What's New in Cardiac MRI? — July 19, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 66 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
July 19, 2026 · 66 articles · 15 research themes · covering July 12, 2026 – July 19, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies, cardiac MRI remains central both as a diagnostic tool and as a platform for scalable measurement. Multiple papers focus on improving how CMR is acquired, reconstructed, and quantified—ranging from standardized fetal cine MRI protocols and mobile, telemedically supervised CMR screening algorithms to diffusion- and transformer-based reconstruction methods and automated feature-tracking/strain pipelines. Together, these efforts aim to reduce variability, shorten scan/analysis time, and make advanced CMR metrics more feasible in routine and resource-limited settings.
A second dominant theme is mechanism- and phenotype-driven risk stratification using CMR-derived tissue and functional biomarkers. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy studies highlight how comorbid hypertension, vascular pathology, and even stable exercise behavior relate to CMR phenotypes and outcomes, while HCM trials explore disease-modifying strategies (e.g., copper chelation with trientine). In arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and myocarditis-related athlete cases, CMR findings (scar, LGE patterns, strain) are repeatedly used to resolve diagnostic uncertainty and to refine return-to-play or ICD decision-making—especially when myocarditis-like presentations may unmask inherited cardiomyopathies.
Finally, several reports emphasize the clinical value of multimodality imaging for complex or rare presentations: cardiac and pericardial tumors causing tamponade or masses, left atrial intramural hematoma, giant left ventricular aneurysm, and coronary intramural hematoma after blunt trauma. Metabolic and systemic risk also appears prominently, with CMR-based characterization of obesity, epicardial fat distribution, bariatric-surgery remodeling, and diabetes-related adiposity measures, alongside population-level work on aging and tobacco-associated ischemic heart disease mortality. Overall, the digest reflects a field moving toward more automated, standardized, and mechanism-linked cardiovascular imaging—while expanding CMR’s role in both common risk prediction and rare diagnostic dilemmas.
AI & Automated Cardiac Imaging Reconstruction/Analysis
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, aiming to overcome limitations of CMR feature tracking (CMR-FT) such as thin-wall contouring errors and temporal drift. The model directly quantified LA strain from two-chamber and four-chamber cine images by coupling a groupwise registration network with a segmentation network via a spatiotemporal cross-attention module, and it was benchmarked against optical-flow-based and other feature-tracking algorithms. If validated broadly, this technique could enable scalable, reproducible LA strain assessment for clinical trials and routine imaging 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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 3.0-T system. Using time-resolved, velocity-encoded 4D flow MRI with retrospective ECG gating, respiratory compensation, and region-adjusted velocity encoding, the study demonstrated practical capability to measure complex flow patterns relevant to hemodynamics. The work supports 4D flow MRI as a noninvasive tool for comprehensive hemodynamic assessment beyond conventional single-direction imaging.
Ye Y, Zeng T, Chen Y et al. · Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Reconstruction Using Diffusion Priors and Multi-Scale Transformer-Based Feature Modeling.
This research paper proposed a diffusion-based multi-scale feature fusion transformer (DMFT) for cardiac MRI reconstruction, aiming to address limitations of transformer-based methods such as poor high-frequency detail recovery and inconsistent structure under undersampling. The key contribution is a diffusion-prior and multi-scale transformer feature modeling framework designed to improve reconstruction reliability and interpretability in undersampled cardiac MRI. Clinically, better reconstruction quality from fewer measurements could enable faster cardiac MRI acquisition and more dependable downstream diagnosis.
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 engineering study developed and evaluated an annotation-free pipeline for fast, scalable left ventricle (LV)-centered region-of-interest (ROI) localization in stress perfusion cardiac MRI. The key finding was that the method—combining FFT-based localization, Sobel edge refinement, and a fallback heuristic with a circular ROI post-processing step—can generate consistent LV-centered ROIs directly from raw perfusion frames without task-specific labeled annotations. Scientifically, it reduces the labeling burden and accelerates stress perfusion CMR analysis workflows, enabling larger-scale studies and more reproducible image processing.
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 Magnetic Resonance in Medicine study developed a generative MR multitasking reconstruction framework using complex-harmonic cardiac encoding to bridge gated and real-time cardiac MRI. The key finding was that a conditional variational autoencoder (CVAE) with learned implicit neural temporal bases and an interpretable latent space could unify reconstruction across gated-like and real-time-like views, including quantitative MRI components (evaluation details truncated). This advances cardiac MRI acceleration and flexibility by enabling more consistent reconstruction across different acquisition paradigms, potentially improving real-time cardiac assessment.
Fang X, Christodoulou AG · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Standardized Acquisition of Fetal Cardiac Cine MRI: A Practical Guide.
The study reviewed and proposed a standardized fetal cardiac cine MRI acquisition protocol for fetal cardiac assessment in pregnant patients undergoing MRI, addressing limitations of fetal ultrasound and the lack of reliable in-scanner gating/motion compensation. It reports that advances in fetal rhythm monitoring enabling retrospective gating now make reproducible cine sequences feasible and provides a practical, standardized guide for systematic cardiac evaluation. Standardizing fetal cardiac cine MRI should improve clinical feasibility and comparability of fetal cardiac function assessment across centers.
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.
The study reviewed an AI tool intended to improve interpretation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) scans in clinical imaging workflows. The key finding was that the AI approach can enhance accuracy and efficiency of CMR interpretation compared with conventional expert-dependent reading. This is significant because it could reduce specialist workload and improve consistency of CMR-based cardiac diagnosis.
Narang SK · Journal of medical Internet research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Biomarkers & Risk Stratification (General)
Physiologic Unmasking of an Anomalous Right Coronary Artery in a Competitive Lacrosse Athlete.
This case studied physiologic unmasking of anomalous right coronary artery (ARCA) in an 18-year-old competitive lacrosse athlete with exertional symptoms despite normal baseline testing. Although ECG, cardiac magnetic resonance, and nuclear stress testing were normal, transthoracic echocardiography raised suspicion and coronary computed tomography angiography confirmed an interarterial and intramural course. Clinically, it highlights that well-conditioned athletes may have false-negative routine stress tests and that CT confirmation is important when echocardiography suggests ARCA.
Chukwurah MI, Akele O, Bhatia R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (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 90 patients with recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy (RODCM), with baseline and 1-year follow-up imaging and clinical assessment. The key finding was that CMR-derived PCIB were associated with pulmonary hemodynamics and cardiac systolic/diastolic function and tracked with clinical improvement over one year (after excluding 26 patients with myocarditis confirmed by endomyocardial biopsy). Clinically, it suggests that quantitative CMR PCIB can serve as imaging surrogates for pulmonary vascular involvement and prognosis in early-stage DCM.
Opatřil L, Mojica-Pisciotti ML, Panovský R et al. · BMC medical imaging · (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 clinical 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 CMR. The key finding was that specific CMR-derived and clinical variables could prospectively stratify which patients were more likely to achieve LVEF normalization after ablation (full predictor set truncated in the abstract). This supports using CMR-based risk prediction to guide counseling and management decisions in AF-mediated cardiomyopathy before ablation.
Cho KK, Segan L, Anthony C et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Septal thickness to QRS voltage ratio in Lead I/aVR: A simple tool for estimating cardiac amyloid burden.
This International Journal of Cardiology study evaluated whether an integrated echo–ECG index—maximum septal thickness (MST) divided by QRS voltage in lead I and/or aVR—can estimate cardiac amyloid burden in patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis. The key finding was that the MST/QRS-voltage ratio correlated with CMR-derived extracellular volume (ECV), which is the reference standard for noninvasive amyloid quantification (correlation details truncated in the abstract). Scientifically and clinically, this provides a low-cost, widely available surrogate for amyloid burden that could improve screening and risk stratification where CMR ECV is not feasible.
Sclafani M, Arcari L, Tini G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Extra-Mitral Abnormalities in Non-Syndromic Mitral Valve Prolapse assessed by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
This single-center retrospective case-control study used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to characterize extra-mitral abnormalities in 120 patients with non-syndromic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) without more than mild regurgitation and without confounding syndromic/connective tissue diseases. It identified systemic morpho-functional features consistent with connective tissue alterations beyond the mitral valve. These CMR findings broaden MVP assessment by supporting evaluation of whole-heart and systemic indices for underlying connective tissue involvement.
Figliozzi S, Stankowski K, Donia D et al. · The Canadian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 prospective single-center study compared Del Nido cardioplegia (DNC) versus conventional cold blood cardioplegia (CBC) in 42 patients with low ejection fraction (LVEF <45%) undergoing concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve replacement (MVR), using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess early myocardial functional recovery. The key finding was the relative effect of DNC versus CBC on early post-operative myocardial function as quantified by CMR-derived measures. This is significant because it informs cardioplegia selection in high-risk, low-LVEF patients where optimizing early myocardial recovery may improve outcomes.
Gode S, Polat M, Eroğlu Polat A et al. · Turk gogus kalp damar cerrahisi dergisi · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Prognosis, Phenotype, and Therapy
Clinical phenotype and outcomes of low-risk HCM patients who maintained stable exercise habits during follow-up.
This retrospective study evaluated 253 low-risk hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients who maintained stable exercise habits during follow-up, stratifying them into sedentary, mild exercise (<30 METs/week), and vigorous exercise groups. Patients with reliably documented stable regular exercise showed a more favorable clinical phenotype and follow-up outcomes compared with sedentary patients. The results suggest that sustained exercise behavior may identify a subgroup of low-risk HCM with improved longitudinal risk profile, informing counseling and 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 studied trientine dihydrochloride in people with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to test a copper-ions–targeted mechanism affecting mitochondrial function and profibrotic signaling. The key finding (as framed by the trial rationale and reported results in the abstract) is that trientine is intended to improve intracellular copper I trafficking/availability and chelate copper II, thereby reducing left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis signals seen in preclinical models and evaluating efficacy/safety in HCM patients. Scientifically and clinically, it positions copper chelation with trientine as a potential disease-modifying strategy for HCM beyond symptomatic therapy.
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 summarized evidence on vascular changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), focusing on cardiac and peripheral (micro)vascular dysfunction and structural remodeling across disease severity. The key finding is that multiple assessment modalities (spanning functional and structural vascular measures) consistently link vascular abnormalities to disease progression, including fibrosis and clinical outcomes. The significance is that vascular pathology may represent a tractable component of HCM pathophysiology and a target for improved prognostic stratification.
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 JACC case report studied an asymptomatic elite athlete diagnosed with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (aHCM) who participated in elite sports from ages 17 to 31 years. The key finding was that long-term follow-up showed no adverse morphologic changes and no progression of apical fibrosis after years of high-level athletic activity, even after stopping professional sports. The significance is that aHCM may have a more favorable interaction with elite sports than other HCM phenotypes, supporting phenotype-specific counseling and surveillance.
Thio Q, van Hattum J, Nijland F et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Concomitant Hypertension in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Clinical Phenotype and Prognostic Associations of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Biomarkers.
This registry-based cohort study evaluated hypertensive versus non-hypertensive patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) biomarkers from the HCM-LGE registry (2008–2024) and assessed associations with all-cause mortality. The key finding was that hypertension in HCM is associated with distinct CMR-derived tissue/phenotypic characteristics and prognostic performance differences of CMR biomarkers between hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups. This is significant because it supports using CMR late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and related biomarkers to refine risk stratification in HCM patients with comorbid hypertension.
Florence J, Gonçalves T, Toupin S et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy (ACM/ARVC/ALVC) & Athlete Risk
Exercise-Provoked Wide-Complex Tachycardia and Extreme Duke Score: Orthodromic Reciprocating Tachycardia Unmasked by Electrophysiology Study.
This 44-year-old man with exercise-provoked sustained wide-complex tachycardia underwent diagnostic evaluation including coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and an electrophysiology study to determine the mechanism of the arrhythmia. Electrophysiology revealed orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia mediated by a concealed left posterior accessory pathway with left bundle branch block morphology, mimicking ventricular tachycardia during stress-test recovery. The case highlights that supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy can present as wide-complex tachycardia under exercise conditions, emphasizing the role of electrophysiology in guiding appropriate management.
Ray N, Petty A, Money D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Fabry disease cardiomyopathy: Time for a closer heart rhythm monitoring?
This narrative review focused on Anderson-Fabry disease cardiomyopathy and evaluated whether closer heart rhythm monitoring is needed to better detect patients at risk for sudden cardiac death and lethal arrhythmias. It summarizes evidence that current intermittent monitoring tools (e.g., 24-hour Holter) often miss paroxysmal, asymptomatic arrhythmias, leaving a diagnostic gap in risk stratification. The review supports the scientific rationale for more sensitive or longer-duration rhythm monitoring strategies to improve detection of clinically actionable arrhythmias in Fabry disease.
Mugnai G, Genovese D, De Michieli L et al. · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Syncope and Scar in a Former Elite Basketball Player.
This case studied late ventricular tachycardia (VT) risk in a 47-year-old former elite basketball player with exertional syncope and suspected scar-related cardiomyopathy. Cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated an inferolateral scar consistent with prior myocarditis, and electrophysiology testing showed inducible VT leading to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. The findings support using advanced imaging and electrophysiology to risk-stratify athletes with myocarditis sequelae and unexplained arrhythmia.
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 studied myocardial inflammation in a 32-year-old female athlete with bradycardia, troponin elevation, and frequent premature ventricular contractions to determine whether an inherited cardiomyopathy was present. Endomyocardial biopsy confirmed acute lymphocytic myocarditis and genetic testing identified a likely pathogenic PKP2 variant, linking inflammatory presentation to desmosomal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ARVC spectrum). Scientifically, it underscores that myocarditis-like phases can unmask genetic desmosomal cardiomyopathy and should prompt biopsy and gene testing when CMR suggests ARVC features.
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 studied whether severe structural remodeling in an 18-year-old elite male basketball athlete represented physiologic athletic adaptation versus early cardiomyopathy. Multimodality evaluation showed severe left ventricular dilation (indexed end-diastolic volume 156 mL/m2) with moderately reduced ejection fraction (35–40%) and supraphysiologic tissue Doppler diastolic velocities, while cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed marked dilation without late gadolinium enhancement. The clinical significance is that advanced imaging can help distinguish athletic remodeling from cardiomyopathy when electrical instability and abnormal structure coexist.
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 athlete presenting with neurologic symptoms and chest discomfort. Despite an initial myocarditis-like “hot phase” with LV thrombus and multifocal nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement, progressive LV remodeling with persistent enhancement and endomyocardial biopsy showing low-grade inflammation supported ALVC rather than transient myocarditis. The significance is that ALVC can mimic myocarditis and still carry ventricular arrhythmia risk, warranting careful longitudinal assessment and tissue diagnosis.
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 can differentiate athlete’s heart from cardiomyopathy when standard evaluation is uncertain. In a 37-year-old endurance athlete with cardiac enlargement on screening, echocardiography suggested physiological remodeling, but cardiac magnetic resonance revealed multifocal myocardial scarring consistent with cardiomyopathy. The significance is that CMR can resolve diagnostic ambiguity and directly influence management and return-to-play decisions.
Jilani T, Khan S, Fakikh Y 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 studied a 22-year-old woman with long-chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) deficiency, a fatty-acid oxidation disorder with potential subclinical cardiac involvement. The key finding was that serial cardiac MRI showed stable myocardial scar burden but evolving septal hypertrophy despite preserved ventricular function, indicating progression of arrhythmogenic substrate. The clinical significance is that cardiac MRI can enable early detection and longitudinal surveillance of cardiac risk in LCHAD deficiency before overt functional decline.
Kantheti H, Natarajan R, Yuvaraj R et al. · Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Ventricular Tachycardia in a Young Athlete With Prior Myocarditis and MYL2 Mutation.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 23-year-old female competitive soccer player with exertional syncope and troponin elevation, where CMR showed subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement consistent with acute myocarditis and she also carried a MYL2 mutation. After initial recovery with activity restriction and normalization on follow-up imaging and testing, she developed a 42-second episode of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia during monitored return to play while sprinting. The report underscores that young athletes with prior myocarditis plus an inherited cardiomyopathy gene variant (MYL2) may remain at high arrhythmic risk despite apparent recovery, warranting careful return-to-play evaluation.
Burka S, Garba D, Barouch LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI-Derived Right Ventricular Strain for Risk Stratification in Pediatric and Adolescent Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Cohort Study.
In a multicenter cohort of pediatric and adolescent patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), the study assessed whether cardiac MRI-derived right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) improves risk stratification for severe outcomes. RVGLS provided prognostic and incremental value beyond conventional clinical and CMR markers for predicting major cardiac events in this younger population. Incorporating RVGLS into routine CMR could refine surveillance and management for pediatric/adolescent ACM.
Xu W, Sa F, Song Y et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis & Myocardial Inflammation (including drug/secondary causes)
Mesalazine-Induced Myocarditis: A Challenging Diagnostic Journey.
This clinical case report describes mesalazine-induced myocarditis in a patient who developed acute chest pain and elevated cardiac biomarkers shortly after starting mesalazine. Cardiac MRI was pivotal for diagnosis, and prompt discontinuation of mesalazine led to rapid clinical recovery. The report highlights the need for early recognition of mesalazine-associated myocardial inflammation to prevent progression to severe complications.
Bouayed MZ, Benaini I, Koulali H et al. · Clinical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
[Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in pediatric takotsubo syndrome: a case report].
This pediatric case report described diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in a 15-year-old adolescent with Barlow syndrome and severe mitral regurgitation who underwent mechanical mitral valve replacement. Intraoperative findings suggested endocarditis and were subsequently confirmed, illustrating how takotsubo syndrome can be difficult to recognize in children due to overlap with other causes of hemodynamic deterioration in postoperative settings. The report underscores the need for careful differential diagnosis when acute cardiomyopathy-like presentations occur in pediatric cardiovascular surgery patients.
Maza-Caneva OC, Villa-Vargas RA, Restrepo-Hincapié AC et al. · Archivos de cardiologia de Mexico · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Premature Ventricular Contractions as a Result of Subacute Myocarditis in a Professional Football Player.
This case report evaluated a 33-year-old professional football player with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and atypical chest pain to determine the cause of arrhythmia and inform return-to-play decisions. Diagnostic testing showed fragmented R waves and PVCs on ECG with late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI, while positron emission tomography was normal—findings consistent with subacute myocarditis. The report highlights the importance of multimodality cardiac imaging and risk stratification when myocarditis is suspected in athletes with arrhythmias.
Pirquet C, Underberg D, Osler B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR Findings Across Disease Phases in Takotsubo Syndrome: Insights From the Multicenter EVOLUTION Registry.
This retrospective multicenter EVOLUTION registry analysis studied cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings in 439 patients with Takotsubo syndrome (400 females; mean age ~70 years) stratified by time from symptom onset to CMR (acute 1–72 hours, subacute 4–21 days, late ≥22 days). The study found that myocardial tissue characteristics on CMR varied across disease phases, with distinct patterns by acquisition timing (acute vs subacute vs late). These phase-dependent CMR differences support using timing-aware CMR interpretation to better characterize Takotsubo pathophysiology and potentially refine risk assessment and follow-up strategies.
Cau R, Luetkens J, Pontone G et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Performance-Enhancing Drug-Associated Myocarditis in a Young Athlete: From Cardiogenic Shock to Clearance.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 21-year-old athlete who developed fulminant myocarditis after performance-enhancing drug use, using electrocardiography, coronary angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for diagnosis. The patient presented with ST-segment elevations and cardiogenic shock requiring inotropes, but improved after diuresis and high-dose corticosteroids with a stepwise return-to-exercise plan guided by symptoms, biomarkers, CMR, and exercise testing. The case highlights that drug-associated myocarditis can rapidly progress to shock and that CMR-informed, biomarker- and symptom-guided activity decisions may be critical for athlete safety.
Parks EA, Essig J, Pistiolis S · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury & Microvascular/Mechanistic Biomarkers
Coronary Intramural Hematoma in a Young Athlete After Direct Ball Impact to the Chest.
This case report studied a 19-year-old competitive athlete who developed acute coronary syndrome after blunt chest impact during a football match. Key findings were markedly elevated troponin (peaking at 20,400 ng/L) with cardiac magnetic resonance showing near-transmural ischemic injury and microvascular obstruction, while coronary angiography showed a nonobstructive ostial LAD lesion and coronary CT angiography demonstrated hyperdense mural thickening with positive remodeling. The clinical significance is that coronary intramural hematoma can present after sports-related blunt trauma, and CMR/CT can delineate myocardial injury and vessel wall pathology even without obstructive coronary disease.
Sakhi H, Kalifa L, Fradi S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Topical vascular organoid therapy promotes microvascular regeneration and functional recovery in porcine ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Researchers tested a scaffold-free vascular organoid therapy made of human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal stem cell-derived smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in a porcine model of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Fourteen days after ischemia, topical EPC-SMC organoid transplantation onto the left ventricular surface preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and produced modest improvements in regional function on cardiac MRI compared with controls. This supports a translational strategy for microvascular regeneration beyond epicardial revascularization in ischemic heart disease.
Farag JA, Yajima S, Kawai Y et al. · Stem cell reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Molecular and imaging biomarkers in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury: from pathogenetic mechanisms to therapeutic targeting.
This narrative review studied myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) by synthesizing evidence on molecular and imaging biomarkers that reflect upstream mechanisms and can be linked to therapeutic targeting. The key finding was that while high-sensitivity cardiac troponins are central for diagnosing myocardial necrosis, they provide limited mechanistic insight into earlier MIRI processes such as infarct expansion, microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial hemorrhage, and adverse remodeling. This is significant because it frames how emerging biomarker strategies could better guide mechanism-based interventions beyond necrosis detection.
Nasoufidou A, Bantidos MG, Kofos C et al. · Expert review of cardiovascular therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Heart Failure (HFpEF/HF Phenotypes) & Screening/Prevention
Understanding HFpEF Through Imaging: Strengths, Limitations, and Current State of the Art.
This JACC Cardiovascular Imaging State-of-the-Art review synthesized current evidence on using imaging to understand and evaluate heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), emphasizing that noninvasive diagnosis is difficult because resting diastolic pressures can be normal and existing indices lack sensitivity. The review argues that multimodality imaging (starting with echocardiography) can better capture HFpEF pathophysiology and should be linked to invasive hemodynamics to improve diagnostic accuracy. Scientifically and clinically, it provides a framework for selecting imaging approaches and interpreting them in the context of congestion and exercise-related physiology.
Harada T, Naser JA, Ghanbari F et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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).
In the WISE-CVD cohort, 253 women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) underwent invasive coronary functional testing to measure resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and coronary microvascular dysfunction, with a predefined subset also undergoing cardiac MRI. The study tested the hypothesis that coronary microvascular dysfunction–mediated impairment in LV relaxation contributes to elevated LVEDP. If confirmed, this would strengthen the mechanistic link between coronary microvascular dysfunction and HFpEF physiology in women, supporting targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Ranasinghe S, Tjoe B, Chang J et al. · International journal of 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 (EDIPHY) studied dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to determine whether it improves right ventricular (RV) function measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. In 26 randomized participants, DHEA had no effect on the primary endpoint of change in RV longitudinal strain after 18 weeks (with additional RV measures reported as truncated). The negative primary result suggests DHEA is not an effective RV functional therapy in PAH as measured by CMR strain, informing future therapeutic direction.
Sanders R, Walsh T, Baird GL et al. · Annals of the American Thoracic Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
HERZCHECK: Early Detection of Subclinical Preheart Failure Using Mobile Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Telemedicine in Rural and Underressourced Regions.
This Circulation: Heart Failure study evaluated HERZCHECK, a mobile, telemedically supervised cardiac magnetic resonance screening algorithm for detecting subclinical preheart failure in asymptomatic adults aged 40–69 years with cardiovascular risk factors across 12 rural/underresourced sites in Germany. The key finding was the feasibility of implementing a ubiquitously applicable, standardized mobile CMR-based screening approach for early detection (primary outcomes truncated in the abstract). If validated, HERZCHECK could enable earlier preventive intervention for heart failure in settings where conventional specialty screening is limited.
Kelle S, Müller ML, Beyer RE et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Tumors, Masses, and Rare Cardiac Pathology
Shortness of Breath Due to a Large Spontaneous Left Atrial Intramural Hematoma.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 58-year-old man with acute severe shortness of breath in whom echocardiography and cardiac MRI were used to characterize a large left atrial mass. Cardiac MRI showed intermediate T1 signal and slightly elevated T2 signal without enhancement on first-pass or late gadolinium enhancement, leading to the diagnosis of a spontaneous left atrial intramural hematoma that was confirmed surgically. The case is clinically significant because it demonstrates how specific CMR signal and enhancement patterns can help distinguish LA intramural hematoma from other left atrial masses and guide management.
Mulder AAW, Vergeer D, Olsthoorn JR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right Atrial Mass in an Adolescent With a Complex Hematologic History: What Is the Diagnosis?
This case studied the diagnostic workup of a large pedunculated right atrial mass in a 17-year-old female with hemoglobin SS sickle cell disease, Moyamoya disease, prior stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Multimodality evaluation with cardiac catheterization and pathology showed the mass was not a thrombus/tumor/vegetation based solely on imaging, highlighting the diagnostic challenge of right atrial masses in complex hematologic patients. Clinically, it emphasizes integrating clinical context with multimodality imaging to guide safe therapeutic removal and definitive diagnosis.
Almasri M, Dalby S, Stallings-Archer K 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 the incidental diagnosis of a congenital mitral valve blood cyst in a 31-year-old woman evaluated for trauma. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography characterized a 2.0 × 1.5 cm cystic mass attached to the ventricular aspect of the A2/A3 scallop, distinguishing it from thrombus or laceration suggested by CT. Scientifically and clinically, it emphasizes that rare valvular cysts can mimic dangerous pathology and that targeted echocardiographic imaging is key for correct identification.
Bravo F, Ref J, Pullela N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Leiomyosarcoma First Signaled by Chest Pain: Beyond Angina.
This case studied diagnostic discordance in a 49-year-old man whose chest pain and dyspnea led to evaluation for a cardiac mass. Magnetic resonance imaging favored a benign lesion while echocardiography favored malignancy, and final pathology showed high-grade left atrial leiomyosarcoma with myxoid features causing severe mitral stenosis. Clinically, it highlights that rare primary malignant cardiac tumors may require tissue diagnosis and that imaging modality differences can mislead initial assessment.
Shakfeh K, Suma V, El Khoury G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Long-Term Survival With Left Ventricular Aneurysm: The Cardiac Ball That Didn’t Burst.
This case report studied a 58-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction who was incidentally found to have a giant inferolateral left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) on multimodality imaging. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed a very large LVA (12.0 × 8.6 × 7.2 cm), and despite recommendation for surgery the patient declined, yet long-term survival was reported. The report highlights that even “cardiac ball”–like giant LVAs detected on routine imaging can have prolonged survival, supporting the value of CMR-based characterization for risk assessment and management planning.
Encarnación-Martínez U, Arriaga-Páez F, Guillén-Ortiz CA 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 case report studied a 25-year-old active-duty soldier in whom routine electrocardiographic screening led to transthoracic echocardiography and incidental discovery of an intramyocardial cardiac fibroma. The key finding was identification of a well-circumscribed basal interventricular septal mass (20×20 mm) and the resulting need for exercise authorization and graded fitness-for-duty determination, despite limited guideline specificity for this entity. This is clinically significant because it highlights how incidental primary cardiac tumors in adults create real-world decision gaps for sports/exercise clearance in military personnel.
Demoulin R, Parsaï C, Bone ACK et al. · Military medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pericardial Disease & Pericardial Malignancy
Recurrent Pericarditis in a Rugby Player: Imaging-Guided Therapy.
This case studied imaging-guided management of recurrent pericarditis in a 26-year-old rugby player after atrial septal defect repair. The patient achieved remission on rilonacept, but relapse occurred after tapering despite normal inflammatory biomarkers, with residual mild late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance at taper initiation. The clinical significance is that CMR findings may help anticipate relapse risk and guide duration/tapering strategy for IL-1 blockade in recurrent pericarditis.
Abuawad A, Badwan O, Ehsan M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 and radiologic–pathologic correlation. The key finding was that CT pulmonary angiography and thoracic aortic CTA were negative for alternative acute causes, while subsequent multimodality evaluation supported the diagnosis of an infiltrative pericardial malignancy responsible for tamponade. This is significant because it demonstrates the diagnostic value of integrating imaging modalities with pathology when pericardial tumors are initially occult.
Dhakal S, Savoia P, Yasmine N et al. · Case reports in radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Heart Disease & Post-surgical/Long-term Surveillance
Initial experience with primary and redo robotic pyeloplasty using the Versius robotic system (CMR).
This retrospective study from PKLI & RC, Lahore evaluated primary and redo robotic pyeloplasty outcomes using the Versius robotic system in 74 patients undergoing surgery between May 2023 and July 2025. The key finding was the feasibility of performing both primary and redo procedures with acceptable perioperative outcomes in this real-world cohort (details truncated in the abstract). Clinically, early experience with Versius may expand minimally invasive options for pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, including in patients requiring redo surgery.
Zafar N, Nusrat NB, Muhammad S et al. · Urologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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), using serial transthoracic echocardiography and at least two cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations over 5 to >15 years. The key finding was longitudinal characterization of PR severity and corresponding RV remodeling patterns across extended follow-up (specific results truncated in the abstract). Clinically, the report supports multimodality imaging for long-term surveillance and for informing timing of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in repaired TOF.
AlRahimi J · Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Colorectal anastomotic safety assessment using ICG fluorescence and flexible endoscopy (COLOSSEUM): a global survey of 1367 surgeons.
This global Delphi-like survey evaluated real-world practice patterns among 1367 colorectal surgeons (80 countries) regarding anastomotic safety assessment using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence and flexible endoscopy (FE). It quantified intersurgeon variability and current use of ICG/FE to inform structured recommendations for colorectal anastomotic assessment. Standardized guidance could reduce leakage risk by harmonizing how perfusion and anastomotic integrity are evaluated.
Belvedere A, Licardie E, Sochorova D et al. · Surgical endoscopy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital/Developmental Cardiac Anomalies & Pediatric Cardiology
Clinical spectrum and ascertainment pathways in pediatric female dystrophinopathy.
This single-center retrospective case series characterized 35 genetically confirmed girls with DMD gene variants to define the clinical spectrum, ascertainment pathways, subclinical skeletal muscle involvement, and inheritance patterns of pediatric female dystrophinopathy. The study found that presentations ranged from asymptomatic at evaluation to subtle childhood findings with possible skeletal muscle and cardiac involvement, with ascertainment differing between symptom-driven detection and incidental/cross-sectional identification. Clinically, this improves recognition and diagnostic pathways for female DMD carriers/affected individuals and informs surveillance strategies for subclinical muscle and cardiac disease.
Jiao H, Bai J, Li P et al. · Italian journal of pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reverse Remodeling in Pediatric Myocarditis With DCM Phenotype Impact of rASD and PAB.
This retrospective JACC Advances study evaluated 31 children <3 years (55% female) with biopsy-proven myocarditis and a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) phenotype who were treated with a staged, pathophysiology-guided strategy combining left atrial decompression and pulmonary artery banding (PAB). The key finding was evidence of reverse remodeling in pediatric myocarditis with DCM phenotype, with outcomes potentially influenced by the presence of rASD (residual atrial septal defect) and PAB-related factors. Clinically, this supports an early, targeted surgical approach to promote myocardial recovery in selected infants at high risk for progression to end-stage heart failure.
Logeswaran T, Akintürk H, Schranz D et al. · JACC. Advances · (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 examined 13 un-operated pediatric patients with Ebstein anomaly of the tricuspid valve to determine how right atrial (RA) and atrialised right ventricular (aRV) volumes relate to cardiac output during exercise. Using resting and exercise cardiac MRI, the key finding was that RA and aRV measures were associated with cardiac output and exercise capacity (e.g., %VO2max), linking right-sided chamber geometry to functional performance. The significance is that CMR metrics of RA/aRV can improve understanding of exercise limitation mechanisms in Ebstein anomaly and potentially guide individualized risk/management strategies.
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 JACC Case Reports report described long-term cardiovascular magnetic resonance follow-up in two patients with isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia from childhood into early adulthood. Serial CMR showed stable ventricular morphology and function over more than a decade. The long-term imaging data improve understanding of the natural history of this rare congenital anomaly and can guide longitudinal clinical monitoring.
Isenia C, Hassing HC, Constantinescu AA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Imaging for Thrombus & Embolism Risk
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 risk score, and assess prognosis for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). CMR-detected LVT was associated with worse outcomes, and the study derived clinical/CMR factors that improved risk stratification in chronic ICM beyond the setting of recent MI. These findings support CMR-guided identification and prognostic enrichment of chronic ICM patients at higher risk for thromboembolic and cardiovascular events.
Aramcharoen C, Buraphat P, Wanitanantakun T et al. · Annals of medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Vascular Function, Aging, and Biological Heart Age
Advancing Heart Ageing in Ischemic Heart Disease: Insights from CMR and ECG Analysis.
This study analyzed prevalent ischemic heart disease (IHD) patients (n=2,142) to estimate “biological heart age” using advanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) radiomics features and electrocardiogram (ECG) phenotypes, and to quantify the heart age gap (HAG) relative to chronological age. The key finding was that IHD was associated with an increased HAG, reflecting accelerated heart ageing, and that conventional imaging indices and vascular risk factors contributed to the biological age estimates. Scientifically, this supports imaging/ECG-derived biomarkers as measurable surrogates of cardiovascular ageing in IHD and potentially as tools for risk stratification.
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 ↗ · 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 and used four-dimensional flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) to quantify blood flow changes in the ascending aorta and brachiocephalic artery before and after TAVR. The investigators specifically assessed whether the magnitude of post-TAVR flow increase depended on the pre-TAVR flow rate. By linking pre-procedure hemodynamics to post-TAVR flow responses using 4D flow CMR, the work supports more individualized expectations for vascular flow improvement in aortic stenosis.
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 ↗
The contribution of adolescent cardiovascular disease risk factors to vascular stiffness and cardiac remodelling in young adults.
Using Raine Study participants (n=716), the research examined how adolescent cardiovascular risk factors relate to later vascular stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV) and cardiac remodeling (left ventricular mass index, LVMI; LV/RV/LA strain and ejection fractions) measured by cardiac MRI at age 27. Higher adolescent CVD risk was associated with increased vascular stiffness and concurrent cardiac structural/functional remodeling in young adulthood. These results highlight early-life risk stratification as a target for interventions to prevent later cardiovascular disease progression.
Barden AE, Beilin LJ, Lan NSR et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Obesity/Diabetes/Metabolic Risk & Epicardial/Adipose Tissue
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 undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance to test whether thoracic axial skeletal muscle mass (TASM) factor and visceral fat thickness were independently and interactively associated with cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction [EF], global circumferential strain [GCS], and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide). TASM factor showed positive correlations with EF (r=0.584) and |GCS| (r=0.703), while visceral adiposity was assessed for additional associations with cardiac measures. These findings suggest that thoracic skeletal muscle quality/quantity may be a clinically relevant marker linked to better cardiac performance in people with overweight or obesity, potentially informing risk stratification beyond visceral fat.
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 CMR feature-tracking study evaluated how biventricular and biatrial strain recovery, fibrosis biomarkers, and adipokine biomarkers change after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in 32 adults with paired CMR (26 women; mean age ~36 years). After LSG, recovery differed between chambers, with selective fibrosis biomarker regression associated with differential biventricular strain recovery rather than uniform improvement. The findings suggest that cardiac remodeling after bariatric surgery may follow uneven timelines driven by distinct fibrotic versus adipokine pathways, informing risk monitoring and mechanistic models.
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.
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies (2000–2025) comparing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters in adults with obesity (WHO criteria) versus non-obese controls. They synthesized an obesity-related CMR phenotype by pooling standardized mean differences across myocardial structure, function, tissue characterization, and adiposity measures. Defining this CMR phenotype clarifies how obesity affects subclinical cardiac remodeling and supports more targeted cardiovascular risk assessment.
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.
In a prospective cohort of 1071 individuals with diabetes mellitus, the study compared BMI, waist-hip ratio (WHR), epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and spatial distribution, and visceral adiposity index (VAI) for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). EAT distribution on cardiac MRI (manually delineated using CV142 software) provided complementary predictive value beyond general obesity measures. This suggests that regional epicardial fat characteristics may be a more informative cardiovascular risk marker in diabetes than global anthropometrics alone.
Qiao S, Liu C, Ma Y et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Environmental/Population Health & Non-cardiac Co-morbidities
Ischemic heart disease mortality with documented tobacco use in the United States, 1999-2023: a nationwide population-based analysis.
This nationwide U.S. population-based analysis used CDC mortality data (adults ≥25 years) to quantify ischemic heart disease (IHD; ICD-10 I20–I25) mortality trends from 1999–2023 when tobacco use disorder (ICD-10 F17) was listed as a contributing cause of death. The analysis reported temporal changes in age-adjusted IHD mortality rates among people with documented tobacco use, using joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). These findings provide public-health evidence on how tobacco-related IHD mortality evolves over time and can guide prevention and risk-reduction efforts.
Ibrahim AA, Tariq Z, Samad A et al. · Archives of public health = Archives belges de sante publique · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Mapping chemical footprints: A baseline assessment for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in coastal sediments of Greece (eastern Mediterranean Sea).
This environmental baseline assessment measured concentrations of 24 organochlorine pesticides and 25 polychlorinated biphenyls in surface coastal sediments across 48 sites in Greece using chemical analytical techniques (details truncated in the abstract). The study provided the first comprehensive overview of pollution levels and potential sources in the eastern Mediterranean coastal sediment archive. These data are significant for tracking persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants and for informing risk assessment and remediation planning in marine 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. The key finding was that mortality patterns over time reflected both aging-related changes in age structure and disease-specific trends, quantified using crude and age-standardized mortality rates (Segi world standard), years of life lost (YLL), and premature mortality. Scientifically, it supports that demographic aging is a major driver of long-term NCD mortality burden and can inform targeted prevention and resource allocation.
Huang C, Bai M, Hua Y et al. · BMC public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on July 19, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published July 12, 2026 – July 19, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.