What's New in Cardiac MRI? — July 29, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 44 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
July 29, 2026 · 44 articles · 15 research themes · covering July 22, 2026 – July 29, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies, cardiac MRI continues to expand from “what is the anatomy?” toward quantitative, reproducible biomarkers that can be used for prognosis and personalized decision-making. Multiple papers focus on myocardial tissue characterization—especially scar detection and quantification—showing that workflow choices (e.g., black-blood vs bright-blood LGE, segmented vs single-shot dark-blood LGE) can materially change segmentation performance and therefore the reliability of scar-based risk assessment. In parallel, advances in parametric mapping (native T1/T2 reference ranges; population-level associations with cardiometabolic risk) and radiomics (mapping-based RadScores predicting left ventricular reverse remodeling) highlight a shift toward standardized quantitative imaging features that may outperform single-threshold visual interpretation.
A second dominant theme is hemodynamics and functional physiology captured by MRI beyond conventional measures. Studies using phase-contrast and 4D flow MRI quantify age- and exercise-related changes in vascular and intracardiac flow, while targeted flow MRI in neonates with intracardiac shunts aims to disentangle pulmonary vascular resistance from shunt contributions—an important step toward less invasive hemodynamic characterization. Methodological work (e.g., scalable unsupervised 4D flow reconstruction) supports the broader goal of making complex flow metrics more reproducible and scalable across centers and patient populations.
Finally, several articles connect imaging to clinical risk in arrhythmia, heart failure, and systemic disease contexts. Imaging-guided substrate mapping for ischemic VT (CMR “corridors” correlating with electroanatomical mapping) and AI-enabled ECG/digital twin approaches underscore the move toward mechanistic and computational risk stratification. Meanwhile, reviews and case-based reports in systemic autoimmune/inflammatory diseases (including SSc and SLE-related conduction disease) emphasize that cardiac involvement is often subclinical and phenotype-specific—reinforcing the need for tailored imaging strategies. Together, these papers suggest an integrated future: standardized quantitative imaging, improved acquisition/reconstruction, and AI-enabled interpretation working in concert to refine diagnosis, stratify risk, and guide therapy.
Cardiac MRI scar characterization & segmentation
Evolving paradigms in lymph node surgery in endometrial cancer: insights from the multicenter E-PEC trial.
This multicenter retrospective E-PEC study assessed temporal trends in lymph node surgery for newly diagnosed endometrial cancer across six German university hospitals from 2018 to 2022. The analysis described how lymph node staging practices changed over time among patients undergoing primary surgical treatment (excluding those receiving primary systemic therapy or chemoradiation). The results inform how surgical staging strategies are evolving in real-world practice and may guide future standardization of lymph node management in endometrial cancer.
Eser B, Papior D, Salmanton-García J et al. · Archives of gynecology and obstetrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement in peripartum cardiomyopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac MRI predicts outcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). Across included studies, LGE was pooled against clinical endpoints such as reduced LVEF, arrhythmia, heart failure decompensation, device implantation, transplantation, and mortality. Establishing LGE as a prognostic marker would support risk stratification and potentially guide intensity of monitoring and therapy in PPCM.
Nurhafizah A, Huang W, Kezia C et al. · Future cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Single-shot blood-nulled PSIR LGE with fixed inversion time for rapid and reliable scar detection in cardiac MRI.
This prospective single-center study compared conventional segmented white-blood (WB) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) with a fixed-inversion-time (TI) single-shot dark-blood (DB) LGE approach for myocardial scar detection in patients with suspected ischemic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Using a fixed TI of 160 ms at 1.5 T, the single-shot DB LGE method was evaluated against segmented WB LGE for presence and localization of scar across short-axis stacks. If performance is comparable with faster acquisition, this technique could improve rapid, reliable scar assessment in routine cardiac MRI workflows.
Kübler J, Ledesma AJ, Holtackers RJ et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Comparison of semi-automatic myocardial scar segmentation methods on black-blood late gadolinium enhancement images.
This study compared semi-automatic myocardial scar segmentation methods using co-registered bright-blood and black-blood late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI in 20 patients with ischemic heart disease. The key finding was that segmentation performance varied across semi-automatic algorithms when applied to black-blood LGE, which improves scar visualization by reducing the blood–scar interface contrast problem seen in bright-blood LGE. These results support more reliable, less operator-dependent scar quantification workflows for prognosis-relevant myocardial scar assessment using black-blood LGE.
Génisson T, Narceau K, Richard T et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI parametric mapping & radiomics
Age-, sex-, and segment-specific myocardial T1 and T2 reference values in a healthy cohort: a prospective single-center study.
This prospective single-center study measured age-, sex-, and segment-specific native myocardial T1 and T2 reference values in 183 healthy Caucasian subjects using standardized 3T mapping protocols. The key finding was that Modified Look-Locker Inversion-Recovery (MOLLI 5s(3)) native T1 and T2 mapping produced segment- and demographic-specific reference ranges that can be used clinically. These standardized reference values help reduce methodological variability and improve the accuracy of differentiating myocardial pathology from normal variation.
Körperich H, Shanmugarajah N, Schneider A et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Parametric Mapping Radiomics for Prediction of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
The study tested whether cardiac MRI parametric mapping radiomics (RadScores) can predict left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy treated with optimized medical therapy. The key finding was that radiomics-derived RadScores from high-dimensional features extracted from parametric mapping images were predictive of LVRR, defined as LVEF ≥40% with ≥10% increase at least 180 days after CMR. This suggests that CMR radiomics could help identify responders to therapy and improve prognostic stratification in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
Ide S, Ohtani T, Takao T et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Native T1 Mapping in the German National Cohort (NAKO): Associations with Age, Sex, and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.
This cross-sectional population-based study investigated how age, sex, and cardiometabolic risk factors relate to myocardial native T1 mapping values in 29,573 participants from the German National Cohort (NAKO). It found associations between cardiometabolic risk and myocardial native T1 as a quantitative CMR marker of subclinical myocardial target-organ involvement. Scientifically, the work strengthens the use of native T1 mapping for early detection of myocardial alterations linked to cardiometabolic health in the general population.
Ammann C, Gröschel J, Saad H et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The Role of Echocardiography in the Assessment of Epicardial Adipose Tissue: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis studied whether transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can validly assess epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) compared with volumetric reference methods such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (cCT). It found that TTE is widely accessible and radiation-free, but the evidence base for its validity as a surrogate of volumetric EAT and its broader clinical role remains incompletely defined. The clinical significance is that better-established TTE-EAT validity could enable preventive and longitudinal cardiometabolic risk assessment without CMR/cCT limitations.
Pala B, Piscione M, Cribari F et al. · Current obesity reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI perfusion & prognostic biomarkers
Impact of Rate-Pressure Product Correction of Myocardial Blood Flow on the Prognostic Relevance in Patients with Heart Failure.
This prognostic study analyzed quantitative perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (QP-CMR) in 641 heart failure patients and 184 healthy volunteers to test whether correcting myocardial blood flow (MBF) for rate-pressure product (RPP) changes prognostic relevance. Resting MBF was RPP-corrected (MBFcorr) and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) was recalculated using corrected MBF, then outcomes (including heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality) were evaluated. If RPP correction materially alters risk prediction, it would improve the clinical interpretation of QP-CMR perfusion metrics for heart failure prognosis.
Anderton T, Chambers B, Farooq M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI hemodynamics & flow imaging
Investigating Biventricular Intracardiac Flow Remodeling in Marathon Athletes With 4D Flow Cardiac MRI.
The study used 4D flow cardiac MRI to characterize biventricular intracardiac flow components in marathon athletes and relate these hemodynamic measures to markers of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. The key finding was that 4D flow–derived ventricular flow components can be quantified in marathon athletes and show associations with remodeling-related parameters beyond what conventional structural/functional imaging captures. This supports 4D flow MRI as a potential novel hemodynamic imaging biomarker to help distinguish exercise-induced cardiac remodeling from early cardiomyopathy.
Tang M, Ren W, Liu G et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Patient-specific unsupervised neural reconstruction of cardiac blood flow from 4D flow MRI.
The study introduced SMURF (Scalable Method for Unsupervised Reconstruction of Flow), an unsupervised neural reconstruction framework that infers probabilistic cardiac geometry and velocity as implicit neural fields directly from 4D flow MRI magnitude and phase data. The key finding was that SMURF matched expert segmentations and enabled physically consistent flow reconstruction without manual segmentation or post hoc velocity filtering in 12 pediatric cases (including Normal and Fontan patients). This advances 4D flow MRI toward more scalable, reproducible, and grid-flexible quantitative hemodynamic assessment.
Hans A, Singh A, Loke YH et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Targeted Flow Cardiac MRI in Neonates with Intracardiac Shunts: A Novel Multi-Modality Imaging Approach to Hemodynamic Assessment.
This study examined targeted flow cardiac MRI in neonates with intracardiac shunts to non-invasively assess hemodynamics by measuring Qp:Qs with no, minimal, or baseline sedation. It found that cardiac MRI can be implemented as a multi-modality approach to help distinguish pulmonary vascular resistance versus shunt contributions to elevated right-heart pressures in infants with suspected pulmonary hypertension. The clinical significance is improved, less invasive hemodynamic characterization in neonates where echocardiography alone can be insufficient.
Simpkin CT, Taylor AC, MacLean J et al. · The Journal of pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Phase-contrast cardiac MRI assessment of aortic reservoir-flow coupling across adult age groups.
This single-center observational study assessed phase-contrast cardiac MRI measures of aortic reservoir-flow coupling across adult age groups (18–33, 34–60, and >60 years) using a 3.0-T Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra scanner. It found age-related differences in the coupling metrics that reflect how aortic remodeling and stroke-volume input interact with regional flow organization. Scientifically, the results support phase-contrast MRI as a quantitative tool for characterizing age-associated changes in aortic hemodynamics.
Lv J, Ye Y, Zeng T et al. · Biomedizinische Technik. Biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Real-time/rapid & advanced CMR acquisition & reconstruction
Rapid online deep artifact suppression for real-time spiral bSSFP CMR with blipped-CAIPI simultaneous multi-slice imaging at 1.5 T.
This 1.5T cardiovascular MRI study developed a rapid online deep artifact suppression method for real-time spiral bSSFP using simultaneous multi-slice (SMS-2) with blipped-CAIPI. Reconstruction combined slice separation in k-space with a 3D U-Net deep artifact suppression model, tested prospectively in 10 healthy volunteers to enable fast online RT-SMS imaging. Scientifically, it advances real-time free-breathing CMR by reducing iterative reconstruction barriers and improving feasibility of rapid functional assessment.
Åkesson J, Dragonu I, Heiberg E et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
High Resolution Isotropic ‘Pseudo’ 3D Cine imaging with Automated Segmentation using Concatenated 2D Real-time Imaging and Deep Learning.
This study aimed to generate isotropic, fully segmented “pseudo” 3D cine CMR by concatenating stacks of 2D free-breathing real-time cines and applying deep learning for automated segmentation. Four deep learning models were trained to perform interslice signal correction, interslice respiratory correction, and slice-direction super-resolution (with additional steps described in the truncated abstract) to produce a pseudo-3D cine dataset. The approach could improve functional imaging in pediatric and congenital heart disease by reducing reliance on breath-holds and static 3D acquisitions.
Wrobel M, Yao T, Campbell R et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
SCMR Survey of Centers Performing CMR in Pediatric/Congenital Heart Disease: 2024 Update.
This SCMR survey study investigated practice trends for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in pediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) by collecting center-level responses from SCMR members in 2014, 2018, and 2024. It found that the number of responding centers increased over time (93 in 2014, 83 in 2018, and 124 in 2024), indicating growing adoption and evolving practice patterns. The significance is that updated benchmarking can guide standardization, training, and resource planning for pediatric/CHD CMR delivery.
Buddhe S, Soriano BD, Wilson HC et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI/ECG & digital health for cardiac diagnosis/risk
Body surface potential driven personalisation of electrophysiological digital twins in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
The authors developed a body surface potential (BSP)-driven workflow to personalize electrophysiological digital twins for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) data and Bayesian model calibration. The key finding was that multimodal clinical imaging integrated with Bayesian calibration can construct patient-specific electrophysiology models that translate BSP signals into underlying tissue-level properties. This provides a mechanistic, patient-specific framework that could improve arrhythmia risk interpretation in HCM compared with descriptive ECG/ECGI approaches.
Malik S, Cicci L, Qayyum A et al. · PLoS computational biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Specificity of the Occlusion Myocardial Infarction-Trained PMcardio “Queen of Hearts” AI-ECG in Inflammatory Myopericardial Syndromes.
This retrospective single-center study evaluated the ECG-level specificity of the occlusion myocardial infarction (OMI)-trained PMcardio “Queen of Hearts” (QoH) AI-ECG model for classifying OMI in patients with adjudicated inflammatory myopericardial syndromes (IMPS) presenting to the emergency department. It found that the model’s OMI classification specificity is a key determinant for avoiding unnecessary catheterization laboratory activation in IMPS patients whose ECGs can mimic OMI. The significance is practical: validating AI-ECG performance in IMPS can reduce false OMI triggers and improve emergency triage decisions.
Bennar W, Garin D, Saidi RM et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac arrhythmias & electrophysiology (imaging-guided)
Clinical Characteristics of Multifocal PVCs Originating from the Basal Septal Region of the Left Ventricle: Anatomy, mapping and ablation.
This observational electrophysiology study characterized multifocal premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) originating from the basal septal region of the left ventricle and evaluated anatomy-guided mapping and ablation using coronary venous mapping (CVM). In 24 patients with multifocal septal PVCs, the authors proposed a stepwise approach targeting the basal LV septum from the anterolateral LV ostium to the posterior LV process. The work provides a practical mapping/ablation framework for clinically challenging multifocal septal PVCs that may share a confined origin.
Gardziejczyk P, Tertulien T, Stuckey M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Structural and Functional Characteristics of Cardiac MRI-Detected Corridors in Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia.
This retrospective study evaluated whether cardiac MRI-derived “corridors” of ischemic ventricular tachycardia substrate using ADAS-3D correlate with electroanatomical mapping (EAM) findings and predict arrhythmogenicity and outcomes. Among 43 consecutive patients undergoing ischemic VT ablation, ADAS-3D late gadolinium enhancement analysis was compared with substrate mapping and functional assessment using isochronal late activation mapping (ILAM). The findings support the use of CMR-based corridor analysis as a potential noninvasive marker of arrhythmogenic substrate relevant to VT ablation planning.
Dogan M, Coteli C, Aytemir K et al. · Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Exercise-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia Unmasking High-Risk Anomalous Right Coronary Artery in an Adult.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 43-year-old adult with exercise-induced symptoms in whom exercise stress testing unmasked high-risk ventricular arrhythmias due to an anomalous right coronary artery (AAOCA). Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) identified the anomalous coronary origin (right coronary artery arising from the left sino—likely left sinus of Valsalva), and ventricular ectopy progressed to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia during recovery. The case highlights the clinical significance of considering AAOCA in adults with exertional arrhythmias and using stress testing plus CCTA for diagnosis and risk assessment.
Eisa A, Rashwan R, Aldarab’ah FM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging for cardiomyopathies & genetic disease
Familial arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy presenting with aborted sudden cardiac arrest in an adolescent: a novel DSP variant.
The case report described a 15-year-old girl with familial arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy presenting with aborted sudden cardiac arrest, in whom imaging suggested left-dominant disease and genetic testing identified a novel DSP variant. The key finding was that the newly identified desmoplakin (DSP) variant co-segregated with affected relatives on family screening and supported the diagnosis. Clinically, this emphasizes the value of early genetic diagnosis and risk stratification in adolescents with suspected arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Marques AR, Novais Pimenta J, Grangeia A et al. · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Committed Cardiac Progenitors Generate Cardiac Tissue Grafts in a Swine Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Model Without Triggering Ventricular Arrhythmias.
The authors evaluated whether human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived committed cardiac progenitors (CCPs) combined with cardiac fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (cECM) could form functional cardiac tissue grafts after transendocardial injection in a swine ischemic cardiomyopathy model. The key finding was that these CCP/cECM grafts improved contractility while not triggering ventricular arrhythmias in the study model. This supports the safety and therapeutic potential of CCP-based cell therapy strategies for post–myocardial infarction repair in large animals.
Raval AN, Schmuck EG, Leonov V et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A 46-Year-Old Man Presenting With Chest Pain Due to Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (Yamaguchi Syndrome) Diagnosed by Multimodal Cardiac Imaging.
This case report described a 46-year-old man with chest pain and giant negative T-waves consistent with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM, Yamaguchi syndrome), using multimodal cardiac imaging to distinguish it from acute coronary syndrome. Multimodal imaging was used to confirm ApHCM and exclude coronary artery occlusion and myocardial infarction despite ECG findings that mimicked ACS. Accurate imaging-based diagnosis is clinically important to prevent unnecessary ACS-directed interventions and to guide appropriate management of this rare cardiomyopathy.
Passos MD, de Araújo DLM, Mariano LÁ et al. · The American journal of case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Phenotypic Expansion of GYG1-Related Disease Presenting as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Brugada Phenocopy.
This case report studied a 31-year-old man with glycogen storage disease type XV (GSD-XV) due to biallelic pathogenic variants in GYG1, presenting with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy features and a Brugada phenocopy. It found a spontaneous Type-1 Brugada ECG pattern with complete right bundle branch block and nonobstructive left ventricular hypertrophy, with speckle-tracking showing markedly reduced global longitudinal strain. The clinical significance is that GYG1-related disease can present with Brugada-like ECG patterns, expanding the phenotypic spectrum and informing cardiac surveillance and risk assessment.
Arat N, Cetincelik U, Gülten ZA et al. · American journal of medical genetics. Part A · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A Slc5a6-deficient mouse model reveals metabolically driven cardiomyopathy with therapeutic potential for vitamin-based intervention.
This study investigated the role of the sodium-dependent multivitamin transporter SLC5A6 in early-onset dilated cardiomyopathy by analyzing human SLC5A6 mutations and generating a cardiac-specific SLC5A6 knockout mouse model (Slc5a6cKO). The key finding was that loss of SLC5A6 caused progressive, metabolically driven cardiomyopathy with impaired coenzyme A synthesis and that vitamin-based supplementation had therapeutic potential. Scientifically, it links SLC5A6-dependent biotin/pantothenic acid uptake to energy metabolism failure as a causal mechanism and suggests a targeted nutritional intervention strategy for SLC5A6-related cardiomyopathy.
Fullerton MO, Phillips LC, Redgrave RE et al. · JCI insight · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in heart failure & risk stratification
SGLT2 Inhibitor on Infarct Size and LV Remodeling by CMR in Patients With AMI.
This prospective, open-label randomized controlled trial tested whether SGLT2 inhibitor therapy after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) affects infarct size and left ventricular (LV) remodeling measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). In adults ≥18 years at high risk for heart failure after successful PCI for AMI, the study evaluated myocardial injury and remodeling outcomes using CMR endpoints. If effective, the results would strengthen mechanistic and clinical rationale for SGLT2 inhibitors as cardioprotective therapy post-AMI beyond safety.
Choi KH, Lee SH, Kim SM et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Ventricular Dimension as an Independent Factor Associated with Amino-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Values in Heart Failure.
This multicenter retrospective analysis evaluated whether left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) is independently associated with circulating amino-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) across acute and chronic heart failure populations. The key finding was that LV dimension (LVEDD) remained an independent factor associated with NT-proBNP levels after accounting for other variables, using data from 8,361 patients across four cohorts. Scientifically and clinically, it clarifies how LV chamber size contributes to NT-proBNP biology and may refine interpretation of biomarker levels in heart failure.
Núñez J, Lupón J, Jenkins FS et al. · The American journal of medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Left Ventricular Remodeling in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated With Anthracyclines: A Cross-Sectional Study.
This cross-sectional study evaluated how moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), derived from accelerometry, relates to left ventricular (LV) remodeling measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in childhood cancer survivors (≥2 years) previously treated with anthracyclines. MVPA was analyzed against CMR-derived LV indexed end-diastolic mass (LVMi), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi), mass:volume ratio, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) to determine associations with remodeling severity. If MVPA shows a protective or modulating relationship with anthracycline-associated remodeling, it would support exercise prescription as a risk-modifying strategy in this high-cardiotoxicity survivorship population.
Narayan HK, Chen S, Wong FL et al. · Pediatric blood & cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Future of Imaging in Heart Failure: Toward Precision Phenotyping, Integration, and Intelligence.
This review synthesized current and emerging cardiac imaging technologies for heart failure (HF), focusing on precision phenotyping, integration across modalities, and AI-enabled intelligence in HF populations. It found that artificial intelligence is increasingly enabling expert-level echocardiography automation and acquisition guidance, moving HF imaging from descriptive, modality-siloed interpretation toward predictive, patient-specific decision support. The review highlights how integrated imaging pipelines could improve etiologic clarification and treatment stratification in heterogeneous HF.
Hundertmark MJ · Current heart failure reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in valvular heart disease
Mitral Stenosis in the Multimodality Imaging Era: Pitfalls, Stress Echocardiography, and Integrated Therapeutic Assessment.
This review studied multimodality imaging strategies for mitral stenosis (MS), focusing on pitfalls of conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), the role of stress echocardiography, and how advanced imaging integrates into therapeutic assessment. It found that MS severity assessment is challenged by technical limitations, complex hemodynamics, and heterogeneous anatomy across rheumatic versus degenerative etiologies, making integrated imaging approaches important. Clinically, the review supports more accurate MS grading and better-informed decisions about intervention timing and selection.
Pala B, Piscione M, Gaudio D et al. · Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in pulmonary vascular disease & exercise physiology
Determinants of Abnormal Pulmonary Vasodilatory Response With Exercise in HFpEF: Pulmonary Vascular-Left Atrial Axis Abnormalities.
This two-step invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing study evaluated determinants of an abnormal pulmonary vasodilatory response with exercise in 164 participants including 80 patients with HFpEF, 57 with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension, and 27 with non-cardiac dyspnea. An unfavorable exercise PVR response (exercise PVR >1.74 Woods units and <22% ∆PVR decrease) was defined and then used to identify high-risk correlates specifically within HFpEF. These findings help refine risk stratification for exercise-induced pulmonary vascular dysfunction that can precipitate right ventricular failure in HFpEF.
Garcia-Arango M, Kristo A, El Shaer A et al. · Comprehensive Physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in congenital heart disease & Fontan physiology
Comprehensive Cardiac Assessment and Assisted Reproductive Technology Considerations in a Long-Lost Patient With Fontan Circulation.
This JACC Case Reports report described comprehensive cardiac assessment and assisted reproductive technology (ART) planning in a long-lost 29-year-old woman with Fontan physiology (tricuspid atresia palliated with a 22-mm extracardiac Fontan). The key finding was that after right heart catheterization, cardiac MRI, ambulatory monitoring, stress echocardiography, and labs, she was found to be well-compensated without high-risk features, supporting proceeding with ART with prophylactic enoxaparin. Scientifically and clinically, it provides a practical example of how to stratify thrombotic and hemodynamic risk in Fontan patients considering pregnancy via ART.
O’Very SA, Shook JE, DeZorzi CJ · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in pregnancy & pregnancy-specific physiology
How to Use Cardiovascular Imaging in Pregnancy.
This 2026 review summarized how cardiovascular imaging should be used during pregnancy for diagnosis, risk stratification, and longitudinal management of suspected or established cardiovascular disease. It emphasized pregnancy-specific physiologic changes (e.g., increased blood volume and cardiac output) that complicate interpretation and provided modality selection and pregnancy-adapted imaging protocol guidance. Clinically, this framework helps clinicians choose appropriate imaging strategies while distinguishing normal gestational remodeling from pathology.
Van Berendoncks A, Rodriguez Palomares J, De Backer J · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac imaging in systemic autoimmune/inflammatory disease
Imaging Modalities Related to Cardiac Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis.
This narrative review summarized imaging modalities relevant to cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disease driven by microvasculopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. It synthesized how different imaging techniques detect and characterize cardiac inflammation/fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension phenotypes across SSc subtypes (diffuse vs limited cutaneous disease). The review’s significance is to guide clinicians toward more accurate, phenotype-specific cardiac imaging strategies in SSc.
Markousis-Mavrogenis G, Sfikakis PP, Matucci-Cerinic M et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging Phenotypes in Systemic Inflammatory Disorders and Perspectives: What Have We Learned and Where Do We Need to Go Next?
This review discussed cardiac imaging phenotypes across systemic inflammatory autoimmune rheumatic diseases and outlined future directions for improving detection and monitoring. It emphasized that cardiovascular involvement is often subclinical and masked by other disease manifestations, making imaging crucial for early characterization. The significance is a pathophysiology-driven framework for selecting and interpreting cardiac imaging biomarkers across major systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Buch MH, Plein S · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rheumatoid arthritis and multisite cardiac aneurysms involving the LVOT, valves, and intervalvular Fibrosa: A case-based systematic review.
This case-based systematic review compiled reported instances of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) complicated by multisite cardiac aneurysms involving the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), valves, and intervalvular fibrosa. The key finding was that RA-associated aneurysmal or pseudoaneurysmal involvement of these peri-annular/subvalvular fibrous structures is exceptionally rare and mostly described in isolated case reports, with heterogeneous clinical and imaging presentations. The review highlights the need for heightened diagnostic awareness and tailored management strategies for this uncommon RA cardiac complication.
Alberti M, Cito V, Capozza P et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Arrythmias in Autoimmune Diseases: Immune-Mediated Mechanisms and Management.
This review studied immune-mediated mechanisms linking autoimmune diseases to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, emphasizing pathways involving cytokines and autoantibodies. It found that pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6) and autoantibodies can disrupt ion channel function, impair conduction, and promote myocardial fibrosis, with specific antibody associations such as anti-Ro/SSA contributing to QT prolongation and AV block. The significance is that mechanistic understanding across diseases like SLE, RA, and systemic sclerosis can inform targeted arrhythmia risk management.
Tamirisa KP, Irizarry-Caro JA, Curnutt I et al. · Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Atypical Pediatric Presentation of Takotsubo Syndrome.
This case report described a 17-year-old boy with atypical pediatric Takotsubo syndrome presenting after emotional distress and exertion. The key findings were acute chest pain with ST-segment elevation and markedly elevated troponin, apical wall-motion abnormalities with myocardial edema on cardiac MRI, late gadolinium enhancement consistent with the diagnosis, and severe hyperglycemia due to new-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus with normal coronary angiography. Clinically, it emphasizes that pediatric Takotsubo can present with atypical triggers and metabolic comorbidity, supporting the role of cardiac MRI in distinguishing nonischemic cardiomyopathy.
Kash B, Nguyen A, Robinson J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-cardiac/other clinical case reports & reviews (non-imaging primary focus)
Inaugural complete heart block in anti-SSA negative systemic lupus erythematosus: the diagnostic role of anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies.
This case report described inaugural complete heart block in a 21-year-old woman with anti-SSA-negative systemic lupus erythematosus, focusing on diagnostic testing with anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies and cardiac imaging to exclude other causes. The patient’s workup (including cardiac MRI) ruled out myocarditis and infiltrative disease, and the authors highlighted anti-PM-Scl 100 positivity as a key diagnostic clue for SLE-associated conduction disease. Clinically, it supports considering anti-PM-Scl 100 testing and careful microvascular/cardiac evaluation when adult SLE presents with rare conduction phenotypes despite negative anti-SSA.
Dammene Debbih N, Laouar L, Dekdouk N et al. · Lupus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Impact of Discordant Minimal Residual Disease Assessment in Adult Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.
This retrospective study assessed discordance in measurable residual disease (MRD) testing in 182 adults with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), comparing multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC), next-generation sequencing (NGS), and BCR::ABL1 RT-qPCR. MRD results from these assays were compared across paired timepoints (after remission induction, after consolidation, and pre-HCT) and related to clinical outcomes in patients with serial MRD assessments. Demonstrating clinically meaningful inter-assay differences would affect MRD-guided allo-HCT decisions and could drive harmonization or assay-specific risk thresholds.
Yoon JH, Jung J, Lee S et al. · Transplantation and cellular therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Chronic draining xiphisternal fistula associated with fractured right coronary artery stent and transdiaphragmatic inflammatory extension: a multimodality imaging and surgical correlation.
This case report described a 53-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and ischemic heart disease who developed a chronic draining xiphisternal fistula years after right coronary artery (RCA) stenting, with imaging and surgical correlation of a fractured stent and transdiaphragmatic inflammatory extension. Multimodality imaging was used to identify the rare delayed stent-related inflammatory complication and to plan surgical management of the fistula. Recognizing this pattern is clinically significant because it can mimic superficial infection and delay diagnosis of a deep, stent-associated complication.
Ansari ZR, Hamdulay ZA, Khan A et al. · The Egyptian heart journal : (EHJ) : official bulletin of the Egyptian Society of Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Terahertz-Nanoscale Visualization of the Microscopic Spin-Charge Architecture of Colossal Magnetoresistive Switching.
This physics study used a custom cryogenic cryogenic magneto-THz scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (cm-THz-sSNOM) to visualize terahertz (THz) near-field dynamics during colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) switching at sub-10 nm scales. The technique enabled resolution of the microscopic spin-charge architecture and THz electrodynamics associated with the CMR transition that are otherwise inaccessible under combined high-field and nanometer-resolution constraints. These measurements are significant for advancing fundamental limits and energy-dissipation understanding in spin-electronics and for improving control of ultrafast spin switching.
Haeuser S, Chan RK, Kim RHJ et al. · Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases.
This review studied eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases (EGID) across affected gastrointestinal segments (including eosinophilic esophagitis, gastritis, enteritis, and colitis) and contrasted them with secondary causes of eosinophilia. It found that EGID is defined by prominent eosinophilic mucosal inflammation with segment-specific symptoms in the absence of secondary etiologies such as parasitic infection, medication effects, vasculitis, allergic syndromes, hematologic disease, or other inflammatory conditions. Clinically, the synthesis supports accurate diagnosis and appropriate exclusion of secondary causes to guide targeted management of EGID.
Lenti MV, Rossi CM, Dellon ES et al. · Nature reviews. Disease primers · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on July 29, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published July 22, 2026 – July 29, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.