement. The key finding was that septal native T1 mapping provided quantitative information about diffuse myocardial abnormalities that could refine risk stratification within a multiparametric CMR framework in 45 consecutive non-ischemic DCM patients. This is significant because it supports native T1 as a substrate-sensitive biomarker for identifying higher-risk patients with DCM.

Montatore M, Rella M, Indolfi E et al. · Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Spindle Cell Cardiac Lipoma in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Cases.

This case report and systematic review studied a 13-year-old adolescent with a rare cardiac spindle cell lipoma involving the aortic valve, interventricular septum, and posterior left ventricular wall. The key finding was that imaging (including cardiac MRI) demonstrated a lobulated mass arising from the left coronary cusp with extension into the left ventricular outflow tract, presenting with severe aortic regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis, and prompting surgical management. This is clinically important because it documents an exceptionally rare pediatric cardiac tumor phenotype and supports awareness of spindle cell lipoma in the differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses causing valvular dysfunction.

Soh SL, Wee IJY, Murray Binti Jeffery Murray RL et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Left ventricular non-compaction in heart failure: contemporary perspective on diagnostic challenges and treatment opportunities.

This narrative review studied the diagnostic and treatment challenges of left ventricular non-compaction (LVNC) in the context of left ventricular hypertrabeculation (LVHT) and cardiomyopathy phenotypes. It emphasized that distinguishing adaptive trabeculation from true LVNC is clinically critical because misclassification can lead to unnecessary interventions or missed identification of high-risk patients, and it summarizes genetic and imaging considerations. The review supports more nuanced use of imaging criteria and genetic context to improve risk stratification and management decisions in heart failure patients.

Geavlete O, Tschöpe C, Angermann CE et al. · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

---

Right heart & pulmonary vascular imaging (RV function, PA metrics, RV-PA coupling, pulmonary hypertension)

Prognostic Implications of RV-Arterial Coupling Estimated by CMR in a Large Cohort of Tricuspid Regurgitation Patients.

This cohort study evaluated prognostic implications of right ventricular–arterial coupling estimated by cardiac MRI (CMR) in a large population of patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR). The key finding was that a CMR-derived surrogate of RV–pulmonary arterial coupling (calculated from forward right ventricular stroke volume and related measures) was associated with outcomes, supporting its use as a prognostic marker across TR severity. Scientifically, it strengthens the clinical utility of CMR metrics for right-heart risk prediction in TR, where RV–PA coupling reflects functional reserve and disease progression.

Margonato D, Fukui M, Nishihara T et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Right Ventricular Metrics as End Points in Clinical Trials: A Review.

This review evaluated the role of right ventricular (RV) structure and function parameters as endpoints in cardiovascular interventional clinical trials. It reports that RV-focused imaging and hemodynamic measures are underused and inconsistently applied, and it proposes a framework for developing and validating RV endpoints for broader trial implementation. The significance is improved endpoint selection that could enable smaller, faster, and more sensitive trials in conditions where RV dysfunction is central.

Surkova E, Lakatos B, Kempton H et al. · JAMA cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Pulmonary Artery Diameters in Children, Teenagers and Young Adults Derived from Quiescent Interval Slice Selective (QISS) Magnetic Resonance Angiography.

This study measured pulmonary artery (PA) diameters and cross-sectional areas in children, teenagers, and young adults without PA disorders using contrast-free quiescent interval slice selective (QISS) magnetic resonance angiography. Using CMR data from 139 patients aged 6 weeks to 20 years, it derived main PA (MPA), right PA (RPA), and left PA (LPA) dimensions at multiple locations. The clinical significance is providing reference PA size metrics using a motion-robust, contrast-free technique that can support pediatric pulmonary vascular assessment.

Zalas-Piotrowiak D, Rozewicz Juraszek M, Gabbert DD et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Right Ventricular Mechanical Dyssynchrony Reflects Hemodynamic Load in Pre-Capillary Pulmonary Hypertension.

This study examined what determines right ventricular (RV) mechanical dyssynchrony in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) by integrating right heart catheterization, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. In 30 pre-capillary PH patients without intraventricular conduction delay (QRS <120 ms), RV dyssynchrony was quantified using the coefficient of variation of time-to-peak systolic strain. The significance is that RV mechanical dyssynchrony may serve as a noninvasive marker reflecting hemodynamic load in pre-capillary PH, potentially aiding risk assessment and monitoring.

Igata S, Tahara N, Tahara A et al. · Pulmonary circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Congenital heart disease imaging & pediatric CMR workflows

Evaluation of the systemic right ventricle in transposition of the great arteries using fast strain encoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

This prospective single-center study assessed systolic function of the systemic right ventricle in patients with transposition of the great arteries after Senning/Mustard repair (TGA) or congenitally corrected TGA (ccTGA) using fast Strain-ENCoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance (fSENC). The key finding was that fSENC enabled evaluation of global and regional cardiac function in SRV patients, supporting its role as an early, sensitive strain-based biomarker for detecting systolic impairment in this population. Scientifically, it advances CMR strain methodology for risk stratification in congenital heart disease where SRV dysfunction drives morbidity and mortality.

Haney AC, Ochs A, Darino J et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Performance of Free-Running Cardiac and Respiratory Motion-Resolved Whole-Heart 5D MRI in Congenital Heart Disease Patients Using a Gadolinium Enhanced Fast-Interrupted Steady-State Sequence.

This retrospective study assessed performance of free-running cardiac and respiratory motion-resolved whole-heart 5D MRI using a gadolinium-enhanced fast-interrupted steady-state sequence in 45 congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. It compared scan time, left/right ventricular volumes and ejection fractions, and image quality between 2D bSSFP cine, 3D bSSFP, and 5D FISS at 1.5 T. The significance is evidence on whether gadolinium-enhanced 5D MRI can deliver reliable CHD quantification with acceptable image quality and efficiency compared with conventional 2D/3D approaches.

Roy CW, Vogeli E, Megalo A et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Intraoperative Cardiac Events During Pediatric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Under Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This retrospective cohort study examined pediatric patients (≤18 years) with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging under anesthesia (2013–2025) to quantify intraoperative cardiac events. Using a composite framework of intraoperative cardiovascular instability, the study estimated the incidence of cardiac events and identified predictors associated with perioperative cardiovascular instability during non-surgical MRI. The findings are significant for improving peri-anesthesia monitoring and risk mitigation strategies in children undergoing anesthetized cardiac MRI.

Wingert T, Liang J, Feldman K et al. · Paediatric anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Cardiovascular imaging in athletes & exercise testing

Indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for the evaluation and management of athletes: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC: Part 1-Exercise imaging.

This consensus statement studied exercise imaging—especially exercise stress echocardiography (ESE)—for evaluating cardiovascular function in athletes and differentiating physiological adaptation from disease. The key finding is that ESE is emphasized for assessing cardiac reserve, unmasking concealed cardiomyopathies, and stratifying risk in both competitive and recreational athletes. Clinically, it provides practical guidance on indications, protocols, and interpretation to improve detection of exercise-related pathology in sports cardiology.

D’Ascenzi F, Sanz-de la Garza M, Maestrini V et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for the evaluation and management of athletes: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC: Part 1-Exercise imaging.

This European consensus statement studied how to use exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) and other exercise imaging modalities in athletes (competitive and recreational) to evaluate cardiovascular function and distinguish physiologic adaptation from pathology. It found that ESE should be applied to assess cardiac reserve, unmask concealed cardiomyopathies, and support risk stratification, with practical guidance on indications, protocol elements, and interpretation. Clinically, the document standardizes exercise-imaging decision-making across sports cardiology to improve detection of occult disease and safer athlete management.

D’Ascenzi F, Sanz-de la Garza M, Maestrini V et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

---

Coronary disease & ischemia imaging (MINOCA, vasospastic angina, ischemic memory)

BMIPP Imaging in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Exercise-Induced Vasospastic Angina With Ventricular Fibrillation.

This JACC Case Reports article described a 51-year-old man with exercise-induced vasospastic angina who suffered out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation, using iodine-123 BMIPP single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to detect postischemic “ischemic memory.” The key finding was that BMIPP imaging supported myocardial ischemia despite nonobstructive findings on emergency coronary angiography after return of spontaneous circulation. Clinically, the case suggests BMIPP SPECT may help identify ischemia in suspected vasospastic angina when standard angiography and limited ischemic evidence make invasive spasm provocation testing uncertain.

Aikawa H, Murai K, Seiki S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Feasibility and Yield of a Diagnostic Protocol for Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries.

This prospective multicenter cohort study evaluated a stepwise diagnostic protocol for myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) between December 2020 and June 2024. The key finding (from the feasibility/yield framing) is that adding ad-hoc optical coherence tomography (OCT) beyond initial ICA can improve the diagnostic workup when economic and time constraints limit comprehensive testing. Clinically, this supports a more practical MINOCA diagnostic pathway that can increase etiologic diagnosis rates and guide targeted management.

Nishimiya K, Yosofi B, Dimitriu-Leen AC et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Surgical/interventional outcomes (cardiac or cardiothoracic procedures)

Single-Port Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Novel Approach With FishBowl-Early Case Series.

This early case series studied single-port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SP-TAMIS) for rectal cancer using the Da Vinci SP platform, including feasibility and early outcomes in patients undergoing transanal resection. It found that SP-TAMIS is technically feasible with robotic visualization/dexterity in the confined pelvis, while adoption is limited by docking constraints. The significance is that it provides initial evidence for a novel minimally invasive surgical approach that could complement organ-preservation strategies after neoadjuvant therapy.

Mellano A, Pellegrino L, Salomone S et al. · Surgical laparoscopy, endoscopy & percutaneous techniques · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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-assisted versus laparoscopic median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) release in adult patients undergoing either approach. The key finding was that perioperative and postoperative outcomes differed between robotic and laparoscopic techniques across included comparative studies (with pooled results reported in the review). Clinically, the synthesis informs surgical decision-making for MALS by clarifying relative risks and benefits of robotic versus laparoscopic MAL release.

Arabi Z, Geropoulos G, Jayawardena P et al. · Journal of robotic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Cardiac imaging AI/automation & digital tools (segmentation, report structuring, digital twins)

Digital Twin Guided Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation: Design and Rationale of the APOLO-VT Trial.

The APOLO-VT trial design paper studied an integrated digital twin–guided workflow for ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation in patients undergoing VT ablation, combining noninvasive ECG imaging (ECG imaging/ECGi) with invasive electroanatomic mapping (EAM) and structural/functional substrate characterization. The key finding is the trial’s rationale that multimodal integration of ECGi-derived substrate with EAM can improve identification and durable elimination of slow-conduction VT substrate compared with incomplete substrate targeting. Scientifically and clinically, APOLO-VT aims to test feasibility, safety, and impact on ablation outcomes by making substrate mapping more workflow-ready for precision VT therapy.

Bhagirath P, Regany M, Borràs R et al. · Journal of cardiovascular electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hierarchical Semantic Concept Modeling for Generalizable Myocardial Pathology Segmentation on Multisequence CMR Images.

This deep learning study developed a hierarchical semantic concept modeling framework (HSCM-Net) for generalizable myocardial pathology segmentation on multisequence cardiac MRI, targeting scar and edema quantification. The key finding is that integrating hierarchical semantic concepts and multisequence label information improves robustness to cross-domain distribution shifts compared with conventional segmentation approaches. Clinically, better generalization of myocardial scar/edema segmentation can improve assessment of myocardial infarction severity across different imaging domains and scanners.

Dong J, Li L, Huang L et al. · IEEE transactions on neural networks and learning systems · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Impact of Contour Boundary Offsets on 4D Flow CMR-Derived Intracardiac Haemodynamic Parameters.

This 4D flow CMR technical study investigated how systematic contour boundary offsets affect intracardiac hemodynamic parameters—kinetic energy (KE), vorticity, and viscous energy loss (vEL)—in five cases. It found that gradient-based metrics (vorticity and vEL) are highly sensitive to partial volume effects near the fluid–tissue boundary, and that using inward contour offsets (one- or two-voxel) changes the derived values. Scientifically, the work supports standardizing segmentation/contouring to improve reproducibility of 4D flow CMR hemodynamic quantification.

Gall A, Li R, Grafton-Clarke C et al. · Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · (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 AI models for automated myocardial strain analysis across imaging domains, using the Segment Anything Model (SAM) fine-tuned with Low-Rank Adaptation and paired with uniGradICON for motion estimation. The key finding was that CardiacSAM plus uniGradICON enables robust cross-scanner myocardial segmentation and strain estimation with minimal adaptation data, improving generalization to new institutions. This is clinically significant because it can reduce the need for large retraining datasets when deploying automated strain tools for cardiac MRI in routine practice.

Bernardo A, Mato G, Calandrelli M et al. · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

CineScribe: LLM-based detection and mitigation of ambiguity in cine cardiac magnetic resonance reports.

This study developed CineScribe, an LLM-based system to detect and mitigate ambiguity in free-text cine cardiac MRI reports by converting them into structured regional wall-motion abnormality (RWMA) representations. The key finding was that CineScribe achieved strong performance on report structuring (macro-F1 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94), enabling standardized report generation from validated diagnostic findings. This is clinically significant because it can reduce miscommunication and variability in cineCMR interpretation, improving downstream clinical decision-making.

Villanueva Benito G, Descalzo ML, Pujadas S et al. · Computers in biology and medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Cardiovascular risk prediction & prognostic modeling (including stress CMR)

Prognostic value of epicardial adipose tissue assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after successful revascularization.

This registry-based study evaluated whether epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume measured on cardiac MRI predicts outcomes in 540 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after successful revascularization. The key finding was that higher EAT volume was associated with the composite endpoint of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with statistical modeling (Cox proportional hazards) linking EAT to prognosis and correlation analyses exploring relationships with myocardial injury markers. Clinically, EAT quantification by CMR may provide incremental risk stratification after STEMI beyond conventional post-revascularization assessment.

Wei L, Zhao CX, Dong JX et al. · BMC medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Regional fat distribution as a determinant of mortality in populations with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: challenging the obesity paradox.

This study investigated how regional fat distribution relates to mortality in people with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to define left ventricular ejection fraction <50% within the UK Biobank Imaging Enhancement Programme. It found that regional adiposity phenotypes (beyond body mass index) were associated with mortality, challenging the “obesity paradox” in this CMR-defined impaired population. The results suggest that fat distribution metrics may better capture metabolically adverse risk in left ventricular systolic dysfunction than BMI alone.

Khanna S, Ho W, Takeuchi F et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Long-term Prognostic Value of Stress Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Hypertension without known coronary artery disease.

This cohort study evaluated the long-term prognostic value of vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) stress perfusion in patients with hypertension but no known coronary artery disease (CAD). It found that stress CMR–derived findings were associated with subsequent major cardiovascular events (MACE, including cardiovascular death and non-fatal myocardial infarction) during long-term follow-up. Scientifically and clinically, the results support stress CMR as a risk-stratification tool for CAD-related outcomes in hypertensive patients without known CAD.

Houssany-Pissot S, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prognostic Value of Coronary Sinus Flow and Aortic Pressure Gradient Quantified by 4D Flow CMR in AMI.

This retrospective study assessed prognostic value in 103 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who underwent CMR before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), using 4D flow CMR–derived coronary sinus flow (CS Flow, normalized to LV mass) and aortic pressure gradients across the valve. It found that CS Flow and supra-/sub-aortic valve peak pressure gradients (Supra-APGmax, Sub-APGmax) were associated with a composite endpoint including all-cause death, unplanned revascularization, recurrent MI, heart-failure rehospitalization, and stroke. The significance is that 4D flow CMR–based hemodynamic biomarkers may help predict outcomes after AMI beyond conventional imaging.

Li Y, Wang S, Li G et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

---

Cardiovascular imaging standardization & consensus guidelines

Diagnostic accuracy of fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in cardiac and thoracic vascular anomalies: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (FCMRI) for detecting cardiac and thoracic vascular anomalies in fetuses, across observational studies where FCMRI was used alongside or in addition to fetal echocardiography (FE). The key finding is that FCMRI can provide additional anatomical detail and has measurable diagnostic performance for complex lesions and thoracic vascular anomalies where FE may be limited. Scientifically and clinically, the results support considering FCMRI as a complementary prenatal imaging tool to improve diagnostic confidence and inform prenatal decision-making.

Bhargavi C, Shenoy RD, Rassaf A et al. · BMC medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for the evaluation and management of athletes: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), Part 2: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance, cardiac CT, and nuclear imaging.

This European clinical consensus statement studied how to standardize indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for athletes, focusing on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac CT, and nuclear imaging. The key finding is a multimodality imaging framework that clarifies when advanced imaging is indicated to distinguish physiological athlete remodeling from pathology and how to interpret results across modalities. Clinically, it provides actionable guidance for sports cardiology workflows to improve risk stratification and management of exercise-related adverse events.

Maestrini V, Gati S, D’Ascenzi F et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for the evaluation and management of athletes. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Part 2-Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Cardiac CT and Nuclear Imaging.

This clinical consensus statement evaluated best practices for cardiovascular imaging in athletes, specifically addressing CMR, cardiac CT, and nuclear imaging within the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) guidance. The key finding is that each imaging modality offers complementary information (structure/function, coronary anatomy, and tissue characterization) and should be selected based on the clinical question and suspected substrate. Scientifically and clinically, the document standardizes imaging protocols and interpretation to reduce variability in athlete evaluation.

Maestrini V, Gati S, D’Ascenzi F et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

---

Non-cardiac biomedical/oncology biomarkers (ctDNA/PET, lymphoma, AF multiomics)

Efficacy of post-transplant brentuximab vedotin maintenance by pre-transplant disease status in relapsed/refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma.

This real-world analysis assessed efficacy of post-transplant brentuximab vedotin (BV) maintenance after autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) in adult patients with relapsed/refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), stratified by pre-ASCT disease status such as complete metabolic response (CMR) and by the number of AETHERA-defined clinical risk factors. The key finding was that BV maintenance benefit varied according to pre-transplant metabolic response and risk-factor burden, addressing uncertainty about whether patients transplanted in CMR derive the same advantage as higher-risk groups. Clinically, it informs how to personalize BV maintenance decisions after ASCT based on metabolic response and baseline risk.

Desai SH, Geyer SM, Pederson L et al. · Blood cancer journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Meta-analysis of survival by phased-variant ctDNA and PET response in large B-cell lymphoma.

This meta-analysis assessed whether end-of-treatment measurable residual disease (MRD) detected by phased-variant circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and positron emission tomography (PET) response predict survival outcomes in patients with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) treated with curative-intent frontline therapy. Across 3 studies (367 patients), undetectable vs detectable phased-variant ctDNA MRD showed markedly higher progression-free survival (PFS) with hazard ratios of 14.02 (95% CI 7.35–26.74) and 5.09 (95% CI 3.29–7.88) among PET complete metabolic response (CMR) groups. Scientifically and clinically, phased-variant ctDNA MRD provides a more sensitive risk stratification than PET alone and may identify patients at relapse risk despite PET CMR.

Gordon MJ, Choo-Wosoba H, Ozcan G et al. · Blood advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multiomics Insights Into the Role of Spondin-1 in the Pathogenesis and Prognosis of Atrial Fibrillation.

This multiomics study investigated the role of spondin-1 (SPON1) in atrial fibrillation (AF) pathogenesis and prognosis using an integrative genetic framework. The key finding was that SPON1 emerged as a priority AF candidate supported by Mendelian randomization and colocalization of plasma protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) and atrial expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) with AF genome-wide association studies, with further characterization using single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Scientifically, identifying SPON1 as a molecular driver links genetic evidence to tissue-level expression, potentially informing future AF biomarkers or therapeutic targets.

Long X, Zhang Y, Gao X et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Translational/experimental cardiovascular models & mechanisms (animal studies, pathophysiology)

Pathophysiologic Consequences of Early Coarctation Stenting in a Longitudinal Porcine Model.

This longitudinal porcine study examined the pathophysiologic consequences of early coarctation stenting (with serial dilation to adult aortic diameters) versus sham or coarctation controls in 18 swine. The key finding was that early stent implantation produced measurable longitudinal cardiovascular changes at terminal follow-up (20 weeks) compared with controls, indicating that early intervention alters downstream vascular and hemodynamic remodeling. This is scientifically important because it helps define mid-to-long-term risks and mechanisms after early coarctation stenting, informing timing and technology choices for pediatric-like treatment strategies.

Gober LM, Stellon MA, Culver MA et al. · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Microvascular dysfunction and neurovascular signalling impairment in diabetic silent myocardial ischemia.

This article studied the mechanisms underlying diabetic silent myocardial ischemia (DSMI) in the context of diabetic microvascular dysfunction and neurovascular signaling impairment. The key finding was that chronic hyperglycemia-driven oxidative stress, advanced glycation end-product accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction reduce nitric oxide bioavailability and coronary flow reserve while diabetic neuropathy blunts nociceptive signaling, together producing ischemia without symptoms. This is clinically significant because it links two targetable axes—microvascular endothelial/smooth-muscle dysfunction and neurocardiac signaling deficits—to DSMI pathogenesis and potential therapies.

Rajasekaran HK · Microvascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Protective effect of coumarin on diabetes-induced sciatic nerve damage in rats via TRPV1 modulation.

This rat study investigated whether coumarin protects against diabetes-induced sciatic nerve damage by modulating the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) signaling pathway. The key finding was that coumarin treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats (45 mg/kg i.p.) reduced sciatic nerve injury and altered TRPV1-associated pathological signaling compared with untreated diabetic controls. This is significant because it supports TRPV1 modulation as a mechanistic therapeutic strategy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Yıldızhan K, Altındağ F, Bayir MH et al. · Experimental neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Architecture and function of holocentric CENP-A-independent inner kinetochores.

This study investigated kinetochore architecture in the holocentric silkmoth Bombyx mori, which lacks the canonical centromere-specifying histone variant CENP-A, by determining the structure of the inner kinetochore constitutive centromere-associated network (CCAN). The authors found that the B. mori CCAN contains four previously uncharacterized centromeric subunit proteins structurally related to the Dam1/DASH complex that function in scaffolding the inner kinetochore. The work advances understanding of how kinetochore organization and chromosome segregation can be achieved without CENP-A, informing broader models of centromere/kinetochore evolution.

Yu C, Sankaranarayanan SR, Cornilleau G et al. · Science advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

Non-imaging clinical case reports & occupational/environmental health

A Case of Brugada Syndrome… or Something Else? Behind Type 1 Brugada Pattern.

This clinical case report evaluated a 51-year-old man who presented with syncope during a febrile illness and a transient spontaneous type-1 Brugada ECG pattern, using serial ECG assessment and Holter monitoring to characterize arrhythmias and to consider alternative diagnoses beyond primary electrical disease. Holter monitoring identified multifocal ventricular ectopy including non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT), and the report emphasizes that overt myocardial scar or a biventricular arrhythmogenic substrate should shift the differential away from classic Brugada syndrome. Clinically, the case highlights the need to promptly reassess patients with transient type-1 Brugada patterns for structural/arrhythmogenic causes when arrhythmic burden suggests more than an isolated right ventricular outflow tract electrical disorder.

Scarà A, Borrelli A, Romano S et al. · Clinical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Mortality among adolescent and young adults in specialized substance use treatment: a Swedish register study.

This Swedish register study examined all-cause and cause-specific mortality among adolescents and young adults (ages 13–25) receiving specialized substance use treatment between 2011 and 2021. The key finding was that mortality in this treated population remained higher than in the general population, with sex, migrant background, parental education, convictions, and treatment variables used as predictors. Public-health significance: it quantifies mortality risk in an understudied group and supports targeted prevention and follow-up strategies within specialized substance use services.

Karlsson P, Ekendahl M, Lindner P · Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Toxic and explosive risks in pharmacy: an underestimated reality.

This article examined occupational toxic and explosive hazards faced by pharmacists, particularly in compounding pharmacies handling carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) agents such as chemotherapy drugs, anesthetic gases, antibiotics, and hormones. It reports that indirect exposure can occur via fine-powder dispersion or volatile vapors even when standard protective equipment is used, and that fire/explosion risks are heightened by flammable solvents including ethanol, acetone, and ethyl ether. The findings highlight an underrecognized need for stronger risk assessment and engineering controls to protect pharmacy workers and prevent secondary contamination.

Larioui KY, Khoukh K, Zekri S et al. · Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A woman in her 70s with chest pain and elevated troponin T levels.

This case report described a woman in her 70s presenting with chest pain and markedly elevated troponin T (initially 108 ng/L, rising to 263 ng/L) with normal electrocardiogram and coronary angiography. Despite clinical improvement, cardiac MRI and echocardiography did not show definitive pathology and troponin T remained persistently elevated around 270 ng/L, prompting consideration of non-ACS causes such as myopericarditis. The significance is clinical awareness that persistent troponin elevation with normal coronaries can represent diagnostic challenges requiring careful longitudinal evaluation beyond acute coronary syndrome.

Bertelsen BC, Qvigstad E, Larstorp ACK et al. · Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A forgotten cause of chest pain in the United States: a case report on acute rheumatic fever.

This case report studied acute rheumatic fever (ARF) as a cause of chest pain in a young man in the United States, using revised Jones criteria and serologic evidence of prior Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection plus cardiac evaluation. The authors highlight diagnostic uncertainty in a setting where ARF is rare and emphasize the need to correctly interpret GAS serologies and pursue cardiac imaging when suspected. Clinically, the report reinforces ARF as a potentially missed diagnosis for chest pain and supports guideline-based workup to prevent downstream complications such as valvular disease, myocarditis, and arrhythmias.

Miller JA, Kim R, Kadiyala M et al. · Journal of medical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Influence of Sb-doping on structural, optical and UV photodetector properties of CdS thin films.

This materials study investigated antimony (Sb)-doped cadmium sulfide (CdS) thin films fabricated by nebulizer spray pyrolysis (NSP) on glass substrates, focusing on structural, optical, and ultraviolet (UV) photodetector properties. The key finding was that 2 wt% Sb doping produced the highest crystallinity (hexagonal phase by XRD) and larger, densely packed grains (FESEM), leading to improved UV photodetector performance. These results are significant for developing higher-performance, UV-sensitive CdS-based photodetectors via controlled Sb doping and NSP processing.

Murahari P, Alagarasan D, Hegde SS et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

---

---

Generated automatically on June 26, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published June 19, 2026 – June 26, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.