What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 03, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 88 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 03, 2026 · 88 articles · 15 research themes · covering July 27, 2026 – August 03, 2026
Overview
This week’s digest is dominated by a clear push toward earlier, more precise cardiovascular risk prediction using advanced imaging biomarkers—especially cardiac MRI. Multiple studies show that “beyond-ejection-fraction” metrics (fibrosis patterns, strain, dyssynchrony, and composite mechanical indices) can identify patients at higher risk before overt structural disease. Examples include improved arrhythmic risk stratification after myocardial infarction using scar spatial quantification, prognostic value of CMR-derived strain ratios in atrial-ventricular uncoupling, and hypertension-associated myocardial fibrosis signals that reinforce the clinical importance of blood pressure control.
A second major theme is improving diagnosis and phenotyping of specific cardiac diseases where conventional workups can be misleading. Work spans genetic cardiomyopathies (e.g., Fabry, Danon, desmoplakin), inflammatory myocarditis (including integrated PET/CMR strategies), and cardiac amyloidosis where quantitative nuclear imaging and emerging tracers help resolve diagnostic uncertainty. Several case-based reports also highlight how multimodality imaging can prevent misclassification—such as distinguishing structural cardiomyopathies from ischemic mimics, or recognizing atypical amyloid presentations that resemble other inflammatory conditions.
Finally, the field continues to modernize both the “hardware” and “software” of cardiovascular imaging. Methodology papers address pediatric reference values, contrast-sparing MRI approaches, and diffusion MRI standardization, while computational studies and AI pipelines target faster segmentation/reconstruction and automated hemodynamic quantification from 4D flow data. Across these efforts, the overarching direction is toward scalable, reproducible imaging workflows that can be integrated with genomics, longitudinal phenotyping, and (in some settings) therapeutic decision-making.
Cardiac MRI biomarkers for risk stratification (fibrosis, strain, remodeling)
Impact of Left and Right Bundle Branch Block on Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Myocardial Mechanics Assessed by Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on how left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right bundle branch block (RBBB) affect ventricular systolic function and myocardial mechanics measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiac MRI feature tracking (CMR-FT). Bundle branch blocks were associated with impaired myocardial deformation and dyssynchrony-related mechanical abnormalities, often extending beyond conventional left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The results support deformation imaging as a sensitive approach for detecting subclinical dysfunction in patients with conduction abnormalities.
Sonaglioni A, Lombardo M, Gramaglia GF et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Differential Biventricular Strain Recovery With Selective Fibrosis Biomarker Regression After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Prospective CMR Feature-Tracking Study.
In a single-center prospective CMR feature-tracking study of 32 patients with paired follow-up after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), investigators assessed biventricular and biatrial strain recovery alongside fibrosis and adipokine biomarkers. The key finding was differential recovery of biventricular strain that tracked with selective fibrosis biomarker regression rather than uniform improvement across all myocardial compartments. Clinically, this suggests that cardiac reverse remodeling after bariatric surgery may be temporally and mechanistically heterogeneous, with fibrosis-related pathways driving specific functional recovery patterns.
Akarsu H, Kılıç İD, Dodurga Y et al. · Obesity surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Papillary muscle fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: a pictorial review of causes, diagnostic challenges and practical pearls.
This pictorial review summarized causes and diagnostic pitfalls of papillary muscle fibrosis (PMF) and emphasized practical interpretation of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings. The key message was that PMF can be overlooked on CMR—particularly when papillary muscle and blood pool have similar late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) signal intensity—despite PMF being linked to ventricular arrhythmias across ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Clinically, improved recognition of PMF on CMR can support earlier diagnosis and arrhythmia risk management.
Gutierrez M, McCreavy D, Radike M · Clinical radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Hypertension and myocardial fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between hypertension (including blood pressure levels and antihypertensive medications) and myocardial fibrosis using imaging and histology, with fibrosis quantified by cardiac MRI T1 mapping (ECV% and native T1) or histology. Across 39 studies (45,776 participants), hypertension was associated with myocardial fibrosis measures, supporting a link between elevated BP and fibrotic remodeling. The findings reinforce the importance of blood pressure control to reduce or prevent myocardial fibrosis and subsequent cardiac dysfunction.
Jiang J, Deng J, Dong L et al. · Clinical radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prognostic Value of a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index From Routine Cine Images in Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Study.
This multicenter retrospective study analyzed 403 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to test whether a cardiac MRI-derived left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) from routine cine images predicts adverse outcomes beyond conventional markers such as LVEF and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The LACI was prognostically informative and added incremental risk stratification compared with standard imaging metrics. Clinically, this provides a potentially scalable CMR-derived biomarker from routine cine data to improve outcome prediction in DCM.
Jiang YJ, Hou XC, Tao J et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Poor R-wave progression fails to detect anterior myocardial fibrosis in MESA.
This study analyzed Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) Examination 5 participants to test whether poor R-wave progression (PRWP) on 12-lead ECG detects anterior myocardial fibrosis on modern CMR. The key finding was that PRWP did not reliably identify anterior-wall fibrosis when compared against a strict CMR reference standard requiring ischemic/transmural scar and additional left anterior descending (LAD) segment criteria or LV scar burden thresholds. This is significant because it challenges a common ECG-based assumption and helps prevent misclassification of anterior myocardial injury in contemporary clinical practice.
de Alencar JN, Morales PAS · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Radiation-Induced Acute Cardiac Injury in Patients With Left-Sided Breast Cancer: A Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study on the Dose-Response Relation.
This prospective cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study evaluated radiation-induced acute cardiac injury after postoperative left-sided breast cancer radiotherapy using strain analysis. It enrolled 64 patients and performed CMR within 2 weeks before and after RT, calculating radiation doses to cardiac structures to assess dose-response relationships for early injury. This is significant because it provides early, imaging-based evidence of acute cardiac effects that could inform risk-adapted RT planning and surveillance.
Zheng L, Yang M, Luo C et al. · International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Interatrial block in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Associations with left atrial remodeling and adverse atrial outcomes.
This multicenter study evaluated interatrial block (IAB), defined as P-wave duration >120 ms, in 259 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients without prior atrial fibrillation (AF) or stroke, and related it to left atrial (LA) remodeling assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. IAB prevalence and its morphofunctional correlates with LA structural/functional parameters were analyzed for prognostic associations with adverse atrial outcomes. These findings extend the AF/stroke relevance of IAB to HCM and suggest IAB may serve as a clinically useful marker of atrial remodeling and risk stratification in this population.
Anmad-Shihadeh LA, Teis A, Sabate M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic Value of Scar Spatial Properties on CMR for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Myocardial Infarction.
This retrospective study evaluated ADAS 3D–quantified border zone channel (BZC) spatial features on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in post–myocardial infarction patients with confirmed BZC. The key finding was that scar spatial properties derived from ADAS 3D BZC improved prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (including arrhythmic outcomes) beyond conventional border-zone characterization. This supports using advanced CMR scar spatial quantification to better risk-stratify post-MI patients for arrhythmic and composite cardiovascular events.
Zhao X, Wang L, Chen W et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Integrated Left Ventricular Mass and Left Atrial Function for Prediction of Cardiovascular Outcomes: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
Using Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants who underwent CMR at Exams 1 (2000–2002) and 5 (2010–2012), this study assessed whether a CMR-derived left ventricular (LV) mass–to–left atrial (LA) strain ratio predicts cardiovascular outcomes. The key finding was that the LV mass-to-LA strain ratio captured early atrioventricular mechanical uncoupling/atrial myopathy and was associated with subsequent cardiovascular events. This is clinically important because it provides a CMR-based composite metric for earlier identification of patients at risk before overt structural disease.
Salameh E, Hoballah M, Ebrahimihoor E et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI for cardiomyopathies and genetic disease (including Fabry/amyloid/LAMP2/DSP)
Prevalence and Determinants of Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy (ASH) in Diseases of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH).
This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) across healthy individuals and in diseases causing left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), using UK Biobank (n=4,020) and a multi-cohort clinical cardiac MRI (CMR) dataset (n=1,655) including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and other LVH etiologies. ASH prevalence and the septal-to-lateral wall thickness ratio (SLR) varied systematically by demographic factors and differed across disease groups compared with an age-, sex-, and body-surface-area adjusted healthy reference. These findings improve CMR-based interpretation of ASH patterns and may help distinguish HCM-like remodeling from other LVH causes in clinical practice.
Shiwani H, Augusto J, Topriceanu CC et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI reveals myocardial fibrosis and systolic dysfunction in mitochondrial trifunctional protein-deficient mice.
This work characterized cardiac involvement in mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency using a mouse model carrying the βTFP mutation p.Met404Lys, combining cardiac histology with multiparametric cardiac MRI (CMR). Mutant βTFP-deficient mice showed myocardial fibrosis with collagen deposition and CMR-detected structural and functional abnormalities consistent with cardiomyopathy progression. The study supports CMR as a translational tool to quantify cardiomyopathy severity in fatty-acid oxidation disorders and to evaluate future therapies.
Vieira Neto E, Basu S, Becker-Szurszewski TJ et al. · Disease models & mechanisms · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial inflammation and scar expansion in patients with Anderson-Fabry disease.
This pilot retrospective single-center study investigated Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) progression by relating myocardial inflammation to scar expansion using CMR in 131 paired scans. Myocardial inflammation measured by T2 mapping (T2m) was associated with subsequent cardiac damage progression quantified by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) expansion across disease stages. The findings suggest that CMR T2m may serve as an imaging biomarker for active injury and fibrosis growth in AFD.
Torlasco C, Ditaranto R, Schiavo MA et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Three-dimensional Mapping of Fibrosis Distribution in Desmoplakin Cardiomyopathy from Cardiac MRI.
This retrospective cardiac MRI study in patients with desmoplakin cardiomyopathy used late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) to identify fibrosis and mapped it onto 3D ventricular geometry using universal ventricular coordinates. The key finding was that high-resolution, spatially standardized fibrosis maps could be generated across disease severity, enabling comparison of fibrotic distribution patterns within a common reference framework. This approach is significant because it may improve understanding of genotype-phenotype remodeling in desmoplakin cardiomyopathy and support more precise risk stratification and trial endpoints.
Jilberto J, McManus B, Moghrabi A et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac characteristics of Chinese patients with Danon disease associated with LAMP2 p.Leu325fs variants.
This retrospective study characterized cardiac phenotypes in nine Chinese patients with Danon disease carrying the LAMP2 frameshift variant p.Leu325fs. The key finding was that loss of functional LAMP2 protein from premature termination was associated with specific cardiac manifestations in this genotype-defined cohort. Genotype–phenotype clarification for LAMP2 p.Leu325fs can improve prognostication and guide clinical surveillance for cardiac involvement in Danon disease.
Yin K, Li Y, Zhao H et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative native T1 mapping identifies papillary muscle and intracavitary cardiac lipomas: A multiparametric CMR case series.
This CMR case series reported two patients with cardiac lipomas—one papillary muscle lipoma in a 47-year-old woman and one intracavitary left ventricular lipoma in a 31-year-old Asian man—using native T1 mapping as a quantitative technique. The key finding was that native T1 mapping showed markedly reduced T1 values (250 ms and 405 ms at 1.5 T, respectively) that helped confirm lipoma diagnosis when conventional sequences could leave diagnostic uncertainty. Scientifically, it highlights quantitative native T1 mapping as a useful discriminator for small or anatomically complex intracardiac fat-containing lesions.
Montatore M, Rella M, Milo M et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Associations between cardiovascular risk factors and diseases with aortic pulse wave velocity and aortic distensibility: magnetic resonance imaging in the Hamburg city health study.
This population-based Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) analysis studied associations between cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular diseases with CMR-derived aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic distensibility (AD). Using 2D phase-contrast-flow CMR to quantify PWV and AD in the ascending and descending aorta in 2270 participants, it found measurable relationships between cardiovascular risk/disease burden and these vascular stiffness metrics. This is significant because CMR-based PWV and AD may serve as imaging biomarkers for cardiovascular risk stratification in general populations.
Riedl KA, Di Carluccio E, Huellebrand M et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Disease penetrance and phenotypic spectrum of desmoplakin variant carriers in the population.
This population-based study assessed disease penetrance and phenotypic spectrum of desmoplakin (DSP) variant carriers using exome-sequenced data from 200,580 UK Biobank participants. DSP variants were stratified by predicted deleteriousness (pDel), predicted loss of function (pLOF), and ClinVar classification, and the study estimated prevalence/penetrance and associated phenotypes in carriers. These penetrance estimates can refine risk prediction and improve detection of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy caused by DSP variants in the general population.
Gurumoorthi M, Dabbagh GS, Wolfe R et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Phenotype, genotype and prognosis of apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathies: a French multicentric cohort.
This French multicenter cohort study evaluated phenotype, genotype, and prognosis in 208 patients with apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) using echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, genetic testing, and follow-up, compared with 419 patients with non-apical HCM (excluding Fabry disease and amyloidosis). The key finding is that ApHCM has distinct genetic and clinical characteristics relative to non-apical HCM, with genotype and outcomes analyzed after excluding confounding genetic mimics. Clinically, it clarifies prognostic expectations and supports more accurate genetic workup in ApHCM patients.
Martel H, Lucas C, Benjelloun H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myopericarditis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Unmasking a Concomitant Diagnosis of Marfan Syndrome: A Case Report.
This case report studied a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed acute myopericarditis and was ultimately found to have a concomitant diagnosis of Marfan syndrome. The key finding is that the myopericarditis presentation in SLE can unmask an underlying hereditary connective-tissue disorder, complicating diagnosis and management. Clinically, it underscores the importance of considering comorbid genetic cardiovascular syndromes when SLE patients present with severe cardiac inflammation and systolic dysfunction.
Cabrera G, Neves G, Dias W et al. · Case reports in rheumatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
This ECG Does Not Fit: Rethinking Left Ventricular Hypertrophy.
This case report evaluated a 70-year-old man with atypical ECG findings and progressive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) where Anderson-Fabry disease (AFD) was suspected. The key finding was that cardiac magnetic resonance showed reduced native T1 values and genetic testing identified the GLA mutation p.N215S (Asn215Ser), confirming late-onset AFD despite confounding comorbidities. This is significant because it highlights the diagnostic value of CMR native T1 mapping and targeted GLA genetic testing when ECG patterns do not fit typical LVH etiologies.
Perini Schweiger C, Allocca G, Gugelmo G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Midventricular Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Apical Aneurysm Presenting as Persistent ST-Segment Elevation Mimicking Acute Myocardial Infarction.
This case report described a 62-year-old woman presenting with persistent ST-segment elevation mimicking acute myocardial infarction, ultimately diagnosed with midventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with a left ventricular apical aneurysm. The key finding was that coronary angiography showed no obstructive disease and CMR/echocardiography demonstrated midcavity obstruction with an apical aneurysm as the nonischemic substrate for the ECG pattern. This is clinically important because it emphasizes the need to consider structural cardiomyopathies on CMR when persistent ST elevation occurs without coronary occlusion.
Kyvetos A, Liatakis I, Niarchou P et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI for myocarditis and inflammatory cardiac disease (incl. PET/CMR)
Imaging signatures of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis-related myocarditis: A case report.
This case report describes a 23-year-old man with asthma, persistent hypereosinophilia, and multisystem disease diagnosed as eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) with myocarditis. Cardiac MRI identified myocarditis-related abnormalities consistent with eosinophilic infiltration, enabling timely adjustment of immunosuppressive management. The report highlights cardiac MRI as the most sensitive noninvasive tool for detecting cardiac involvement in suspected Churg-Strauss syndrome, which is critical for preventing morbidity and mortality.
Lamassab NEH, Merimi I, Nabila I et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI unveils the hidden storm: Myocarditis-induced ventricular tachycardia in a young patient with a structurally normal heart.
This case report describes a 37-year-old previously healthy man who presented with hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia and elevated troponin but normal coronary arteries and preserved left ventricular systolic function on echocardiography. Cardiac MRI demonstrated subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement and myocardial edema, establishing acute myocarditis as the arrhythmogenic substrate. The case emphasizes that cardiac MRI can uncover myocarditis-induced ventricular tachycardia even when the heart appears structurally normal initially, guiding appropriate diagnosis and management.
Alkhanafsa M, Aloqaily M, Ababneh R et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and rest myocardial perfusion imaging in non-granulomatous myocarditis.
In a multicenter prospective feasibility study of patients with suspected non-granulomatous myocarditis, researchers assessed the diagnostic performance of combined 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT plus rest myocardial perfusion imaging (rMPI) and compared results with cardiac MRI. The study evaluated how well the combined PET/CT and perfusion approach identified myocarditis, using endomyocardial biopsy when available or adjudicated clinical diagnosis otherwise as the reference standard. This work supports exploring integrated metabolic and perfusion imaging strategies to improve noninvasive diagnosis of non-granulomatous myocarditis.
Lucinian YA, Martineau P, Harel F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Imaging insights into systemic tuberculosis with cardiac involvement: A rare challenging case of tuberculous chronic constrictive pericarditis and myocarditis.
This case report describes a patient with systemic tuberculosis (TB) presenting with rare cardiac involvement manifesting as chronic constrictive pericarditis and myocarditis. Because microbiological confirmation was challenging and clinical presentation was heterogeneous, the authors emphasize that multimodal advanced imaging was essential to improve diagnostic accuracy. The report highlights the diagnostic value of comprehensive imaging in TB-related cardiac disease when definitive tests are limited.
Jabri M, Boulouiz S, Bazid Z et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Bridging Diagnostic Gaps in AL Cardiac Amyloidosis: The Emerging Role of 68 Ga-FAPI PET/CT.
This case report described a 56-year-old man with suspected AL cardiac amyloidosis in whom conventional workup (echocardiography, cardiac MRI, bone marrow biopsy, endomyocardial biopsy, and 99mTc-pyrophosphate scintigraphy) was inconclusive or equivocal. 68Ga-FAPI-46 PET/CT showed intense myocardial uptake, leading to repeat bone marrow biopsy that confirmed AL amyloidosis. The report highlights 68Ga-FAPI PET/CT as an emerging diagnostic tool to bridge biopsy and conventional imaging limitations in AL cardiac amyloidosis.
Kumar SA, Goyal H, Ahmed AS et al. · Clinical nuclear medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI for ischemic heart disease outcomes (MI, microvascular obstruction, MINOCA)
Molecular mechanisms of coronary microembolization-induced MINOCA.
This basic research article examined molecular mechanisms by which coronary microembolization (CME) can cause myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), a condition often diagnosed late because cardiac MRI is typically performed days after the event. The key finding was that CME is a major underlying pathology in MINOCA, and the authors focused on unresolved molecular pathways that could explain delayed diagnosis and the lack of rapid, targeted therapies. Scientifically, clarifying CME’s molecular drivers may enable earlier diagnostic tools and more specific treatment strategies for MINOCA.
Iske J, Thau H, Mesfin JM et al. · Basic research in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Aspirin therapy after heart transplantation is associated with higher myocardial perfusion reserve assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging.
This multicenter study of Swedish heart-transplant (HTx) recipients examined whether aspirin therapy is associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) by measuring myocardial perfusion reserve using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) alongside coronary angiography. Patients receiving aspirin showed higher myocardial perfusion reserve, indicating less CAV-related impairment. These findings suggest aspirin may favorably influence long-term graft vascular function in HTx and support CMR perfusion reserve as a noninvasive marker for monitoring CAV risk.
Jablonowski R, Löfman IH, Andersson HB et al. · JHLT open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prognostic impact of persistent microvascular obstruction on cardiac magnetic resonance after STEMI: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared prognosis in STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI who had microvascular obstruction (MVO) assessed by follow-up cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), classifying MVO as persistent versus transient (or absent). The key finding was the relative prognostic impact of persistent MVO compared with transient MVO or no MVO, synthesizing cohort evidence across studies. Clinically, it supports CMR-based characterization of MVO persistence as a tool for post-STEMI risk stratification and outcome prediction.
Gadelmawla AF, Taha AM, Alkuwaiti FA et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries: A multimodal imaging approach to diagnosis and etiology-targeted therapy.
This article studied myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), a heterogeneous diagnosis comprising 5–15% of acute myocardial infarction presentations, focusing on multimodal imaging strategies to determine etiology and guide targeted therapy. It found that systematic exclusion of non-ischemic mimics and identification of ischemic mechanisms using intracoronary optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can clarify the underlying cause and support more specific management rather than therapeutic inertia. This is significant because etiology-targeted treatment may improve outcomes in a population that is often discharged without a definitive diagnosis.
Abdu FA · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Rethinking post-infarction remodelling: identification and validation of data-driven cardiac MRI phenotypes for risk stratification.
This prospective longitudinal study investigated data-driven cardiac MRI phenotypes of adverse left ventricular remodeling after reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) using CMR at <7 days and at 6 months in a derivation cohort (n=337) and independent validation cohort (n=190). The key finding is that unsupervised, longitudinal CMR-based phenotype clustering identifies prognostically relevant post-infarction remodeling patterns that outperform conventional remodeling definitions based on end-diastolic volume index and ejection fraction changes. The clinical significance is improved risk stratification after STEMI by replacing simplistic remodeling thresholds with MRI-derived phenotype models.
Xiang JY, Wu J, Zhao Y et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI for congenital/structural heart disease and rare anatomy
A minimally invasive pre-operative measure of total pulmonary resistance is associated with early adverse outcomes following total cavopulmonary connection.
This study developed and tested a minimally invasive pre-operative estimate of total pulmonary resistance (TPR) at the bidirectional cavopulmonary connection (BCPC) stage using jugular venous pressure as a surrogate for central venous pressure (CVP). Higher TPR was associated with early adverse outcomes after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC), including early Fontan failure and/or prolonged post-operative ICU stay. The approach could enable earlier identification of high-risk patients and inform perioperative management strategies in Fontan pathway care.
Nadarajan N, Muthurangu V, Quail MA · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Velocity and Dyssynchrony in Fontan Circulation Using MR Tissue Phase Mapping.
This prospective study used MR tissue phase mapping (TPM) to quantify myocardial motion velocity and dyssynchrony in the functional ventricle of 28 Fontan patients and 42 matched controls. The key finding was that TPM-derived velocity metrics (including longitudinal, radial, and circumferential peak velocities and time-to-peak measures) and dyssynchrony indices differed in Fontan physiology and related to cardiac function. These quantitative imaging biomarkers may help non-invasively assess mechanical dysfunction and guide follow-up in Fontan patients.
Lu XZ, Weng KP, Wu MT et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left ventricular diverticulum: A case report and differential diagnosis in an asymptomatic woman.
This case report evaluated an asymptomatic 68-year-old woman with suspected interventricular communication after transthoracic echocardiography findings that raised concern for a septal discontinuity and hypertrophic moderator band. Cardiac MRI on a 1.5-T system clarified the diagnosis as a left ventricular diverticulum, a congenital myocardial outpouching that can mimic other ventricular anomalies. The report underscores the role of CMR in differentiating rare congenital LV diverticula from other structural causes with different prognoses.
Andrea D’Arma GM, Montatore M, Masino F et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Four-dimensional flow CMR-based hemodynamic assessment of ALCAPA: A case report.
This case report used contrast-free four-dimensional flow cardiac magnetic resonance (4D flow CMR) to characterize anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) in a patient by quantifying blood flow and mapping the coronary course and ostium. 4D flow CMR maximum intensity projection images demonstrated dilation of the right coronary artery and the anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. The findings suggest 4D flow CMR can noninvasively support understanding of ALCAPA hemodynamics and help inform treatment planning.
Oka H, Nakau K, Shibagaki Y et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prognostic Implications of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Obesity Status.
This multicentre prospective cohort studied coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) defined by an angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR > 40 U) in 497 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), stratified by obesity status using BMI categories. CMD prevalence was reported as comparable across BMI groups, while the study assessed how CMD related to long-term cardiovascular outcomes within each obesity stratum. Clinically, the work supports using angio-IMR to risk-stratify STEMI patients and to evaluate whether obesity modifies the prognostic impact of CMD.
Guo Q, Guo Y, Shi S et al. · Diabetes, obesity & metabolism · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Atypical Atrial Flutter Unveiling Cor Triatriatum Sinister in a Stable Adult.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 64-year-old stable adult with atypical atrial flutter in whom transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) revealed a left atrial membrane consistent with cor triatriatrium sinister (CTS). Cardiac MRI confirmed nonobstructive CTS, and TEE-guided electrical cardioversion was performed after excluding intracardiac thrombus, followed by anticoagulation. The case illustrates how CTS can present with atrial arrhythmias even in asymptomatic adults and supports the role of TEE in diagnosis and procedural planning.
Panjiyar B, Herrera AJ, Hermann J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
SPACE: Pathophysiology of Platypnea-Orthodeoxia Syndrome With Aortic Aneurysm in 5 Steps.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 47-year-old woman with platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome due to an ascending aortic aneurysm in the setting of a bicuspid aortic valve and patent foramen ovale (PFO). The key finding was that multimodal imaging showed the aneurysm displacing the cardiac axis, compressing the interatrial septum/right atrium, and—together with a prominent Eustachian valve—promoting persistent right-to-left shunting despite normal pulmonary vascular resistance. This is clinically significant because it illustrates a mechanistic, anatomy-driven cause of positional hypoxemia that can be treated with targeted surgical repair and PFO closure.
Hanses U, Osteresch R, Rühle S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Idiopathic 2:1 AV Block With Ventriculophasic Sinus Arrhythmia in a Young Male.
This case report evaluated a 23-year-old male with influenza-like symptoms who was found to have isolated 2:1 atrioventricular (AV) block with ventriculophasic sinus arrhythmia. The key finding was that comprehensive workup excluded structural/infiltrative disease and exercise stress testing demonstrated a specific pattern of conduction behavior consistent with the rare combination of 2:1 AV block and ventriculophasic sinus arrhythmia. This is significant because it expands the clinical phenotype of conduction disorders in young adults and supports careful diagnostic evaluation when typical etiologies are absent.
Tortorici C, Duarte G, Mark JD et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI for pulmonary hypertension and right-heart physiology
Right ventricular longitudinal function is associated with exercise capacity in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension: a multimodality imaging study.
This multimodality imaging study evaluated right ventricular (RV) longitudinal function and its relationship to exercise capacity in 49 patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PHprecap) using 6-min walk distance (6MWD), NT-proBNP, right heart catheterization, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) within 24 hours. RV longitudinal impairment was associated with reduced exercise capacity, with RV ejection fraction and longitudinal strain measures showing dysfunction (e.g., RVEF by CMR and RV longitudinal function by echo/CMR). These findings support RV longitudinal mechanics as a clinically relevant correlate of functional status in PHprecap and may refine risk assessment beyond standard functional/biomarker strata.
Jumatate R, Labaf A, Ingvarsson A et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Determinants of Abnormal Pulmonary Vasodilatory Response With Exercise in HFpEF: Pulmonary Vascular-Left Atrial Axis Abnormalities.
In a two-step invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing study of 164 participants (80 HFpEF, 57 pre-capillary PH, 27 non-cardiac dyspnea), investigators defined an unfavorable exercise pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) response as exercise PVR >1.74 Woods units and <22% ∆PVR decrease. The key finding was that an unfavorable exercise PVR phenotype identified a high-risk subgroup in HFpEF and was associated with pulmonary vascular–left atrial axis abnormalities as important correlates of impaired pulmonary vasodilatory reserve. Clinically, this provides a mechanistic framework for why some HFpEF patients fail to unload PVR during exercise and may help target therapies toward pulmonary vascular–left atrial coupling.
Garcia-Arango M, Kristo A, El Shaer A et al. · Comprehensive Physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right ventricular remodeling and circulating metabolic profiles of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension before and after pulmonary endarterectomy.
This prospective study assessed right ventricular (RV) remodeling and circulating metabolic profiles in 10 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) compared with 10 controls with normal RV function, using pre- and post-operative RV imaging (including echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance) and metabolomics. The key finding was that PEA was accompanied by measurable changes in RV structure/function consistent with reverse remodeling alongside longitudinal shifts in circulating metabolites. These results suggest metabolite signatures may track RV recovery after CTEPH surgery and could support biomarker development for monitoring and mechanistic hypothesis generation.
Guimaron S, Mercier J, Hautbergue T et al. · JHLT open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Vascular compliance phenotyping in pulmonary arterial hypertension (a PVDOMICS study).
This analysis of the PVDOMICS cohort studied adult participants with World Symposium Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension, deriving pulmonary arterial compliance from right heart catheterization measurements and examining associations with cardiac morphology, exercise metrics, and mortality. The key finding was identification of phenotypic factors linked to compliance and characterization of how compliance relates to clinical outcomes in PAH. The study is significant because it supports pulmonary arterial compliance as a potentially prognostic physiological marker and helps define which patient characteristics drive compliance impairment.
Wilson TG, Oppegard L, Pi H et al. · JHLT open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI for heart failure and population-level mortality trends
Trends in heart failure-related mortality among breast cancer patients in the United States from 1999 to 2024.
This retrospective CDC WONDER analysis studied heart-failure (HF)-related mortality trends from 1999–2024 among US women with breast cancer aged ≥25 years, with attention to race/ethnicity and geographic variation. HF-related mortality rates changed over time (crude and age-adjusted rates per 100,000 were calculated), revealing population-level temporal patterns in HF death among breast cancer patients. These findings are clinically important for risk stratification and for targeting HF prevention and management strategies in breast cancer survivors across US subgroups.
Jaiswal V, Kumar D, Kalra K et al. · American journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical hypercontractility mitigates impaired diastolic filling and lower intraventricular haemodynamic forces in human bed rest.
This human experimental study used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess regional contractility and intracardiac haemodynamic forces in 24 healthy participants before, during, and after 60 days of strict head-down tilt bed rest (AGBRESA). Apical hypercontractility emerged as a compensatory mechanism that mitigated impaired diastolic filling and reduced the decline in lower intraventricular haemodynamic forces. These results advance mechanistic understanding of how early contractile adaptations preserve diastolic function during prolonged physical inactivity.
Rabineau J, Al-Darwish F, Mulder E et al. · Experimental physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging in athletes and exercise-induced cardiac evaluation
Cardiac magnetic resonance tissue characterization in endurance athletes with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation phenotype (PAFIYAMA).
This observational cross-sectional study investigated cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) tissue characterization in 63 competitive male endurance athletes with a paroxysmal atrial fibrillation phenotype (PAFIYAMA) versus controls. The key finding was that CMR abnormalities relevant to AF-related functional phenotypes—such as focal late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and/or diffuse myocardial changes—were evaluated to determine whether myocardial fibrosis or other diffuse substrate underlies the PAFIYAMA physiology. This is significant because defining the myocardial substrate in endurance-athlete AF phenotypes can refine risk stratification and mechanistic understanding of AF.
Garatachea N, Echevarría-Polo M, Hernández-Vicente A et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for the evaluation and management of athletes. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). Part 2-Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Cardiac CT and Nuclear Imaging.
This clinical consensus statement studied how to use cardiovascular imaging modalities—cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), cardiac computed tomography (CT), and nuclear imaging—for evaluating and managing athletes. It found that these modalities provide complementary information to distinguish physiological athlete remodeling from pathology, with specific guidance on indications, protocols, and interpretation across nuclear and CT/CMR techniques. Clinically, it standardizes multimodality imaging pathways to improve risk stratification and detection of exercise-related cardiac substrates in athletes.
Maestrini V, Gati S, D’Ascenzi F et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Indications, protocols, and interpretation of cardiovascular imaging for the evaluation and management of athletes: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology (EAPC) and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC: Part 1-Exercise imaging.
This consensus statement studied exercise imaging—especially exercise stress echocardiography (ESE)—for cardiovascular evaluation in athletes. It found that ESE is pivotal for assessing cardiac reserve, unmasking concealed cardiomyopathies, and stratifying risk by applying structured indications and interpretation principles. The scientific significance is harmonizing evidence-based exercise-imaging protocols to better separate normal training adaptations from clinically important disease.
D’Ascenzi F, Sanz-de la Garza M, Maestrini V et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac imaging for valvular heart disease (aortic regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse)
Association between Cardiac MRI-derived Global Longitudinal Strain and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.
In a multicenter retrospective cohort of patients with isolated chronic moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR), this study evaluated whether cardiac MRI-derived left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) measured by cine feature tracking predicts outcomes. Lower LV GLS was associated with higher risk of the composite endpoint of all-cause death or heart failure-related hospitalization. This supports LV GLS as a prognostic imaging biomarker that may improve risk stratification beyond ejection fraction in chronic AR.
Hashimoto G, Enriquez-Sarano M, Koike H et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Prediction of Arrhythmic Events in Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated CMR biomarkers for predicting arrhythmic events in 1,994 patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), focusing on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), mitral annular disjunction (MAD), and systolic curling. The key finding was that all three CMR biomarkers were significantly associated with increased arrhythmic risk, with pooled relative risks around 1.5–1.8 depending on the biomarker. The results are clinically important because they support using specific CMR findings to refine arrhythmic risk stratification in MVP patients.
Papanastasiou CA, Kampaktsis PN, Papalamprakopoulou Z et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain improves risk stratification in chronic aortic regurgitation.
This retrospective cohort study assessed whether cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking derived left ventricular global longitudinal strain (FT-LVGLS) improves risk stratification in 385 patients with chronic moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and minimal/no symptoms. The key finding was that FT-LVGLS provided prognostic value for adverse outcomes and added incremental predictive information beyond 2025 ESC/EACTS Class I/IIb surgical indication parameters. Scientifically and clinically, it supports using CMR-derived strain to refine timing of intervention and identify higher-risk AR patients.
Li B, Liu Y, Dai L et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac imaging for coronary vascular dysfunction (endothelial function, microvascular dysfunction)
Metabolic and redox pathway dysregulation in HIV-associated coronary endothelial dysfunction.
This prospective observational study investigated mechanisms of coronary endothelial dysfunction in 45 virally suppressed people with HIV (PWH) using in vivo stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance alongside high-throughput serum proteomics. The key finding was that endothelial dysfunction in treated HIV was associated with circulating proteomic signatures indicating metabolic and redox pathway dysregulation. This mechanistic link supports targeted research into cardiovascular risk reduction strategies beyond viral suppression in PWH.
Keole KS, Bukhari S, Minhas AS et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Comparison of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Disease Classification by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Echocardiography.
This retrospective study compared left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) versus transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in patients imaged by both modalities within 1 week, and examined determinants of discordance in clinical classification using European Society of Cardiology heart failure thresholds (50% and 35%). The key finding was the degree of LVEF measurement disagreement between CMR and TTE and how that discordance affected assignment to heart failure categories. Scientifically and clinically, it informs how modality choice and measurement differences may change patient classification and downstream management decisions.
Le Y, An J, Liang L et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Nuclear imaging for cardiac amyloidosis (PYP/SPECT, FAPI PET)
Temporal shifts in diagnostic testing for cardiac amyloidosis across U.S. health systems.
This retrospective analysis used the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network to evaluate temporal trends in diagnostic testing for cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) among patients diagnosed with wild-type or hereditary ATTR-CM from January 2017 to November 2025. Across the study period, the use of ATTR-specific diagnostic approaches—particularly technetium-99m (Tc-99m) bone scintigraphy, cardiac MRI (CMR), and biopsy—shifted over time in real-world health systems. Understanding these testing trends can inform guideline implementation and may reduce diagnostic delays for ATTR-CM.
Motairek I, Abadie B, Higgins A et al. · EJNMMI reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Quantitative 99mTc-PYP SPECT/CT at 90 minutes improves diagnostic stratification in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
In a retrospective single-center cohort of 170 patients with suspected transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), the study evaluated whether quantitative 99mTc-PYP SPECT/CT at 90 minutes post-injection improves diagnostic stratification beyond standard planar imaging at 60 and 180 minutes. Quantitative SPECT/CT at 90 minutes provided incremental diagnostic value, particularly improving specificity in patients with low planar uptake (e.g., Perugini score 1). This supports adding early quantitative SPECT/CT to routine 99mTc-PYP workflows to better classify ATTR-CM and reduce diagnostic uncertainty.
Nazerani-Zemann T, Stanzel S, Weitzer F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy With Positive 18F-FDG/13N-Ammonia Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography.
The study examined an 85-year-old man with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (wtATTR-CM) whose diagnosis was initially mistaken for isolated cardiac sarcoidosis. 18F-FDG/13N-ammonia PET/CT showed matching perfusion defects with focal FDG uptake and, despite methotrexate, he developed progressive heart failure with worsening echocardiographic findings. The case highlights that atypical cardiac PET patterns can mimic other inflammatory cardiomyopathies and delay recognition of wtATTR-CM, emphasizing the need for careful multimodality diagnostic workup.
Elalfy A, Kholeif Z, Rashwan R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Therapeutics and clinical trials targeting cardiac inflammation/vascular disease
Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Dystrophin Deficient Cardiomyopathy: A Multi-center Study Using the ACTION Registry.
Using the ACTION dystrophinopathy registry, this multi-center study evaluated real-world use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in 80 pediatric/adolescent patients with dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy (DMD-related cardiomyopathy). The study described indications for SGLT2i initiation, reported cardiac function effects, and characterized adverse effects in this population. These data address a major evidence gap and can guide safer, more evidence-informed SGLT2i adoption in dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy.
Harris RE, Wittlieb-Weber CA, Villa C et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Effects of a Fasting-mimicking Diet on MRI-assessed Cardiac Structure and Function in Participants with Type 2 Diabetes.
This secondary analysis of the prospective Fasting In diabetes Treatment trial (NCT03811587) randomized participants with type 2 diabetes to a monthly 5-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) versus usual care and assessed effects on cardiac structure and function by 3.0T MRI over 12 months. MRI measures of left ventricular (LV) geometry and systolic/diastolic function were tracked at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The study tests whether metabolic intervention via FMD can produce measurable, clinically relevant cardiac remodeling in T2D.
Chen R, Westenberg JJM, van den Burg EL et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Losartan and prednisolone for post-COVID syndrome and cardiac inflammation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied 279 participants with post-COVID syndrome and inflammatory cardiac involvement defined by cardiovascular magnetic resonance, testing losartan plus prednisolone versus matched placebos for 16 weeks. The key finding was a neutral effect on the primary endpoint, change in left ventricular ejection fraction, with a between-group difference of 0.7. Clinically, it suggests that this anti-inflammatory/vascular-targeted regimen may not improve LV systolic function in post-COVID inflammatory cardiac involvement, informing future therapeutic strategies.
Puntmann VO, Nagel E, Beitzke D et al. · Nature communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging methodology, standardization, and reference values (including pediatric protocols)
Clinical Applications of Cardiac Diffusion MRI: A Scoping Review.
This scoping review synthesized in vivo human evidence on cardiac diffusion MRI, focusing on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and related techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion. The key finding was that diffusion MRI is being explored across multiple cardiac indications, with emerging clinical applications spanning myocardial characterization and disease phenotyping, while technical heterogeneity remains a major limitation. The review highlights where diffusion MRI may translate clinically and what methodological standardization is needed for broader adoption.
Vora N, Cook M, Harper L et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reduced regadenoson dose using heart rate-targeted titration in paediatric stress perfusion CMR.
This retrospective study of 31 pediatric stress perfusion CMR examinations (29 technically successful) tested whether heart rate–targeted titration of regadenoson could safely reduce dose compared with fixed weight-based dosing. The key finding was that incremental regadenoson dosing targeting ≥20% heart rate increase was feasible and maintained diagnostic performance while aiming to limit excessive drug exposure. This supports individualized pediatric pharmacologic stress protocols to improve safety without sacrificing image quality.
Quail MA, Tann O, Linton R et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Aorta and coronary artery assessment using high-contrast respiratory motion corrected and ECG-gated 3D T2-prepared GRE MRI with Dixon fat-water separation in patients with and without prior aortic root surgery at 3 T.
This prospective cardiovascular MRI study evaluated a novel non-contrast, ECG-gated 3T sequence—T2-prepared GRE with Dixon water-fat separation (T2p GD)—for assessing the aorta and coronary arteries in 55 patients with and without prior aortic root surgery, and compared its diagnostic performance to contrast-enhanced MR angiography (CE-MRA). The key finding was the sequence’s diagnostic performance relative to CE-MRA, including measured signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and related image quality metrics. Clinically, it supports a radiation- and contrast-sparing MRI approach for patients where gadolinium-based contrast or prior-surgery anatomy complicates imaging.
Cereghetti GM, Huber LP, Todorski I et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Automation Software for Transesophageal Echocardiography in Cardiac Patients: A Scoping Review.
This scoping review studied automation software for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in cardiac patients, comparing automated measurements with manual measurements and mapping validation outcomes and evidence gaps. It found that, unlike transthoracic echocardiography, the role of automation in TEE remains less well established due to heterogeneity of tools and limited consolidated evidence. The review is significant because it identifies where future validation studies are needed to support reliable, reproducible automated TEE workflows.
Ghijselings I, Elst J, Rex S et al. · Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiogenic shock after ocrelizumab infusion in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
This case report described a 42-year-old man with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who developed severe, reversible left ventricular systolic dysfunction after ocrelizumab infusion. After extensive evaluation—including blood tests, coronary angiography, cardiac MRI, and endomyocardial biopsy—ischemic and infectious causes were excluded, implicating ocrelizumab as a rare trigger of reversible cardiogenic shock/major cardiac dysfunction. Clinically, it underscores the need for vigilance and prompt cardiac assessment in patients receiving ocrelizumab who develop delayed cardiopulmonary symptoms.
De Napoli G, Gotti E, Baldovini C et al. · Multiple sclerosis (Houndmills, Basingstoke, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reference intervals for myocardial T1, T2, and extracellular volume in clinically normal dogs and cats at 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging: a single-center study.
This single-center veterinary study established reference intervals for myocardial native T1, native T2, and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) in clinically normal dogs and cats using 3-T cardiac MRI. Using ECG-gated imaging under general anesthesia, native T1/T2 maps were acquired at the midventricular short-axis level and ECV was calculated using validated mapping sequences adapted from human protocols. Species-specific reference ranges support more accurate interpretation of cardiac MRI biomarkers for research and clinical evaluation in veterinary cardiology.
Fries RC, Kadotani S, Toborowsky C et al. · American journal of veterinary research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of age, heart rate, and body surface area on myocardial native T1, T2, and extracellular volume fraction in pediatric patients at 1.5 Tesla cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
This pediatric 1.5 Tesla CMR study examined how age, heart rate, and body surface area influence global myocardial native T1, T2, and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction reference values. The key finding was that these physiologic variables significantly affect myocardial parametric mapping measures, necessitating pediatric-specific reference ranges. This is significant for improving the interpretability and clinical use of native T1/T2/ECV mapping in children and for standardizing pediatric CMR tissue characterization.
Riaza-Martin L, Escudero-Fernandez JM, Riera-Soler L et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI/ML and computational imaging for cardiac MRI (segmentation, reconstruction, prediction)
Automated whole-heart volumetrics and haemodynamics from 4D flow CMR magnitude images: development and validation of a deep learning model.
This development-and-validation study trained and validated a deep learning model to generate automated whole-heart volumetrics and hemodynamics from 4D flow CMR magnitude images in 40 prospectively enrolled patients from the PREFER-CMR registry. The key finding was that magnitude-image–based segmentation could reproduce anatomical accuracy compared with standard cine imaging while enabling faster, automated analysis of 4D flow-derived measurements. Scientifically and clinically, this reduces the post-processing burden of 4D flow CMR and may improve feasibility of routine hemodynamic assessment.
Gall A, Grafton-Clarke C, Li R et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Time-resolved aortic 3D shape reconstruction from a limited number of cine 2D MRI slices.
This feasibility study developed and tested a method to reconstruct time-resolved, subject-specific 3D aortic geometry from a limited number of cine 2D MRI slices by combining a statistical shape model with a differentiable volumetric mesh optimization algorithm. The key finding was that accurate reconstruction was achievable in vivo in 30 subjects (19 volunteers and 11 aortic—truncated in the abstract) after evaluating optimal slice positioning on synthetic data. Scientifically, it advances faster, lower-slice aortic MRI reconstruction, potentially reducing scan time while preserving geometric fidelity.
Wolkerstorfer G, Buoso S, Schlenker R et al. · Computer methods and programs in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Free-Breathing 3D Whole Heart and Aorta Cine MRI Without Contrast Agent-Comparison to Clinical Standard.
This study developed and tested dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) for low-latency real-time cardiac MRI reconstruction using 2D spiral balanced SSFP (bSSFP) data. It applied DMD to real-time adult and fetal cardiac MRI at 0.55 T in 10 healthy adults and 6 pregnant females, and compared DMD online reconstruction against off-line spatiotemporally constrained reconstruction (STCR) as the reference. This is significant because it supports faster, near-real-time cardiac imaging reconstruction that could improve workflow and feasibility for real-time fetal and adult cardiac MRI.
Chen R, Lu H, Cernicanu A et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pre-Imaging Clinical Factors Associated With Cardiac MR Image Quality Using Large Language Model-Enabled Data Extraction.
This retrospective study assessed whether pre-imaging clinical information extracted using a large language model (LLM) is independently associated with cardiac MR image quality in 1006 adult patients undergoing clinical cardiac MRI at 1.5 T and 3 T (cine, black blood, MR angiogram, and late gadolinium enhancement protocols). The key finding was that LLM-extracted pre-imaging clinical factors were associated with cardiac MR image quality categories (excellent to nondiagnostic), indicating that image quality can be predicted from information available before scanning. This is significant because it could enable earlier identification of patients at risk for poor image quality and reduce repeat examinations and diagnostic delays.
Yu H, Bondarenko M, Nowroozi A et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
R3Net: Recursive Residual Refinement Network Architecture for Decoder-Free Medical Image Segmentation.
This paper introduced R3Net, a recursive residual refinement network architecture for decoder-free medical image segmentation. R3Net uses an encoder-only design that recursively reuses encoder stages and progressively fuses multiscale features via residual pathways to reconstruct high-resolution segmentation outputs without a dedicated decoder. By reducing architectural redundancy and computational burden while maintaining segmentation performance, it offers a more efficient approach for medical image segmentation tasks.
Huang J, Zhao Y, Li Y et al. · Precision radiation oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Supporting transformer-based cardiac MRI segmentation with text-to-image controllable diffusion pipelines.
This paper studied a transformer-based approach to support cardiac MRI segmentation using text-to-image controllable diffusion pipelines to generate synthetic, anatomically consistent cardiac MRI images with segmentation labels. The key finding is that combining LoRA (for pathology-aware label-map generation from text prompts) with ControlNet (semantic and spatial conditioning) enables creation of fully annotated synthetic datasets aligned with cardiac anatomy for segmentation training. Scientifically, it offers a scalable method to mitigate limited annotated cardiac MRI data and improve segmentation model development.
Fouadi H, Kas M, Ruichek Y et al. · Computerized medical imaging and graphics : the official journal of the Computerized Medical Imaging Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Integrating Multimodal Data and Genomics for a Comprehensive Assessment of Cardiovascular Aging and Its Impact.
This UK Biobank study integrated multimodal cardiovascular imaging/physiology (CMR, electrocardiogram, arterial stiffness, and carotid ultrasound) with genomics to build machine-learning models of cardiovascular aging and test genetic architecture and prognostic relevance. The key finding was that a data-driven cardiovascular aging measure derived from these multimodal biomarkers showed meaningful genetic associations and improved prediction of cardiovascular outcomes compared with less comprehensive approaches. This is significant because it links multimodal CMR-based aging phenotypes to genetic determinants and clinical risk, enabling more comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment.
Abula A, Yuan Y, Li X et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-cardiac modifiers and comorbidities affecting cardiovascular health (infectious disease, environment, systemic diseases, public health)
Association of residential green space, blue space, and natural environment with the incident heart failure and cardiac morpho-functional phenotypes: a UK biobank-based prospective cohort and imaging study.
This UK Biobank prospective cohort and imaging study examined whether residential green space, blue space, and natural environment exposure are associated with incident heart failure and cardiac morpho-functional phenotypes in 437,429 participants without baseline heart failure. Environmental exposure measures were linked to differences in cardiac remodeling phenotypes and to subsequent heart failure risk. These results support environmental factors as potentially modifiable determinants of HF development and motivate targeted prevention strategies.
Song Y, Lin Z, Chen X et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
The Prognostic Role of Interim [18F]FDG PET/CT in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
This updated systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the prognostic value of interim 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT (iPET/CT) for progression-free survival (PFS) in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) using studies published through December 31, 2025. The key finding was that iPET/CT response (including complete metabolic response rates) predicts PFS, with pooled hazard ratios supporting prognostic stratification despite variability in timing/interpretation. This is clinically significant because it reinforces iPET/CT as a risk-adaptive tool in DLBCL and helps guide treatment intensification or de-escalation strategies.
Albano D, Chauvie S, Rizzo A et al. · Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Estimating the Sodium Content: A Case Series of Benign and Malignant Renal Tumours Using 23Na-MRI at 3 T.
This prospective case series applied 3T sodium MRI (23Na-MRI) to estimate renal tumour sodium content in 10 patients with localized renal tumours, including renal oncocytoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, and clear cell RCC. The study found measurable differences in tumour sodium content across benign and malignant tumour types, supporting sodium MRI as a potential non-invasive discriminator. If validated, tumour sodium quantification could improve early characterization of indeterminate renal masses in uro-oncology.
Horvat-Menih I, Birchall JR, Zamora-Morales MJ et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Lymphatic endothelial cells actively shape immune responses in the lungs.
This narrative review summarized experimental evidence on how lung lymphatic endothelial cells actively regulate immune responses. The key finding was that pulmonary lymphatic endothelial cells modulate inflammation and adaptive immunity through mechanisms such as PAR1-mediated permeabilization of lymphatic junctions and other junctional/immune-regulatory pathways. Understanding these mechanisms could inform therapeutic strategies to limit acute lung inflammation and influence tissue remodeling.
Rivers AK, Migues Ramirez C, Cleary SJ · Current opinion in immunology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The intersection of infectious diseases and cardiovascular disease in Africa: A narrative review.
This narrative review examined how infectious diseases and neglected tropical or parasitic infections in sub-Saharan Africa intersect with cardiovascular disease, including in people with HIV/AIDS. The key finding was that infections, driven by factors like sanitation and overcrowding, can directly and indirectly affect the heart and exacerbate cardiovascular complications, including during immunosuppression. The review highlights the need for integrated infectious disease and cardiovascular care and for region-specific research on these comorbid pathways.
Ogah OS, Umuerri EM, Hahnle J et al. · Journal of the National Medical Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Beyond target lesions: Prognostic value of longitudinal AI-derived whole-body [1⁸F]FDG PET/CT metrics in metastatic melanoma.
This study investigated whether longitudinal, AI-derived whole-body [18F]FDG PET/CT metrics—total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG)—predict outcomes in 43 patients with metastatic melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Using baseline, interim (after two cycles), and late (after four cycles) PET/CT scans, the AI-based semi-automated quantification of TMTV/TLG provided prognostic information beyond standard PET metabolic response criteria. The results suggest that AI-enabled longitudinal PET metrics may better capture treatment dynamics and improve prognostication in ICI-treated metastatic melanoma.
Sachpekidis C, Vagenas TP, Müller M et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mortality among people who had contact with the criminal justice system during adolescence: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized cohort evidence on mortality after contact with the criminal justice system during adolescence (before age 20) across all-cause and cause-specific deaths (e.g., non-communicable disease, communicable disease, injury, suicide, homicide). The key finding was that adolescents with criminal justice contact have higher mortality than the general population, with pooled estimates and associated risk factors summarized across studies. The results are significant for public health and policy by quantifying excess mortality risk and highlighting targets for prevention and follow-up care.
Martinez A, Janca E, Willoughby M et al. · Social science & medicine (1982) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Management of Iron Overload in Infants and Toddlers With Diamond-Blackfan Anemia Syndrome: A French-Italian Study.
This retrospective multicenter French-Italian study examined iron overload management in 167 transfused infants and toddlers with Diamond-Blackfan anemia syndrome (DBAS), focusing on chelation initiation before age 3 years. The key finding was that 38% initiated chelation early (median 18 months) with common indications of serum ferritin ≥500 ng/mL and >10 transfusions, and that deferasirox was the predominant chelator used. Clinically, it provides real-world evidence on early chelation practice in very young DBAS patients where data have been limited.
Torchio F, Lecalvez B, Garelli E et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Complications in Hemoglobinopathies: Pathophysiology, Clinical Spectrum, and Management.
This review studied cardiovascular (CV) complications across hemoglobinopathies—especially sickle cell disease and thalassemia syndromes—in relation to their pathophysiology, clinical spectrum, and management. It found that improved survival from transfusion optimization, iron chelation, and disease-modifying therapies has revealed an expanding range of cardiac and vascular phenotypes, including cardiomyopathy, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, arrhythmias, microvascular ischemia, and functional valvular disease. These findings are clinically significant because they support earlier recognition and more targeted long-term CV surveillance and management in patients with hemoglobinopathies.
Bradach D, Salavarria KC, Diaz-Arribasplata S et al. · European journal of haematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Compatibility of different PET/CT criteria in evaluating treatment response and survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immunotherapy.
This retrospective analysis of 35 metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving second-line or later immunotherapy compared four 18F-FDG PET/CT response criteria—PERCIST, PECRIT, PERCIMT, and imPERCIST5—using pre-treatment and first post-treatment scans. The study assessed how each criterion’s metabolic response categories (complete/partial/stable/progressive metabolic disease) correlated with overall survival (OS) and how concordant the criteria were with each other. Establishing which PET/CT criterion best predicts survival could improve standardized response assessment and treatment decision-making during immunotherapy in metastatic NSCLC.
Eroğlu İ, Aydos U, Ateş YÜ et al. · Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolytics among patients with emergent intracranial stenting after thrombectomy: Subanalysis of the RESISTANT registry.
This RESISTANT registry subanalysis studied acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) with emergent intracranial stenting for intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)-large vessel occlusion (LVO), focusing on the safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) given before EVT. The primary endpoint was the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ordinal shift, with secondary outcomes including functional outcomes such as excellent outcome (mRS 0–1). The results inform whether adding IVT prior to EVT plus adjuvant intracranial stenting improves outcomes without increasing harm in this high-risk subgroup.
Mujanovic A, Olivé-Gadea M, Diana F et al. · International journal of stroke : official journal of the International Stroke Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Procedural and Therapy Peripheral Intravenous Catheters: A Framework for Safety, Quality and Patient-Centred Care.
This narrative review proposed a conceptual framework for peripheral intravenous catheters that differentiates devices by dwell time and therapeutic purpose to improve safety, quality, and patient-centered care. It synthesizes evidence and guideline/expert-consensus recommendations using SANRA criteria for narrative reviews, drawing on literature about catheter suitability, complications, and duration of use. The framework aims to standardize clinical decision-making about peripheral IV catheter selection and management to reduce complications and improve cost-effectiveness.
Drugeon B, Rickard CM, Peters N et al. · Journal of advanced nursing · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Strategies for resilient climate in smart cities mediated by Nash equilibrium and autonomous decision-makers.
This work studied how to design climate-resilient smart-city policies using Nash equilibrium, autonomous multi-agent decision-makers, and machine-learning methods for city-level greenhouse-gas and warming-risk management. The key finding is a decision-making framework where each city acts as an autonomous agent that selects pollution and climate-risk-management policies to support global warming mitigation tailored to local needs. Scientifically, it provides a computational approach for coordinating urban climate actions under strategic interactions, which could improve planning for emissions and resilience in real-world smart cities.
Latha CM, Alvarado-Mentado M · Journal of environmental management · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on August 03, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published July 27, 2026 – August 03, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.