What's New in Cardiac MRI? — July 18, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 69 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
July 18, 2026 · 69 articles · 15 research themes · covering July 11, 2026 – July 18, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies, cardiac MRI (CMR) is repeatedly positioned as both a diagnostic “lens” and a longitudinal “measuring stick.” Multiple reports emphasize time-dependent interpretation—such as phase-specific CMR in Takotsubo syndrome, and evolving imaging in myocarditis/post-viral cardiomyopathy—while others show how CMR can track rare or complex conditions over years (e.g., congenital ventricular anomalies, repaired tetralogy of Fallot, and long-term apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy). In parallel, CMR is increasingly used to refine risk stratification beyond traditional clinical metrics: obesity-related myocardial remodeling, diabetes-associated epicardial fat distribution, HCM phenotypes modified by hypertension and genotype, and ischemic cardiomyopathy thrombus risk all illustrate a move toward imaging-derived, phenotype-specific counseling and surveillance.
A second dominant theme is the integration of CMR with other modalities and scalable screening approaches. Several studies pair CMR with ECG/EHR or surrogate markers to enable earlier detection—such as stage-sensitive ECG in Fabry disease, EHR-based prediction of undiagnosed heart failure, and an ECG/echo-derived surrogate for amyloid burden correlated with CMR extracellular volume. For arrhythmia risk, CMR scar detection and multimodality evaluation are central in athlete-focused case reports, where myocarditis-like presentations can unmask inherited cardiomyopathies or persistent arrhythmogenic substrates. Meanwhile, technical and computational advances—AI-assisted reconstruction, automated left atrial strain quantification, and motion-optimized T2w-STIR acquisition—aim to reduce variability and make CMR more reproducible and accessible.
Finally, the digest highlights both mechanistic and therapeutic momentum. Reviews and trials focus on targeting pathways (e.g., copper dysregulation with trientine in HCM; cardioplegia strategy to optimize early recovery; and biomarker frameworks for ischemia/reperfusion injury). Hemodynamic and vascular characterization is also expanding through 4D flow CMR (e.g., post-TAVR flow changes and multidirectional flow quantification), while preclinical regenerative strategies (vascular organoids) point toward future complements to revascularization. Together, these papers reflect a field moving toward more precise phenotyping, earlier detection, and better mechanistic targeting—supported by rapidly improving CMR acquisition and analysis pipelines.
Cardiac MRI in Rare Congenital/Structural Heart Disease
Right Atrial Mass in an Adolescent With a Complex Hematologic History: What Is the Diagnosis?
This case report studied diagnostic evaluation of a right atrial mass in a 17-year-old female with hemoglobin SS sickle cell disease, Moyamoya disease, prior stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Multimodality imaging on cardiac MRI identified a large pedunculated right atrial mass with a differential including thrombus, tumor, or vegetation, and cardiac catheterization with pathology confirmed the diagnosis. The significance is that integrating complex hematologic history with multimodality imaging is essential to correctly classify right atrial masses in high-risk adolescents.
Almasri M, Dalby S, Stallings-Archer K et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Physiologic Unmasking of an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery in a Competitive Lacrosse Athlete.
This case studied physiologic unmasking of an anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) in an 18-year-old competitive lacrosse athlete with exertional symptoms. Despite normal ECG, cardiac MRI, and nuclear stress testing, coronary CT angiography confirmed an interarterial and intramural course, explaining exertional limitation not captured by routine testing. The finding supports using coronary CT angiography when baseline echocardiography suggests ARCA and symptoms persist, because physiologic stress can reveal clinically significant anatomy even when standard tests are negative.
Chukwurah MI, Akele O, Bhatia R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mitral Valve Blood Cyst Discovered as an Incidentaloma in Trauma Evaluation.
This case studied a congenital mitral valve blood cyst discovered incidentally during trauma evaluation in a 31-year-old woman with stab wounds. Echocardiography identified a mitral valve mass, and transesophageal echocardiography characterized it as a 2.0 × 1.5 cm cystic structure attached to the ventricular aspect of the A2/A3 scallops. The report emphasizes that rare valvular blood cysts can mimic thrombus or other traumatic pathology, so multimodality imaging is critical to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary intervention.
Bravo F, Ref J, Pullela N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The Right Atrium and Atrialised Right Ventricle are Associated with Cardiac Output During Exercise in Patients with Ebstein Anomaly of the Tricuspid Valve.
This study evaluated how right atrial (RA) and atrialised right ventricular (aRV) volumes relate to cardiac output during exercise in 13 unoperated adolescents with Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve using exercise testing and resting/exercise cardiac MRI (CMR). RA indexed end-diastolic volume (RAi) and atrialised RV indexed end-diastolic volume (aRVi) were associated with cardiac index and exercise capacity (%VO2max), with septal curvature measures (SCRsys/SCRdias) used to characterize functional geometry. These findings support CMR-based assessment of RA/aRV remodeling as a potential imaging biomarker for exercise limitation and risk stratification in Ebstein anomaly.
Gnanappa GK, Luxford J, Dryburgh L et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Long-Term Follow-Up With Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in 2 Patients With Isolated Left Ventricular Apical Hypoplasia.
This report studied two patients with isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia followed from childhood into early adulthood using serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) over more than a decade. Both patients showed stable ventricular morphology and function on long-term CMR follow-up. The findings support CMR as a practical tool for defining long-term natural history in this rare congenital anomaly and may inform counseling and surveillance strategies.
Isenia C, Hassing HC, Constantinescu AA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR Phenotyping in Obesity and Body Composition
Associations of thoracic muscle area factor and visceral adiposity with cardiac function in patients with overweight or obesity.
This cross-sectional study evaluated 154 overweight/obese patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance to test independent and interactive associations of thoracic axial skeletal muscle mass (TASM) factor and visceral adiposity with cardiac function. TASM factor correlated positively with left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and global circumferential strain (GCS), while visceral fat showed associations with cardiac functional measures and natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), with analyses supporting both independent and interaction effects. These findings link body composition—muscle versus visceral fat—to CMR-measured cardiac performance, suggesting potential targets for risk modification in obesity-related cardiac dysfunction.
Gao L, Cheng L, Liu W et al. · Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Differential Biventricular Strain Recovery With Selective Fibrosis Biomarker Regression After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective CMR Feature-Tracking Study.
This prospective single-center cohort study investigated whether recovery after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is uniform or uneven by assessing biventricular and biatrial cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) strain, fibrosis, adipokine biomarkers, cardiovascular risk, and quality of life in 32 patients with paired CMR (26 women, mean age ~36 years). The key finding was differential recovery patterns in biventricular strain associated with selective regression of a fibrosis biomarker, indicating that functional improvement and fibrosis reversal may occur on different timelines. Clinically, this suggests that post-bariatric cardiac recovery should be monitored with both functional and fibrosis-related measures rather than assuming synchronous reversal.
Akarsu H, Kılıç İD, Dodurga Y et al. · Obesity surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction Associated in Populations With Obesity: An Analysis of Cardiac Structure and Function.
This systematic review and meta-analysis studied adults with obesity (WHO criteria) versus non-obese controls, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measures of myocardial structure, function, tissue characterization, and adiposity. The pooled results defined an obesity-associated CMR phenotype characterized by consistent remodeling and dysfunction patterns across included studies. Clinically, this helps standardize CMR-based risk phenotyping in obesity and supports earlier identification of subclinical cardiac involvement.
Khanna S, Wilson D, Mann G et al. · Obesity reviews : an official journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic value of epicardial adipose tissue distribution as a complementary risk marker for major adverse cardiovascular events in diabetes.
This prospective study of 1071 adults with diabetes mellitus evaluated whether epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and spatial distribution measured on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using CV142 software predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) beyond general obesity metrics (BMI, WHR) and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Increased EAT—particularly its distribution—showed superior or complementary predictive value for MACE compared with conventional obesity measures. Scientifically, it supports EAT distribution as a CMR-derived risk marker in diabetes and may improve cardiovascular risk stratification.
Qiao S, Liu C, Ma Y et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Risk, Genotype, and Therapy
Clinical phenotype and outcomes of low-risk HCM patients who maintained stable exercise habits during follow-up.
This study compared clinical phenotype and follow-up outcomes in 253 low-risk hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients grouped by reliably documented stable exercise habits during follow-up (sedentary, mild exercise, vigorous exercise). Patients who maintained regular exercise showed a more favorable clinical phenotype and better follow-up outcomes than sedentary patients within the low-risk HCM category. The results suggest that, in carefully selected low-risk HCM patients, sustained exercise may be compatible with improved real-world prognosis, informing counseling and risk management.
Pelliccia A, Ferrera A, Daniello CD et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Trientine for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a phase 2 trial.
This phase 2 clinical trial tested trientine dihydrochloride in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to target copper dysregulation affecting mitochondrial function, left ventricular hypertrophy, and fibrosis. The key reported finding was that trientine improved the underlying copper I/II trafficking imbalance with the intended downstream effects on myocardial energy/mitochondrial function and profibrotic signaling, consistent with preclinical reductions in LV hypertrophy and fibrosis. If confirmed in full results, trientine would represent a mechanism-based disease-modifying strategy for HCM beyond symptom control.
Farrant JP, Dodd S, Rosala-Hallas A et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Vascular changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This review synthesized evidence on vascular changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), focusing on (micro)vascular dysfunction, structural vascular remodeling, and their relationship to fibrosis and clinical outcomes across disease severity. The key finding was that multiple assessment modalities (from functional testing to imaging/structural measures) consistently link coronary microvascular abnormalities and peripheral vascular dysfunction with progression markers such as fibrosis and adverse outcomes. Clinically, this supports incorporating vascular phenotyping into HCM evaluation and highlights vascular targets as potential therapeutic avenues.
Visch JE, Nassar A, Burchell G et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Elite-Level Sports: A 12-Year Follow-Up Case.
This 12-year follow-up case described an asymptomatic athlete with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aHCM) who participated in elite-level sports from ages 17 to 31 years. The key finding was no adverse morphologic progression—specifically no progression of apical fibrosis or disease—during continued elite competition and after retirement. Scientifically and clinically, it suggests that aHCM may have a more favorable sports interaction than other HCM phenotypes, supporting phenotype-specific counseling and management.
Thio Q, van Hattum J, Nijland F et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Incidental Cardiac Fibroma in a Young Soldier: Exercise Authorization and Graded Fitness-for-Duty Determination.
This registry-based cohort study characterized hypertensive versus non-hypertensive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) biomarkers from the HCM-LGE registry (2008–2024) and assessed associations with all-cause mortality. Hypertension was linked to a distinct CMR phenotype and showed prognostic associations, with differences in long-term predictive performance of CMR-derived biomarkers between hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups. The findings support incorporating hypertension status when interpreting CMR risk markers in HCM.
Demoulin R, Parsaï C, Bone ACK et al. · Military medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association of TNNI3 and MYBPC3 variants with clinical phenotype and metabolic disorders in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This study examined associations between TNNI3 and MYBPC3 genetic variants and both clinical phenotype and metabolic disorders in 34 newly diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients, with 51 healthy controls and 23 unaffected family members, using whole-exome and Sanger sequencing plus non-targeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography metabolomics. The key finding was that specific variant groups in TNNI3 and MYBPC3 were linked to distinct clinical phenotypes and measurable metabolic differences. This is significant because it connects HCM genotype to metabolic signatures, potentially enabling improved risk stratification and mechanistic insight into mutation-driven disease heterogeneity.
Wu H, Yu Q, Li H et al. · BMC cardiovascular disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Dilated/Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis Sequelae
Reverse Remodeling in Pediatric Myocarditis With DCM Phenotype Impact of rASD and PAB.
This retrospective study of 31 children under 3 years old with biopsy-proven myocarditis and a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype evaluated a staged, pathophysiology-guided strategy combining left atrial decompression and pulmonary artery banding (PAB) to promote myocardial recovery and reverse remodeling. The intervention was associated with favorable reverse-remodeling outcomes in selected infants/young children, with the study specifically examining the impact of rASD (right atrial septal defect) and PAB on recovery trajectories. These results suggest a potentially actionable surgical staging approach to leverage pediatric myocardial regenerative capacity and improve early outcomes in myocarditis-to-DCM progression.
Logeswaran T, Akintürk H, Schranz D et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Recurrent Pericarditis in a Rugby Player: Imaging-Guided Therapy.
This case studied recurrent pericarditis in a 26-year-old rugby player after atrial septal defect repair, using imaging-guided treatment decisions. The patient achieved remission on rilonacept, but relapsed after tapering despite normal inflammatory biomarkers, with cardiac MRI showing residual late gadolinium enhancement at the start of taper. The report suggests that CMR residual LGE may identify ongoing myocardial/pericardial activity and can guide safer tapering strategies to reduce relapse risk.
Abuawad A, Badwan O, Ehsan M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI as surveillance and risk stratification of arrhythmogenic foci in long-chain hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
This case report used serial cardiac MRI to surveil a 22-year-old woman with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency for evolving cardiac involvement, including fibrosis and arrhythmogenic substrate. The key finding was stable myocardial scar burden but progressive septal hypertrophy over time despite preserved ventricular function. The study underscores cardiac MRI as a sensitive tool for early detection and longitudinal risk monitoring of arrhythmogenic foci in fatty-acid oxidation disorders.
Kantheti H, Natarajan R, Yuvaraj R et al. · Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Performance-Enhancing Drug-Associated Myocarditis in a Young Athlete: From Cardiogenic Shock to Clearance.
This JACC Case Reports article described fulminant myocarditis in a 21-year-old athlete following performance-enhancing drug use, with diagnosis supported by cardiac MRI after normal coronary angiography. The key finding was severe presentation with cardiogenic shock requiring inotropic support that improved with diuresis and high-dose corticosteroids, followed by a structured return-to-exercise plan guided by symptoms, biomarkers, CMR, and exercise testing. The case highlights the need for careful, imaging- and biomarker-informed activity restriction and graded reconditioning in athletes with drug-associated myocarditis.
Parks EA, Essig J, Pistiolis S · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
HERZCHECK: Early Detection of Subclinical Preheart Failure Using Mobile Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Telemedicine in Rural and Underressourced Regions.
This cross-sectional multicenter cohort study (HERZCHECK) evaluated a fully mobile, telemedically supervised cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) screening algorithm for subclinical preheart failure in asymptomatic adults aged 40–69 years with at least one cardiovascular risk factor in rural and underresourced regions across 12 sites in Germany. The key finding was that the mobile telemedicine CMR approach enabled standardized screening feasibility for detecting preheart failure phenotypes in these settings. Scientifically and clinically, it supports scalable preventive cardiology workflows that may identify high-risk individuals earlier than symptom-based care.
Kelle S, Müller ML, Beyer RE et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Molecular and imaging biomarkers in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: from pathogenetic mechanisms to therapeutic targeting.
This expert review studied molecular and imaging biomarkers relevant to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), synthesizing evidence from PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus through May 2026. It highlighted how biomarkers such as high-sensitivity cardiac troponins—while central for necrosis detection—provide limited mechanistic insight, and it summarized emerging targets spanning infarct expansion, microvascular obstruction, and intramyocardial hemorrhage. The review is significant for guiding biomarker-driven therapeutic targeting and improving mechanistic stratification of MIRI.
Nasoufidou A, Bantidos MG, Kofos C et al. · Expert review of cardiovascular therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Post-viral myocarditis.
This review studied the mechanisms and clinical progression of post-viral myocarditis, focusing on how viral infections can lead to post-viral cardiomyopathy and heart failure, including progression to a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype. The key finding is the synthesis of evidence linking common viruses (e.g., parvovirus B19, human herpesvirus 6, and enteroviruses) to persistent inflammatory and molecular changes that drive chronic myocardial dysfunction. Scientifically and clinically, it provides a framework for understanding why some patients develop long-term cardiomyopathy after acute viral myocarditis and highlights targets for future prevention and treatment strategies.
Sokolski M, Zychla W, Wilk M et al. · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death Risk (Including Athlete Cases)
Exercise-Provoked Wide-Complex Tachycardia and Extreme Duke Score: Orthodromic Reciprocating Tachycardia Unmasked by Electrophysiology Study.
This JACC Case Reports report describes a 44-year-old man who developed exercise-provoked sustained wide-complex tachycardia with left bundle branch block morphology during stress-test recovery, initially mimicking ventricular tachycardia. Despite negative angiography and cardiac MRI for obstructive/structural disease, electrophysiology study revealed orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia mediated by a concealed left posterior accessory pathway, explaining the wide-complex presentation. The case highlights the diagnostic value of electrophysiology testing when supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy can masquerade as ventricular tachycardia during exercise testing.
Ray N, Petty A, Money D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Premature Ventricular Contractions as a Result of Subacute Myocarditis in a Professional Football Player.
This case report studied return-to-play decision-making in a 33-year-old professional football player with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and atypical chest pain. ECG showed fragmented R waves and PVCs, cardiac MRI showed late gadolinium enhancement consistent with subacute myocarditis, and a normal PET scan supported myocarditis rather than active ischemia or other causes. The clinical significance is that multimodality imaging plus guideline-directed medical therapy and rest can inform safer RTP after myocarditis-associated ventricular arrhythmias.
Pirquet C, Underberg D, Osler B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Syncope and Scar in a Former Elite Basketball Player.
This case report studied syncope and myocardial scar in a 47-year-old former elite basketball player with suspected late sequelae of myocarditis. Cardiac MRI demonstrated an inferolateral scar consistent with prior myocarditis, and electrophysiology testing showed inducible ventricular tachycardia leading to ICD implantation. The finding underscores the importance of CMR scar detection and electrophysiologic risk stratification in athletes with unexplained syncope and myocarditis history.
Garba DL, Aronis KN, Barouch LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Inflammation Reveals a Genetic Desmosomal Cardiomyopathy in an Athlete.
This case report studied an athlete with myocardial inflammation to identify an inherited desmosomal cardiomyopathy. Endomyocardial biopsy showed acute lymphocytic myocarditis and cardiac MRI suggested overlap with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC), while genetic testing revealed a likely pathogenic PKP2 variant. The significance is that myocarditis-like presentations in athletes can unmask underlying genetic cardiomyopathy, guiding immunosuppression and family-risk assessment.
Kueppers ST, Magnussen C, Waldeyer C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Severe Left Ventricular Dilation With Preserved Contractile Reserve in an Adolescent Elite Athlete.
This case report studied whether severe left ventricular dilation in an 18-year-old elite male basketball athlete represented physiologic remodeling versus early cardiomyopathy. Multimodality evaluation showed severe LV dilation (indexed end-diastolic volume 156 mL/m²), moderately reduced ejection fraction (35–40%), and supraphysiologic tissue Doppler diastolic velocities, with cardiac MRI confirming marked dilation without late gadolinium enhancement. The clinical significance is that CMR absence of late gadolinium enhancement may help distinguish early cardiomyopathy from athletic remodeling, but electrical instability (atrial fibrillation) still warrants careful longitudinal assessment.
Mutebi C, Chukwurah M, Chukumerije MT et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left-Dominant Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a Young Athlete: Silent Danger on the Pitch.
This case studied arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC) in a 21-year-old competitive athlete presenting with neurologic symptoms and chest discomfort. Cardiac MRI showed left ventricular (LV) dilation, apical hypokinesia, apical thrombus, and multifocal nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement with edema, with endomyocardial biopsy demonstrating low-grade inflammation and persistent remodeling despite an initial myocarditis-like “hot phase” assumption. The report highlights that ALVC can mimic myocarditis and cause thromboembolism, so persistent MRI scar/remodeling and biopsy findings should prompt ALVC-directed risk assessment for ventricular arrhythmias and stroke prevention.
Esteves S, Cazeiro DI, Guimarães T et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Differentiating an Athlete’s Heart and Cardiomyopathy: Role of Advanced Cardiac Imaging.
This case studied how advanced cardiac imaging differentiates athlete’s heart from cardiomyopathy in a 37-year-old endurance athlete with incidental cardiac enlargement on coronary calcium scanning. While ECG and echocardiography suggested exercise-induced physiologic remodeling, cardiac MRI demonstrated multifocal myocardial scarring concerning for cardiomyopathy. The case supports using CMR scar assessment when standard evaluation is equivocal, because scarring can shift management away from benign athlete’s heart.
Jilani T, Khan S, Fakikh Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ventricular Tachycardia in a Young Athlete With Prior Myocarditis and MYL2 Mutation.
This case report described a 23-year-old competitive soccer player with prior myocarditis features and a MYL2 mutation who developed polymorphic ventricular tachycardia during monitored return to play. The key finding was that despite recovery with activity restriction and normal follow-up imaging/testing, she experienced a 42-second episode of polymorphic VT while sprinting. Clinically, it emphasizes that inherited cardiomyopathy genetics (MYL2) plus prior myocarditis can confer ongoing arrhythmic risk even after apparent recovery, informing return-to-play decisions.
Burka S, Garba D, Barouch LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Cardiac Amyloidosis and Surrogates for Amyloid Burden
Septal thickness to QRS voltage ratio in Lead I/aVR: A simple tool for estimating cardiac amyloid burden.
This study evaluated whether an integrated echo–ECG index—maximum septal thickness (MST) divided by QRS voltage in lead I and/or aVR—correlates with cardiac amyloid burden measured by CMR-derived extracellular volume (ECV) in patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis. The key finding was that the MST-to-QRS voltage ratio in lead I/aVR showed a meaningful association with CMR ECV, supporting its use as a simpler surrogate for amyloid burden. Clinically, this could enable more accessible, low-cost screening and risk stratification for cardiac amyloidosis where CMR is limited.
Sclafani M, Arcari L, Tini G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Ischemic Heart Disease: Thrombus, Aging, and Vascular Remodeling
Determinants, risk score, and prognostic implications of left ventricular thrombus in ischemic cardiomyopathy assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance: a retrospective cohort study.
This retrospective cohort study evaluated 790 patients with chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy (LVEF <50%, >40 days post–myocardial infarction) who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify determinants of CMR-detected left ventricular thrombus (LVT), build a CMR-based LVT risk score, and test prognostic impact on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CMR-detected LVT was associated with worse outcomes, and the study derived a CMR-based risk score using clinical and CMR factors to stratify LVT risk in chronic ICM. These findings support CMR-guided risk stratification for LVT in chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy to improve prevention and management of thromboembolic and cardiovascular events.
Aramcharoen C, Buraphat P, Wanitanantakun T et al. · Annals of medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Advancing Heart Ageing in Ischemic Heart Disease: Insights from CMR and ECG Analysis.
This analysis of 2,142 prevalent ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients estimated “biological heart age” using advanced CMR radiomics features combined with ECG-derived phenotypes to compute a heart age gap (HAG), and assessed contributions of conventional imaging indices and vascular risk factors (VRFs). The study found that IHD is associated with an increased heart age gap, indicating accelerated biological cardiac aging, with specific CMR/ECG features and VRFs contributing to the estimated aging burden. These findings support CMR-radiomics/ECG-based biomarkers as quantitative tools for tracking cardiovascular aging and potentially refining risk prediction in IHD.
Salih AM, Rauseo E, Galazzo IB et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Long-Term Survival With Left Ventricular Aneurysm: The Cardiac Ball That Didn’t Burst.
This case studied long-term outcomes of a giant left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) in a 58-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy and HFrEF. Multimodality imaging with transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac MRI confirmed a giant inferolateral LVA (12.0 × 8.6 × 7.2 cm), but the patient declined recommended surgery. The report illustrates that some LVAs may remain clinically stable for years despite large size, informing counseling about individualized risk and the potential role of surveillance when surgery is deferred.
Encarnación-Martínez U, Arriaga-Páez F, Guillén-Ortiz CA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary Intramural Hematoma in a Young Athlete After Direct Ball Impact to the Chest.
This case studied coronary intramural hematoma (IMH) after blunt chest trauma in a 19-year-old competitive athlete. After direct ball impact and exertion, troponin peaked at 20,400 ng/L, coronary angiography showed a nonobstructive ostial LAD lesion, cardiac MRI demonstrated near-transmural ischemic injury with microvascular obstruction, and coronary CT angiography showed hyperdense mural thickening with positive remodeling. The report highlights that IMH can present with severe myocardial injury despite nonobstructive angiography, so CMR and CT are key to diagnosis and risk stratification after chest impact.
Sakhi H, Kalifa L, Fradi S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The CAMERA-MRI Score to Predict LVEF Normalization Post Ablation for Primary Atrial Fibrillation Mediated Cardiomyopathy: a Pooled Analysis of Two Randomized Clinical Trials.
This pooled analysis of the CAMERA-MRI and CAMERA-MRI II randomized trials studied predictors of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) normalization after catheter ablation in patients with primary atrial fibrillation (AF)-mediated cardiomyopathy using baseline and serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was that specific baseline CMR-derived and clinical features (as assessed via univariable and multivariable modeling in the pooled cohort) could prospectively identify which patients were more likely to normalize LVEF after ablation. This supports using CMR-based risk prediction to better select AF-mediated cardiomyopathy patients for catheter ablation and to counsel on expected reverse remodeling.
Cho KK, Segan L, Anthony C et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The contribution of adolescent cardiovascular disease risk factors to vascular stiffness and cardiac remodelling in young adults.
This longitudinal study in the Raine Study cohort examined how adolescent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors contribute to vascular stiffness and cardiac remodeling in young adulthood by re-assessing participants at 27 years after risk clustering at 17 years (n=716). The key finding was that higher adolescent CVD risk was associated with worse vascular stiffness (pulse wave velocity) and adverse cardiac structural/functional remodeling measures including left ventricular mass index and myocardial strain/ejection fractions assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance. This is significant because it identifies early-life risk trajectories that may be targeted to prevent later CVD progression.
Barden AE, Beilin LJ, Lan NSR et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and HFpEF-like Physiology
Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease: The women’s ischemia syndrome evaluation - Coronary microvascular dysfunction study (WISE-CVD).
This study in 253 women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) used invasive coronary functional testing (CFT) to measure resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and coronary microvascular dysfunction, with a predefined subset undergoing cardiac MRI (CMRI). The authors tested the hypothesis that coronary microvascular dysfunction–mediated impairment in LV relaxation contributes to elevated LVEDP, linking invasive physiology with imaging-based assessment of relaxation. Clinically, establishing this mechanism could improve understanding and treatment targeting of HFpEF-like physiology driven by coronary microvascular dysfunction.
Ranasinghe S, Tjoe B, Chang J et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative CMR-derived pulmonary circulation imaging biomarkers in recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy associated with pulmonary hemodynamics and clinical improvement.
This retrospective study evaluated quantitative pulmonary circulation imaging biomarkers (PCIB) derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM) and their relationship to pulmonary hemodynamics and clinical improvement. Among 90 RODCM patients with baseline and 1-year follow-up CMR (excluding 26 with myocarditis confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy), PCIB measures were assessed alongside pulmonary hypertension and systolic/diastolic function on echocardiography. The study is clinically relevant because CMR-derived pulmonary biomarkers may help risk-stratify RODCM patients and track response over time, potentially improving management of pulmonary vascular involvement.
Opatřil L, Mojica-Pisciotti ML, Panovský R et al. · BMC medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Takotsubo Syndrome: Phase-Dependent Imaging
CMR Findings Across Disease Phases in Takotsubo Syndrome: Insights From the Multicenter EVOLUTION Registry.
This retrospective multicenter EVOLUTION registry analysis examined how cardiac MRI (CMR) findings in Takotsubo syndrome (TS) vary by disease phase in 439 patients stratified by time from symptom onset to CMR (acute 1–72 hours, subacute 4–21 days, late ≥22 days). The key finding was that CMR tissue and functional characteristics differed across these time windows, reflecting dynamic evolution of myocardial involvement. This helps clinicians interpret CMR results in TS in a time-dependent manner and improves the scientific characterization of TS pathophysiology across the recovery trajectory.
Cau R, Luetkens J, Pontone G et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Valvular Heart Disease and Post-Surgical Remodeling
[Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric takotsubo syndrome: a case report].
This case report studied diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of Takotsubo syndrome in a 15-year-old adolescent with Barlow syndrome and severe mitral regurgitation undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement. Intraoperative findings suggested endocarditis and were subsequently confirmed, illustrating how postoperative hemodynamic deterioration can mimic or obscure Takotsubo syndrome in pediatric patients. The report highlights the need for careful differential diagnosis and multimodal evaluation when acute left ventricular dysfunction occurs in children after cardiac surgery.
Maza-Caneva OC, Villa-Vargas RA, Restrepo-Hincapié AC et al. · Archivos de cardiologia de Mexico · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Shortness of Breath Due to a Large Spontaneous Left Atrial Intramural Hematoma.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 58-year-old man presenting with acute severe shortness of breath and a large left atrial mass after recent exertion. Cardiac MRI characterized the lesion with intermediate T1 signal and slightly elevated T2 signal without enhancement on first-pass or late gadolinium enhancement, and surgery confirmed a spontaneous left atrial intramural hematoma (LAIH). The case emphasizes that LAIH can mimic tumors or other atrial masses and that CMR signal and enhancement patterns can guide timely surgical diagnosis.
Mulder AAW, Vergeer D, Olsthoorn JR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Leiomyosarcoma First Signaled by Chest Pain: Beyond Angina.
This case studied a cardiac leiomyosarcoma presenting with chest pain and severe mitral stenosis physiology in a 49-year-old man. Imaging was discordant—cardiac MRI favored a benign mass while echocardiography favored malignancy—and final pathology showed high-grade left atrial leiomyosarcoma with myxoid features. The report underscores that malignant cardiac tumors can be missed when MRI appears reassuring, so persistent clinical concern and echocardiographic findings should drive definitive diagnostic workup.
Shakfeh K, Suma V, El Khoury G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging of Pulmonary Regurgitation and Right Ventricular Remodeling in Adults With Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Descriptive Single-Center Case Series.
This single-center retrospective case series studied multimodality imaging of pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling in seven adults with surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) who underwent serial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and at least two cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations over 5 to >15 years. The key finding was the longitudinal characterization of PR severity alongside progressive RV remodeling across extended follow-up, illustrating how imaging findings evolve over time in repaired TOF. This is significant for informing timing and decision-making for pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) using combined echocardiographic and CMR data.
AlRahimi J · Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Pulmonary Hypertension (EDIPHY): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial studied the effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on right ventricular (RV) function in participants with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with the primary endpoint assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) RV longitudinal strain after 18 weeks. The key finding was that DHEA had no effect on RV longitudinal strain compared with placebo. This suggests that, despite associations between low DHEA/DHEA-S and worse RV function, DHEA supplementation is not an effective therapy for improving CMR-measured RV mechanics in PAH.
Sanders R, Walsh T, Baird GL et al. · Annals of the American Thoracic Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Extra-Mitral Abnormalities in Non-Syndromic Mitral Valve Prolapse assessed by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
This single-centre retrospective case-control study assessed 120 non-syndromic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) patients without more than mild regurgitation and without confounding conditions (e.g., bicuspid aortic valve, hypertension, competitive sport, or known/suspected syndromic connective tissue disease) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The authors identified extra-mitral morpho-functional abnormalities consistent with systemic connective-tissue alterations in non-syndromic MVP. This suggests CMR can detect broader phenotypic involvement beyond the mitral leaflets, potentially refining risk assessment and mechanistic understanding.
Figliozzi S, Stankowski K, Donia D et al. · The Canadian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Primary Malignant Pericardial Epithelioid Mesothelioma Presenting as Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Report With Multimodality Imaging and Radiologic-Pathologic Correlation.
This case report studied a 67-year-old woman with primary malignant pericardial epithelioid mesothelioma presenting as cardiac tamponade, using multimodality imaging (including CT angiography) with radiologic–pathologic correlation. The key finding was that an infiltrative pericardial tumor was initially occult on acute cardiopulmonary imaging but became diagnosable through integrated imaging and pathology, explaining the patient’s recurrent effusion/tamponade presentation. Clinically, it highlights the need to consider rare primary pericardial mesothelioma when patients have unexplained or recurrent pericardial effusion/tamponade despite negative initial studies.
Dhakal S, Savoia P, Yasmine N et al. · Case reports in radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR for Hemodynamic Flow and Vascular Function (4D Flow and Hemodynamics)
Cardiovascular 4D Flow MRI for multidirectional hemodynamic assessment: a single-centre observational study.
This single-center observational study assessed feasibility and clinical utility of cardiovascular 4D flow MRI for multidirectional hemodynamic visualization and quantification in 30 cardiovascular MRI cases acquired on a Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra 3.0T system. Using time-resolved, velocity-encoded 4D flow MRI with retrospective ECG gating, respiratory compensation, and region-adjusted velocity encoding, the authors demonstrated that 4D flow MRI can provide quantitative multidirectional flow metrics relevant to clinical hemodynamic assessment. The work supports 4D flow CMR as a practical imaging tool for more comprehensive hemodynamic characterization beyond conventional 2D measures.
Ye Y, Zeng T, Chen Y et al. · Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of transcatheter aortic valve replacement on blood flow in the ascending aorta and brachiocephalic artery.
This prospective study enrolled patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for aortic stenosis who underwent 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) before and after the procedure, assessing blood flow changes in the ascending aorta (AAo) and brachiocephalic artery (BCA). The investigators evaluated whether the magnitude of post-TAVR flow rate increase depended on pre-TAVR flow rate, using 4D flow CMR to quantify hemodynamic response. The findings aim to clarify how baseline flow physiology influences vascular flow improvement after TAVR, potentially informing patient selection and post-procedural expectations.
Yamasaki K, Tsuneta S, Kanaya M et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI/Automation for Cardiac MRI Reconstruction and Quantification
Fully Automatic Left Atrial Strain Quantification via Multi-task Learning on Cardiac Cine MRI.
This multi-center, two-vendor retrospective study developed a fully automatic left atrial (LA) strain quantification method using multi-task learning on cardiac cine MRI, coupling a groupwise registration network with a segmentation network and a spatiotemporal cross-attention module. The model produced LA strain measurements directly from two-chamber and four-chamber cine images and was benchmarked against conventional feature tracking approaches (including optical flow), aiming to reduce contouring error sensitivity and improve reproducibility and scalability. If validated broadly, this technique could enable high-throughput, standardized LA strain assessment for clinical trials and routine cardiology workflows.
Zhao Y, Chen H, Gong Y et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI Reconstruction Using Diffusion Priors and Multi-Scale Transformer-Based Feature Modeling.
This paper studied diffusion-based multi-scale feature fusion transformer (DMFT) methods for cardiac MRI reconstruction, targeting limitations of prior transformer approaches under undersampling. The key finding is that DMFT improves reconstruction reliability by better recovering high-frequency details and producing more consistent structures while enhancing interpretability compared with baseline transformer-based reconstructions. Clinically, this supports more dependable cardiac MRI reconstruction for real-world, accelerated imaging workflows.
Lyu J, Zhao B, Al-Hazzaa SAF et al. · IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Fast and scalable annotation-free LV-centered ROI localisation in stress perfusion cardiac MRI.
This study developed and evaluated an annotation-free, LV-centered ROI localization pipeline for stress perfusion cardiac MRI using Fast Fourier Transform-based localization, Sobel edge refinement, and a heuristic fallback. The key finding was that the method could rapidly and scalably generate consistent LV-centered ROIs directly from raw perfusion frames without task-specific labeled training data. This is significant because it can accelerate stress perfusion CMR analysis and reduce the data burden for downstream quantitative modeling.
Kalashami MP, Fagioli A, Marini MR et al. · Computers in biology and medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generative MR Multitasking With Complex-Harmonic Cardiac Encoding: Bridging the Gap Between Gated Imaging and Real-Time Imaging.
This work developed a generative MRI multitasking reconstruction framework for cardiac MRI that bridges gated imaging and real-time imaging by learning implicit neural temporal bases from sequence timing and using an interpretable latent space for cardiac and respiratory motion. The key finding was that modeling cardiac motion as a complex harmonic within a conditional variational autoencoder (CVAE) enabled consistent reconstruction across free-breathing and both gated-like and real-time-like acquisition regimes. Scientifically, this provides a unified approach to improve quantitative and motion-resolved cardiac MRI reconstruction without relying on separate pipelines for gated versus real-time imaging.
Fang X, Christodoulou AG · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Standardized Acquisition of Fetal Cardiac Cine MRI: A Practical Guide.
This practical guide article addressed how to standardize fetal cardiac cine MRI acquisition by leveraging advances in fetal rhythm monitoring within the MRI scanner to enable retrospective gating and motion compensation. The key finding was the provision of a reproducible, clinically implementable cine MRI protocol for systematic fetal cardiac assessment despite challenges such as maternal body habitus, fetal position, and the lack of reliable conventional gating. This is significant because it helps translate fetal cardiac MRI into routine practice with consistent image quality for prenatal diagnosis.
Biechele G, de Vries F, Stos B et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AI Model Improves Interpretation of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans.
This JMIR News & Perspectives article studied an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tool intended to improve interpretation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) scans. The key claim is that AI can enhance accuracy and efficiency for CMR interpretation compared with traditional specialist-only workflows. If validated in clinical studies, this could reduce reporting time and variability while expanding access to high-quality CMR analysis.
Narang SK · Journal of medical Internet research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Optimal cardiac phase selection using motion-sensitive cine imaging improves T2w-STIR image quality in cardiac MRI.
This study evaluated whether motion-sensitive cine imaging–based cardiac phase selection improves cardiac T2-weighted short-tau inversion recovery (T2w-STIR) image quality compared with conventional ECG-synchronized acquisition at end-diastole in 12 healthy volunteers undergoing 1.5T cardiac MRI. The key finding was that selecting acquisition phases with minimal myocardial motion using MoSe cine imaging (with ECG and peripheral pulse unit synchronization) reduced motion-related signal loss and inhomogeneity in T2w-STIR images. Clinically, it supports more reliable myocardial T2w-STIR assessment, which can improve the quality of edema/inflammation imaging in cardiac MRI.
Tachikawa Y, Ando C, Ishikawa R et al. · Magma (New York, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
ECG and Multimodal Screening/Prediction for Cardiovascular Disease
Fabry disease cardiomyopathy: Time for a closer heart rhythm monitoring?
This narrative review studied arrhythmia mechanisms and the diagnostic performance of intermittent monitoring (e.g., 24-hour Holter) in patients with Anderson-Fabry disease (Fabry disease) cardiomyopathy. It found that current risk stratification tools and standard short-duration monitoring often fail to detect paroxysmal, asymptomatic arrhythmias that precede sudden cardiac death. The review supports closer, more continuous rhythm monitoring strategies to better identify Fabry patients at risk for lethal ventricular arrhythmias.
Mugnai G, Genovese D, De Michieli L et al. · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
ECG parameters to detect cardiac involvement in Fabry disease.
This study investigated electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters for detecting cardiac involvement across clinical stages in 62 patients with Fabry disease and compared them with 45 healthy controls, alongside echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was that specific ECG measures differed by Fabry disease stage and had diagnostic value for identifying cardiac involvement when interpreted alongside imaging. Scientifically and clinically, it supports using stage-sensitive ECG biomarkers as scalable screening tools to flag Fabry cardiomyopathy earlier for confirmatory CMR/echo.
Wang Y, Kong J, Wang J et al. · BMC cardiovascular disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Scalable risk stratification of undiagnosed heart failure using routine health data and its association with imaging phenotypes and outcomes.
This study developed and validated a scalable logistic-regression model (FIND-HF) to identify individuals at high risk of undiagnosed heart failure within one year using routine electronic health records, using UK CPRD-Aurum (n=3,520,186) for internal validation and external cohorts from UK CPRD-GOLD (n=570,850), Japan JMDC (n=6,820,694), and the USA Epic Cosmos (n=7,710,3; truncated in abstract). The key finding was that FIND-HF achieved good discrimination (AUC ~0.79 internally and ~0.72–0.73 externally) and was associated with imaging phenotypes and subsequent outcomes. Clinically, it supports earlier detection of heart failure using existing EHR data at scale, potentially improving outcomes by reducing diagnostic delay.
Nakao YM, Nadarajah R, Shuweihdi F et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical Trials and Mechanism-Based Therapeutics (Non-imaging Included)
Topical vascular organoid therapy promotes microvascular regeneration and functional recovery in porcine ischemic cardiomyopathy.
This preclinical study tested a scaffold-free vascular organoid therapy composed of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in a porcine model of ischemic cardiomyopathy. The key finding was that organoid transplantation onto the left ventricular surface after ischemia induction preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and produced modest improvements in regional function compared with controls, alongside microvascular regeneration. This is significant as it supports a cell-based microvascular regenerative strategy that may complement or extend beyond epicardial revascularization for ischemic heart disease.
Farag JA, Yajima S, Kawai Y et al. · Stem cell reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging assessment of Del Nido versus cold blood cardioplegia in patients with low ejection fraction undergoing combined coronary artery bypass graft and mitral valve replacement: Early outcomes.
This single-center prospective study compared Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) versus conventional cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) in 42 patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve replacement (MVR), with early myocardial functional recovery assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The trial evaluated whether DNC provides better early functional recovery than CBC in this high-risk low-ejection-fraction population. If confirmed, the results could influence cardioplegia selection to optimize early post-operative myocardial performance in combined CABG/MVR surgery.
Gode S, Polat M, Eroğlu Polat A et al. · Turk gogus kalp damar cerrahisi dergisi · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Antegrade dissection and re-entry versus retrograde strategy in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention: Rationale and design of the ADRENALINE randomized study.
This article describes the rationale and design of the ADRENALINE randomized trial comparing antegrade dissection and re-entry (ADR) versus a retrograde strategy for chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with difficult lesions (J-CTO score ≥2). The key finding is the trial’s planned superiority framework and multicenter randomized approach to generate comparative efficacy data between ADR and retrograde techniques after successful antegrade wiring. Scientifically and clinically, it aims to resolve uncertainty about which strategy performs better in complex CTO PCI, informing future hybrid-algorithm decision-making.
Opolski MP, Spiewak M, Machaj F et al. · American heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Non-Cardiac Topics: Environment, Microbiology, and Non-Cardiac Surgery
Mapping chemical footprints: A baseline assessment for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in coastal sediments of Greece (eastern Mediterranean Sea).
This study mapped baseline levels and likely sources of organochlorine pesticides (24 analytes) and polychlorinated biphenyls (25 analytes) in coastal surface sediments across 48 sites in Greece (eastern Mediterranean Sea) using chemical sediment analysis. It found measurable contamination consistent with persistent, long-term pollution signatures and potential remobilization sources in the marine environment. The results provide a reference dataset for environmental monitoring and risk assessment of legacy chlorinated pollutants in coastal ecosystems.
Parinos C, Skavantzou T, Plakidi E et al. · Marine pollution bulletin · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Population aging and changes in mortality from four major noncommunicable diseases in Suzhou, China: a population-based study from 2000 to 2020.
This population-based study analyzed how population aging affected mortality trends from four major noncommunicable diseases—cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes—in Suzhou, China from 2000 to 2020. Using household-registered population denominators and death records, the study quantified crude and age-standardized mortality rates (Segi world standard), years of life lost (YLL), and premature mortality while assessing changes in age structure over time. The results are significant for public health planning because they link demographic aging to shifting NCD mortality burdens and help target prevention and care resources.
Huang C, Bai M, Hua Y et al. · BMC public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Initial experience with primary and redo robotic pyeloplasty using the Versius robotic system (CMR).
This retrospective study evaluated initial outcomes of primary and redo robotic pyeloplasty using the Versius robotic system (CMR) in 74 patients with pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) treated at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Center between May 2023 and July 2025. The key finding was that robotic pyeloplasty with Versius was feasible in both primary and redo settings, with outcomes reported across demographics and intraoperative parameters (details truncated in the abstract). If supported by full results, these data would support broader adoption of the Versius platform for minimally invasive PUJO surgery, including complex redo cases.
Zafar N, Nusrat NB, Muhammad S et al. · Urologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Colorectal anastomotic safety assessment using ICG fluorescence and flexible endoscopy (COLOSSEUM): a global survey of 1367 surgeons.
This global, Delphi-like survey studied 1367 colorectal surgeons worldwide (80 countries) regarding real-world use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence and flexible endoscopy (FE) to assess colorectal anastomotic perfusion and integrity. The study quantified intersurgeon variability and current practice patterns in how these techniques are applied. The results are intended to guide development of structured recommendations to reduce anastomotic leakage risk.
Belvedere A, Licardie E, Sochorova D et al. · Surgical endoscopy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mortality trends and demographics due to hypertensive nephrosclerosis in older adults from 1999-2020.
This epidemiologic study analyzed mortality trends from 1999–2020 for hypertensive nephrosclerosis in U.S. adults aged ≥65 years using CDC WONDER and ICD-10 code I-12 (hypertensive renal disease), applying joinpoint regression to assess changes over time. The key finding was the characterization of temporal trends and demographic patterns in HSN-related deaths across the study period. Public-health significance lies in quantifying the burden of HSN mortality in older adults and identifying periods or subgroups where prevention and management efforts may need strengthening.
Kalpina F, Kumar D, Shujaat T et al. · Journal of human hypertension · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Genomic insights into Mycobacterium cavoris sp. nov., related to Mycobacterium terrae complex isolated from the oral cavity of a healthy adult.
This study reported genomic insights into a novel nontuberculous mycobacterium species, Mycobacterium cavoris sp. nov., within the Mycobacterium terrae complex, isolated from the oral cavity of a healthy adult in Delhi, India (strain SVM_VP21). The key finding was that whole-genome sequencing on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform (assembled with Shovill and annotated with RAST) enabled final identification and characterization of this previously unrecognized species that was not detected by Hain’s Genotype Mycobacterium CM/AS line probe assay. This is significant for clinical microbiology because it improves detection/recognition of rare MTC NTM species that may be misidentified by standard line-probe methods.
Chauhan V, Shrivastava K, Kumar P et al. · Antonie van Leeuwenhoek · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on July 18, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published July 11, 2026 – July 18, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.