What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

August 07, 2026 · 87 articles · 15 research themes · covering July 31, 2026 – August 07, 2026

Overview

This week’s digest is dominated by cardiac MRI as a precision tool for (1) detecting inflammatory injury early and (2) quantifying downstream remodeling—especially fibrosis—so clinicians can stratify risk and tailor therapy. Multiple studies and case reports emphasize that CMR can reveal myocarditis or immune-mediated myocardial involvement even when initial echocardiography or coronary imaging is unrevealing, and that adding quantitative tissue metrics (e.g., T2 mapping for inflammation, LGE for injury/fibrosis, and atrial functional measures) improves prognostic discrimination beyond conventional markers like LVEF.

A second major theme is moving from “detection” to “standardization and scalability.” Across amyloidosis, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy, papers refine imaging protocols (e.g., optimized timepoints/quantification in amyloid scintigraphy; improved stress perfusion CMR approaches in pediatrics; better suppression for faster T2 mapping) and develop computational methods (uncertainty-aware segmentation, free-running/fast CMR, deep learning for 4D flow workflows, and physics-driven segmentation that generalizes across sequences). Together, these efforts aim to make quantitative CMR more reliable, reproducible, and deployable across sites and scanners.

Finally, the clinical spectrum broadens from common cardiology to rare and systemic disease: eosinophilic syndromes, SLE/APS overlap, sarcoidosis refractory to escalation, Chagas-related cardiomyopathy, and drug-induced myocarditis mimics (e.g., hydroxychloroquine). Across these conditions, multimodality imaging and—when needed—biopsy are repeatedly highlighted as safeguards against misdiagnosis, while mechanistic links (e.g., coronary microvascular dysfunction in treated HIV; vascular–cardiac coupling in AL amyloidosis; environmental exposures and heart failure risk) point toward future targeted interventions.

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Aspirin and Antiplatelet Effects in Transplant/CAV

Relapsing-Remitting Perimyocarditis and Emerging Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

This case report studied a 66-year-old man with relapsing-remitting perimyocarditis that ultimately revealed emerging acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after Coxsackievirus B exposure. Repeat cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed biventricular dysfunction with myocardial edema and new late gadolinium enhancement plus a circumferential pericardial effusion, and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed severe lymphocytic myocarditis despite failure of corticosteroid tapers, with improvement after colchicine. The report highlights that recurrent lymphocytic perimyocarditis can be an early, atypical presentation of AML and supports repeat CMR and biopsy when initial work-ups are unrevealing.

Zipperer-Giblin MB, Bowman JI, Patel N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac Amyloidosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

This narrative review studied the pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis, focusing on systemic light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis. It found that amyloid protein misfolding into beta-pleated sheet fibrils drives interstitial deposition that impairs cardiac function, and it summarizes contemporary diagnostic pathways and recent therapeutic developments. Clinically, the review emphasizes updated, mechanism-informed diagnosis and treatment selection for AL versus ATTR cardiac involvement.

Beckmann S, Akin I, Haghikia A et al. · Deutsches Arzteblatt international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Tricuspid regurgitation: standardized stepwise work-up from referral to expert heart valve centre.

This review studied tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients referred from general cardiology to expert heart valve centres, aiming to standardize a stepwise work-up. It found that optimal therapy selection depends on integrating TR etiology, disease stage, comorbidities, operative risk, and anatomical feasibility using structured clinical/biological assessment and multimodal imaging. The standardized pathway is significant because it addresses historically neglected TR and supports more consistent selection for surgical or transcatheter interventions.

Dreyfus J, Praz F, Hahn R et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Apical-to-Mid-Ventricular Phenotypic Shift in Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome After Minor Trauma.

This case report studied an 84-year-old woman with recurrent Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) who developed an apical-to-mid-ventricular phenotypic shift after minor trauma (ground-level fall with blunt chest trauma). Compared with prior apical TTS, she had mid-ventricular akinesia with a hyperkinetic apex, elevated troponin with new lateral T-wave inversions, and coronary angiography excluding obstructive disease, while cardiac magnetic resonance supported the mid-ventricular variant. The case is clinically significant because it shows trauma can trigger atypical recurrent TTS phenotypes, reinforcing the need for multimodal imaging to correctly phenotype recurrence.

Khoury F, Chandi M, Johal M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Arterial-myocardial coupling in primary light chain amyloidosis: A prospective observational study of vascular involvement.

This prospective observational study examined arterial–myocardial coupling in 151 newly diagnosed patients with primary light chain (AL) amyloidosis, using peripheral vascular measures flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and cardiac assessment with echocardiography and CMR in a subgroup (n=59). It found associations between vascular markers (including PWV) and cardiac involvement/functional measures, supporting that vascular involvement may independently influence disease interactions relevant to outcomes. The findings are significant because they provide mechanistic clinical data linking vascular dysfunction to cardiac performance in AL amyloidosis.

Briasoulis A, Patras R, Delialis D et al. · Journal of human hypertension · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Assessment and validation of the established free-running framework for cardiac function by magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5T (FAST-CMR): an international multi-center, multi-vendor study.

This international multi-center, multi-vendor study evaluated and validated FAST-CMR (free-running framework for cardiac function at 1.5T) against conventional ECG-gated CMR workflows. It found that the free-running framework enables respiratory and cardiac motion-resolved whole-heart imaging without ECG gating or breath-holds, and that the fast interrupted steady-state (FISS) variant supports high-quality clinical imaging with gadolinium-based or ferumoxytol contrast while maintaining bSSFP-like contrast with intrinsic fat suppression. The validation is significant because it can reduce CMR time and operational complexity, improving feasibility for routine cardiac function assessment.

Eyre K, Kaya K, Coudert T et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Association of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors Duration with Latent Remodeling Following Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation.

This retrospective study investigated 75 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) who received primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and had prior angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) therapy, assessing whether ARNI duration before ICD implantation predicted latent left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR). It found an association between longer pre-ICD ARNI exposure and subsequent latent LVRR after ICD implantation in this NIDCM cohort. The result is clinically significant because it suggests optimizing ARNI duration before device therapy may improve longer-term remodeling outcomes.

Lee J, Oh J, Kim D et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Primary Cardiac Leiomyosarcoma in a Young Patient: A Therapeutic Challenge.

This case report studied a 29-year-old man with primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma, a rare aggressive cardiac sarcoma. Using echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, and confirmatory histopathology with immunohistochemistry, the authors established the diagnosis and reported ongoing survival at 20 months while receiving systemic treatment. The case is significant because it underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty in primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma and supports multimodality imaging plus immunohistochemical confirmation to guide management.

Calzadilla-Gutierrez HR, Blanco-Adrian N, Vaca-Villarroel JM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Takotsubo-Like Syndrome Due to Microvascular Dysfunction in a Transgender Woman Under Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.

This case report studied a 45-year-old Black transgender woman receiving long-term estrogen therapy who developed chest pain progressing to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Coronary angiography showed no epicardial obstruction with apical akinesia consistent with Takotsubo syndrome, while cardiac magnetic resonance revealed transmural infarction with extensive microvascular obstruction, indicating a Takotsubo-like mechanism driven by microvascular dysfunction. The report is significant because it links gender-affirming hormone therapy with a severe microvascular dysfunction phenotype resembling Takotsubo-like syndrome, highlighting the need for rapid evaluation and CMR in such presentations.

Silva PG, García Mejía HP, de Paula Morales KR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac Tamponade From Lymphocytic Constrictive Pericarditis in Primary AL Amyloidosis Without Myocardial Involvement.

This case report studied a 69-year-old man with primary AL amyloidosis presenting with cardiac tamponade due to lymphocytic constrictive pericarditis without myocardial involvement. Pericardiocentesis and pericardial biopsy showed lymphocytic effusion without cardiac amyloid, while later biopsy of a prevertebral mass demonstrated amyloid deposition confirming systemic AL amyloidosis, and he was treated with immunochemotherapy. The case is clinically significant because it shows isolated pericardial constrictive disease with tamponade can be the sole cardiac manifestation of AL amyloidosis, requiring tissue diagnosis and systemic work-up.

Leong YH, Teo Z, Sng ECY et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Advanced imaging in systemic sclerosis: distinguishing activity from damage across organ systems.

This review studied next-generation imaging approaches for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in order to distinguish active, potentially reversible disease from irreversible fibrosis across organ systems. It highlights a shift from primarily structural imaging (e.g., high-resolution computed tomography [HRCT] and echocardiography) toward quantitative, machine-learning–derived measures and molecular imaging that directly estimate disease activity. This matters clinically because more accurate activity-versus-damage assessment could improve treatment selection and monitoring in SSc.

Haussmann A, Volkmann ER · Current opinion in rheumatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Comparison of Amplitude- and Amplitude-Frequency-Modulated Pulses for Outer Volume Suppression in Cardiac MRI: Application to Myocardial T 2 Mapping.

This study evaluated single- and dual-band outer volume suppression (OVS) pulse modules—comparing amplitude-modulated (AM) sinc and amplitude-frequency-modulated (AM-FM) hyperbolic secant (HS) pulses—for time-efficient myocardial T2 mapping at 3T in cardiac MRI. The key finding was that OVS performance and residual signal suppression differed by pulse type and band strategy, with optimized AM and AM-FM implementations providing improved suppression for reduced field-of-view myocardial T2 mapping. This is significant because better OVS enables faster, more reliable quantitative T2 mapping, improving assessment of myocardial tissue injury.

Arami A, Božić-Iven M, van de Steeg-Henzen C et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Reverse Imaging: Any-Sequence Generalization for Cardiac MRI Segmentation.

This paper studied a physics-driven “Reverse Imaging” framework for cardiac MRI segmentation that generalizes across imaging sequences by inferring tissue properties (M0, T1, T2) from observed images. The key finding is that augmenting segmentation training with inferred tissue-property representations reduces sequence-dependent contrast shifts and improves domain generalization for cardiac MRI segmentation. This is important scientifically because it offers a more robust alternative to purely data-driven transfer learning when MRI protocols vary.

Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Yang T et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac magnetic resonance parameters and ventricular tachycardia recurrence after catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis studied cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters—including functional measures (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], left ventricular mass), ventricular volumes, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) structural characteristics—in patients undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) catheter ablation, comparing those with versus without VT recurrence. The key finding was that specific CMR-derived parameters (particularly LGE-related structural markers and related functional measures) were associated with subsequent VT recurrence after ablation. This is clinically significant because CMR risk stratification could help identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive or tailored ablation strategies.

Deaconu A, Abdin A, Bistriceanu MIA et al. · Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Recurrent Nonischemic Left Ventricular Aneurysms: A Cardiac MRI-Driven Diagnosis in a DES Variant Carrier.

This JACC Case Reports article studied a 24-year-old man who carried a disease variant associated with a nonischemic left ventricular aneurysm phenotype, using cardiac MRI (CMR) to diagnose recurrent aneurysms. The key finding was that CMR identified a new inferolateral basal aneurysm region five years after prior postoperative imaging showed normal findings, after initial apical aneurysm diagnosis and surgical treatment. This is significant because it demonstrates CMR’s value for detecting recurrent structural disease and guiding longitudinal management in nonischemic cardiomyopathy syndromes.

Garcia NP, Forti D, Tassine Penatti LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Chagas in Children Unmasked With Multimodality Imaging.

This case-based report studied pediatric Chagas disease presenting as nonischemic cardiomyopathy later in life, using multimodality cardiac imaging to connect childhood infection with chronic cardiac outcomes. The key finding across three pediatric cases was that early benznidazole treatment could lead to complete recovery after acute myocarditis, while severe presentations (e.g., cardiac arrest) and fulminant disease trajectories illustrate the mechanistic link to lifetime cardiomyopathy risk. This is important clinically because it supports early recognition and treatment of Chagas in children to reduce long-term cardiomyopathy burden.

Hede SV, Prasad D · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis After Sequential Biologic Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis.

This case report studied a 35-year-old man with ulcerative colitis who developed fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis after sequential biologic therapy (most recently vedolizumab) and corticosteroid withdrawal, using cardiac MRI and endomyocardial biopsy for diagnosis. The key finding was that cardiac MRI suggested diffuse myocardial involvement and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed eosinophilic myocarditis in the setting of hypereosinophilia and cardiogenic shock. This is significant because it highlights a potentially life-threatening immune-mediated complication of biologic therapy transitions and underscores the need for rapid diagnostic evaluation.

Lee J, Kim D, Hong D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Loeffler Endocarditis: Multimodality Imaging of a Common Cardiac Phenotype in Distinct Hypereosinophilic Syndromes.

This case report studied Loeffler endocarditis as a cardiac phenotype within distinct hypereosinophilic syndromes, using multimodality imaging (including echocardiography and cardiac MRI) to characterize intracardiac thrombi and endomyocardial fibrosis. The key finding was that imaging demonstrated ventricular apical thrombi and diffuse subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement consistent with fibrotic-stage disease, enabling timely recognition. This is clinically significant because early multimodality imaging can distinguish Loeffler endocarditis from other nonspecific heart failure presentations and guide prompt corticosteroid and anticoagulation therapy.

Salar T, Feitell S, Parikh V et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Hydroxychloroquine Cardiotoxicity Confirmed by Electron Microscopy: The Myocarditis Mimic.

This case report studied hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) cardiotoxicity in a 79-year-old woman, using cardiac MRI, cardiac positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and electron microscopy to clarify a myocarditis mimic. The key finding was that despite MRI findings suggestive of myocarditis (diffuse patchy midmyocardial/subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement) and FDG-PET uptake patterns raising concern for inflammation, endomyocardial biopsy with electron microscopy confirmed HCQ-related cardiotoxic pathology (cardiomyocyte vacuolization). This is significant because it helps prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate immunosuppression by identifying drug-induced cardiomyopathy mimicking inflammatory myocarditis.

Behr P, Paik KS, Park C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Extensive Cardiac Involvement in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Presenting With Severe Aortic Regurgitation and Atrioventricular Block.

This JACC Case Reports article studied extensive cardiac involvement in a 53-year-old woman with ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting with severe aortic regurgitation and atrioventricular (AV) block, using multimodality imaging. The key finding was that imaging showed inflammatory valvuloaortic thickening with cusp retraction, nonischemic septal late gadolinium enhancement, and progressive high-grade AV block in the absence of obstructive coronary disease. This is clinically significant because it underscores that ANCA-associated vasculitis can cause severe inflammatory cardiac disease and conduction abnormalities requiring urgent recognition and management.

David-Pardo DG, Reyes-T RE, Luna G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Phenotypic Spectrum of Cardiac Involvement in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis.

This case series studied cardiac involvement phenotypes in three patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The authors reported three distinct patterns: inflammatory cardiomyopathy with severe biventricular dysfunction responsive to escalated immunosuppression and guideline-directed medical therapy, an advanced nonischemic cardiomyopathy with cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support consistent with an irreversible fibrotic phenotype, and a third relapsing-remitting eosinophilic peri—(truncated in abstract). These observations highlight that EGPA-related cardiac disease can present with heterogeneous, sometimes activity-independent, trajectories that may require phenotype-specific management strategies.

Majeed Z, Manaila AS, Xu B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Wide Complex Tachycardia of Uncertain Origin: Demonstration of Atrioventricular Dissociation by Doppler Echocardiography.

This JACC Case Reports report studied a 72-year-old woman with unstable wide complex tachycardia (WCT) of uncertain origin using Doppler echocardiography and subsequent transesophageal echocardiography. The key finding was demonstration of atrioventricular dissociation on Doppler echocardiography, with later stroke evaluation revealing an issue that limited antiarrhythmic use (amiodarone) due to concern for atrial flutter and left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. Clinically, the case emphasizes how Doppler echocardiography can clarify WCT mechanisms and guide safer rhythm/rate management in complex patients.

Khattab A, Timmerman C, Kee A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Probable Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causing Biventricular Thrombi and Cardiogenic Shock.

This case report studied a 70-year-old woman with recent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy who presented with cardiogenic shock and was evaluated for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) after imaging showed large biventricular intracardiac thrombi. The key finding was that laboratory testing supported probable APS, prompting inotropic support and anticoagulation, but the patient could not be weaned from inotropes and chose hospice care. Scientifically and clinically, it underscores that APS can rarely manifest as extensive biventricular thrombosis and that evidence for optimal management in this scenario is limited.

Contractor P, Deng J, O’Neill LP et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Focal Myocardial Fibrosis Mimicking Hypertrophy in INOCA and the Energetic Cost of Supranormal Ejection Fraction.

This case report studied a 72-year-old postmenopausal woman with ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) using acetylcholine provocation testing and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was epicardial and microvascular coronary spasm on acetylcholine testing with focal late gadolinium enhancement on CMR confirming replacement myocardial fibrosis that mimicked hypertrophy, alongside a supranormal ejection fraction (79%) with markedly reduced end-systolic performance (truncated). The clinical significance is that coronary spasm can produce focal fibrotic remodeling detectable by CMR, which may help explain symptoms and energetic inefficiency despite preserved or supranormal ejection fraction.

Nguyen TH, Nakamura T, Sato A · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac MR Characterization of Infarct-Related and Remote Myocardial Injury in Multivessel Disease After Acute Myocardial Infarction.

This retrospective study evaluated 224 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with multivessel disease (MVD) versus single-vessel disease (SVD) using cardiac MRI performed 31–90 days after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and assessed differences by revascularization completeness. The key finding (as framed by the study purpose) was characterization of infarct-related versus remote myocardial tissue properties to determine whether MVD is associated with diffuse injury beyond the infarct zone. The scientific significance is that CMR tissue characterization could refine risk stratification after AMI by distinguishing infarct-limited from more widespread myocardial damage patterns.

Luo C, Jiang W, Mo C et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Impact of Myocardial Fibrosis and Female Sex on Life-Threatening Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death in Mitral Valve Prolapse.

This prospective cohort study of 550 consecutive patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) referred for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (May 2008–Dec 2021) examined how myocardial fibrosis on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and female sex relate to life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. The key finding (from the study’s stated aim) was to determine the independent contributions of female sex and CMR-detected fibrosis to arrhythmic risk. Clinically, it supports using CMR LGE risk stratification—especially in women—to identify MVP patients at higher risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Darwish A, Nguyen DT, Songsangjinda T et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Ten Years of Scientific Discovery With the UK Biobank Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study.

This article reviewed the UK Biobank cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging study, focusing on how the dedicated CMR substudy generated imaging data in 100,000 participants linked to genetic, demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information. The key finding was that large-scale CMR enabled transformative discoveries across genomics, epidemiology, and biomedical engineering and served as a global blueprint for population imaging cohorts. Scientifically, it demonstrates the value of standardized, equitable-access imaging resources for accelerating cardiovascular discovery at population scale.

Raisi-Estabragh Z, Petersen SE, Neubauer S · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Left Ventricular Hypertrabeculation and Prognosis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

This study evaluated embolic risk and prognosis in 1,160 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to identify left ventricular (LV) hypertrabeculation and genetic testing to classify DCM genotypes. The key finding (as described in the abstract) was assessment of how the presence of LV hypertrabeculation relates to embolic events, advanced heart failure events, and major ventricular arrhythmias across DCM genetic subtypes. The clinical significance is that CMR-defined hypertrabeculation may refine risk prediction in DCM beyond traditional clinical phenotyping, potentially informing genotype-aware management.

Mora-Ayestarán N, Ramos-Lopez N, Ochoa JP et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Imaging Modalities Related to Cardiac Involvement in Systemic Sclerosis.

This review studied (synthesized) evidence on cardiac imaging modalities relevant to cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a disease driven by microvasculopathy, autoimmunity, and fibrosis. The key finding is that cardiac inflammation and fibrosis, along with pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension, vary widely across SSc patients and require imaging-based phenotyping for detection and monitoring. The clinical significance is that selecting appropriate cardiac imaging strategies can improve recognition of clinically important cardiac manifestations in a high-mortality rheumatic disease.

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 studied cardiac imaging phenotypes across systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs), emphasizing how immune-mediated cardiovascular involvement is often subclinical and masked by other disease features. The key finding is that imaging—particularly CMR, echocardiography, and other modalities—enables early detection, characterization, and monitoring of cardiac manifestations using a pathophysiology-driven framework. Scientifically, it highlights current gaps and future directions for linking imaging phenotypes to mechanisms and outcomes in SARD-associated cardiac disease.

Buch MH, Plein S · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance-Derived Parametric Mapping Radiomics for Prediction of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

This retrospective study evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parametric mapping radiomics (radiomic scores, RadScores) can predict left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in 74 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy receiving optimized medical therapy. RadScores derived from high-dimensional quantitative features extracted from CMR parametric mapping images were associated with subsequent LVRR, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≥40% with ≥10% increase at least 180 days after CMR. If validated prospectively, CMR radiomics could improve risk stratification for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy by identifying those likely to respond with reverse remodeling.

Ide S, Ohtani T, Takao T et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Committed Cardiac Progenitors Generate Cardiac Tissue Grafts in a Swine Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Model Without Triggering Ventricular Arrhythmias.

This preclinical study tested whether transendocardial injection of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived committed cardiac progenitors (CCPs) combined with cardiac fibroblast-derived extracellular matrix (cECM) generates functional cardiac tissue grafts without ventricular arrhythmias in a swine ischemic cardiomyopathy model. The CCP+cECM approach produced cardiac tissue grafts that improved contractility while not triggering ventricular arrhythmias, addressing a key safety barrier seen with other pluripotent stem cell-derived cell therapies. These findings support CCP+cECM as a potentially safer regenerative strategy for post–myocardial infarction repair in large-animal models.

Raval AN, Schmuck EG, Leonov V et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Normal Reference Values for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance: An Analytical-Comparative Review with Emphasis on the Brazilian Population.

This analytical-comparative review studied how normal reference values for cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) morphofunctional parameters derived from an international multicenter review compare with a Brazilian publication, focusing on implications for the Brazilian population. The authors highlighted that population admixture and technical heterogeneity across centers can reduce concordance and affect diagnostic accuracy when international reference standards are applied in Brazil. Establishing Brazil-specific CMR reference values could improve clinical interpretation and diagnostic consistency for Brazilian patients.

Torreão JA, Costa IBSDS, Assunção-Jr AN et al. · Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Characteristics and Clinical Features of Mitral Annular Disjunction in the Pediatric Population.

This retrospective pediatric study characterized mitral annular disjunction (MAD) detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in 27 children aged 5–17 years, and assessed additional features using tissue Doppler imaging (including the Pickelhaube sign), with CMR and 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring. MAD patients showed clinical and laboratory features consistent with an echocardiographic MAD phenotype, and the study evaluated associated rhythm and structural findings using CMR and Holter data. Defining pediatric MAD characteristics may improve recognition of this MVP-associated structural abnormality and guide surveillance for arrhythmias and related complications.

Şahin ŞT, Elçioğlu BC, Gümüş T et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Correlation of seismocardiography variables with echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance measurements.

This observational study assessed correlations between seismocardiography (SCG) variables and systolic/diastolic function measures from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 26 adults (11 healthy and 15 with cardiovascular disease). SCG mechanical vibration features showed measurable associations with echocardiographic and CMR markers of cardiac function, supporting SCG as a potential surrogate for more resource-intensive imaging. If confirmed in larger cohorts, SCG could enable low-cost, wearable monitoring of cardiac function alongside standard imaging.

Agam A, Korsgaard E, Kristensen CB et al. · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate Allopurinol vs Placebo on Left Ventricular Mass in Living Kidney Donors.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial studied whether allopurinol lowers uric acid and reduces left ventricular mass in 71 healthy living kidney donors aged 18+ with eGFR >30 mL/min/1.73 m² at least 6 months after nephrectomy. The trial tested the efficacy of allopurinol versus placebo over 9 months with left ventricular mass as the primary cardiovascular outcome. Demonstrating a left ventricular mass benefit would support urate-lowering as a preventive strategy to mitigate long-term cardiovascular risk after kidney donation.

Langberg NE, Jenssen TG, Hopp E et al. · Kidney360 · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Myocardial fibrosis in patients with coronary artery disease and diabetes mellitus assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance T1 mapping.

This CMR study evaluated myocardial fibrosis severity using T1 mapping in 146 patients with coronary artery disease (CHD), comparing 96 with CHD without diabetes (DM-) to 50 with CHD with diabetes (DM+). Patients with CHD and diabetes showed differences in CMR T1-mapping–derived fibrosis measures and related cardiac function/strain parameters, with late gadolinium enhancement also assessed. The results suggest that CMR T1 mapping can detect and quantify diabetes-associated myocardial fibrosis in CHD, potentially refining risk assessment and management.

Deng J, Liao B, Huang H et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac magnetic resonance parametric mapping in patients with thalassemia: Clinical insights into native myocardial T1 mapping and its relationship with T2*. A systematic review.

This systematic review analyzed evidence on native (non-contrast) T1 mapping in thalassemia patients and its relationship to the reference standard myocardial iron quantification method, CMR T2*. The review focused on whether native T1 mapping can detect early iron-related myocardial changes that may be missed or limited by T2* alone. If supported by consistent study findings, native T1 mapping could complement T2* to improve noninvasive monitoring of cardiac iron burden in thalassemia.

Pegoraro N, Carnevale A, Bisi R et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Evaluation of Right Ventricular Size Metrics Measured with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Pulmonary Regurgitation.

This retrospective pediatric CMR study evaluated right ventricular (RV) size metrics, including RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and alternative normalization approaches, in patients with pulmonary regurgitation (PR) after repaired congenital heart disease. The authors examined clinically obtained CMR studies in patients with PR fraction ≥15% to determine how RV size metrics relate under different indexing strategies, including indexing RV EDV to left ventricular EDV. More accurate normalization of RV volumes could improve decision-making for timing of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) in children with PR.

Jaggi A, Zhang Y, Maskatia SA et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prevalence and Determinants of Asymmetric Septal Hypertrophy (ASH) in Diseases of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH).

This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) across health and diseases associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) using two complementary CMR datasets: UK Biobank (n=4,020) and a multi-cohort clinical CMR dataset (n=1,655) including conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, hypertension, Fabry disease, AL amyloidosis, and ATTR. The analysis modeled demographic determinants of septal-to-lateral wall thickness ratio (SLR) and compared ASH prevalence across disease groups relative to age-, sex-, and body-surface area–adjusted reference values. Clarifying ASH patterns across etiologies could improve differential diagnosis and interpretation of CMR-based LVH phenotypes.

Shiwani H, Augusto J, Topriceanu CC et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Exposure-Response Relationship of Dostarlimab in Primary Advanced/Recurrent Endometrial Cancer: Results From Interim Analysis 2 of Part 1 of the RUBY Trial.

This interim exposure-response analysis studied dostarlimab exposure in patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer enrolled in RUBY trial Part 1 (NCT03981796), using a population pharmacokinetic model based on interim analysis 1 and cycle 1 exposure metrics at interim analysis 2. Key findings reported (beyond prior lack of ER for progression-free survival and most dostarlimab-related AEs) the exposure-response relationships between dostarlimab exposure and overall survival and between exposure and dostarlimab-related adverse events, with rash previously the only significant AE signal at IA1. These results are clinically significant because they help characterize whether higher dostarlimab exposure improves survival or increases toxicity risk in the carboplatin–paclitaxel combination setting.

Kuchimanchi M, Jørgensen TL, Hanze E et al. · Clinical pharmacology in drug development · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hyperaemic effects of adenosine and dobutamine in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a quantitative perfusion CMR study.

This quantitative perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study compared the hyperaemic effects of adenosine versus dobutamine in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; LVEF ≤40%). The key finding was that the choice of pharmacological stress agent influences the magnitude of hyperaemic response measured by quantitative perfusion CMR, which affects the reliability of ischemia assessment. Scientifically, this supports selecting and standardizing stress agents in HFrEF CMR protocols to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Shergill S, Abdelaty AMSEK, Sedani SR et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

The MagMa Study: Quantum Magnetocardiography in Cardiomyopathy.

The MagMa Study prospectively evaluated quantum magnetocardiography (MCG) as a screening tool for cardiomyopathy in patients with suspected cardiomyopathy using a superconducting quantum interference device and an MCG score threshold (T-beg–Tmax). The key finding was the prospective diagnostic accuracy of MCG for detecting cardiomyopathy across cardiomyopathy subtypes after exclusion of coronary artery disease (details truncated in the abstract). This is clinically significant because rapid, noninvasive MCG screening could enable earlier cardiomyopathy identification and triage.

Suwalski P, Wilke F, Latinova E et al. · JACC. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Dystrophin Deficient Cardiomyopathy: A Multi-center Study Using the ACTION Registry.

This multicenter ACTION registry study examined real-world use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy among patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The key finding was that 80 patients were initiated on an SGLT2i (median age ~19.6 years) with characterization of therapy indications, effects on cardiac function, and adverse effects. This is significant because it provides the first registry-based evidence to guide SGLT2i consideration and monitoring in dystrophin-deficient cardiomyopathy.

Harris RE, Wittlieb-Weber CA, Villa C et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 assessed how left bundle branch block (LBBB) and right bundle branch block (RBBB) affect conventional left ventricular systolic function and myocardial mechanics measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT). The key finding was that bundle branch conduction abnormalities are associated with ventricular dyssynchrony and measurable myocardial deformation abnormalities, potentially revealing subclinical dysfunction beyond LVEF. Scientifically and clinically, this supports using deformation imaging (STE/CMR-FT) to better phenotype patients with LBBB/RBBB and detect early systolic impairment.

Sonaglioni A, Lombardo M, Gramaglia GF et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (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 (FIND) trial randomized participants with type 2 diabetes to a monthly 5-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) versus usual care and assessed cardiac structure and function by 3.0-T MRI at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The key finding was the effect of 1 year of monthly 5-day FMD on MRI-derived left ventricular (LV) geometry and systolic/diastolic function (with diastolic function assessed using 4D flow MRI). This is clinically significant because it tests whether dietary metabolic interventions can modify cardiac remodeling and function in T2D.

Chen R, Westenberg JJM, van den Burg EL et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Association between Cardiac MRI-derived Global Longitudinal Strain and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.

This multicenter retrospective study evaluated whether cardiac MRI-derived left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) measured by cine MRI with feature tracking predicts outcomes in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic aortic regurgitation (AR). The key finding was that LV GLS had prognostic value for all-cause death or heart failure-related hospitalization in this cohort. This is significant because GLS may improve risk stratification beyond conventional measures such as LV ejection fraction in chronic AR.

Hashimoto G, Enriquez-Sarano M, Koike H et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 to predict outcomes after total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). The key finding was that higher pre-operative TPR was associated with early adverse outcomes, including early Fontan failure and prolonged post-operative ICU stay. Clinically, this supports using a simple hemodynamic measure to identify high-risk patients before TCPC.

Nadarajan N, Muthurangu V, Quail MA · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Right ventricular longitudinal function is associated with exercise capacity in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension: a multimodality imaging study.

This multimodality imaging study assessed associations between right ventricular (RV) longitudinal function and exercise capacity in patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PHprecap) using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) performed within 24 hours of right heart catheterization and 6-minute walk testing. The key finding was that RV longitudinal function metrics derived from CMR and echocardiography were associated with 6-minute walk distance (exercise capacity). This is significant because it links RV functional impairment to functional status in PHprecap, informing risk assessment and potential therapeutic targeting.

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.

This two-step invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing study investigated determinants of an abnormal pulmonary vasodilatory response with exercise in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and compared it to pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension and non-cardiac dyspnea. The key finding was that an unfavorable exercise PVR response (exercise PVR >1.74 Woods units with <22% ∆PVR decrease) was common in HFpEF and was associated with pulmonary vascular–left atrial axis abnormalities. Scientifically and clinically, this helps explain exercise-induced pulmonary vascular failure in HFpEF and may guide more targeted evaluation and management.

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 evaluated right ventricular (RV) reverse remodeling after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) in 10 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) using longitudinal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) including 18F-truncated metabolomics, and RV histology, compared with 10 control patients with normal RV function undergoing aortic surgery. The key finding was that PEA was associated with measurable longitudinal changes in RV structure/function and circulating metabolic profiles consistent with RV adaptation and remodeling after relief of pulmonary vascular obstruction. These results support the use of integrated RV imaging/histology plus circulating metabolites to identify biomarkers and generate mechanistic hypotheses for targeted therapies in CTEPH.

Guimaron S, Mercier J, Hautbergue T et al. · JHLT open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Automated whole-heart volumetrics and haemodynamics from 4D flow CMR magnitude images: development and validation of a deep learning model.

This study developed and validated a deep learning model to automatically segment whole-heart anatomy and derive volumetrics/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 deep learning segmentation achieved anatomical accuracy comparable to standard cine imaging while enabling automated, faster post-processing for 4D flow analysis. Clinically, this could streamline 4D flow CMR workflows and make comprehensive hemodynamic assessment more feasible in routine practice.

Gall A, Grafton-Clarke C, Li R et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Clinical Applications of Cardiac Diffusion MRI: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review synthesized in vivo human evidence on cardiac diffusion MRI techniques—including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), cardiac diffusion tensor imaging, and intravoxel incoherent motion—and their clinical applications. The key finding was that diffusion MRI is increasingly explored for cardiac tissue characterization (e.g., microstructure/fibrosis-related assessment) but remains heterogeneous across acquisition protocols and endpoints, with variable study quality. Scientifically, the review maps emerging trends and gaps that can guide standardization and future clinical validation of cardiac diffusion MRI.

Vora N, Cook M, Harper L et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Three-dimensional Mapping of Fibrosis Distribution in Desmoplakin Cardiomyopathy from Cardiac MRI.

This retrospective study generated three-dimensional fibrosis distribution maps using universal ventricular coordinates in patients with desmoplakin cardiomyopathy who underwent cardiac MRI between March 2012 and October 2024. The key finding was that late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) fibrosis could be mapped onto a common ventricular geometry to quantify and compare spatial fibrotic patterns across mild, moderate, and severe disease. This provides a standardized framework for spatial phenotyping of fibrosis in desmoplakin cardiomyopathy, potentially improving risk stratification and mechanistic studies.

Jilberto J, McManus B, Moghrabi A et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (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 cohort, 32 patients with obesity undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) (with paired CMR in 28) were assessed with biventricular and biatrial CMR feature-tracking (CMR-FT), fibrosis and adipokine biomarkers, cardiovascular risk, and quality of life over follow-up. The key finding was differential recovery of biventricular strain after LSG, with selective fibrosis biomarker regression showing an uneven relationship to mechanical recovery rather than uniform reverse remodeling. Clinically, this suggests that cardiac functional improvement and fibrosis-related processes may follow different timelines after bariatric surgery, informing monitoring and therapeutic targeting.

Akarsu H, Kılıç İD, Dodurga Y et al. · Obesity surgery · (2026) · 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 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) using studies published through December 31, 2025. The key finding was that iPET/CT complete metabolic response (CMR) rates and pooled hazard ratios (HRs) supported iPET/CT as a prognostic marker for PFS, despite variability in timing and interpretation across included studies. This helps refine risk stratification strategies in DLBCL and supports more consistent iPET/CT use in treatment decision-making.

Albano D, Chauvie S, Rizzo A et al. · Clinical lymphoma, myeloma & leukemia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Reduced regadenoson dose using heart rate-targeted titration in paediatric stress perfusion CMR.

This retrospective analysis assessed feasibility, safety, and diagnostic performance of heart rate–targeted incremental regadenoson dosing versus fixed dosing in 29 technically successful pediatric stress perfusion CMR studies (31 total) for known or suspected coronary artery disease. The key finding was that targeting ≥20% heart rate increase with reduced regadenoson dosing was feasible and maintained diagnostic performance while potentially limiting excessive drug exposure. This supports individualized pharmacologic stress CMR protocols to improve safety in children.

Quail MA, Tann O, Linton R et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Molecular mechanisms of coronary microembolization-induced MINOCA.

This basic research article examined molecular mechanisms linking coronary microembolization (CME) to myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), emphasizing the diagnostic delay when cardiac MRI is performed days after the index event. The key finding was that CME is a major underlying pathology in MINOCA, but the specific molecular pathways remain insufficiently defined, limiting rapid diagnosis and targeted therapy development. Scientifically, clarifying CME molecular mechanisms could enable earlier biomarker-based or imaging-based diagnosis and more specific interventions for MINOCA.

Iske J, Thau H, Mesfin JM et al. · Basic research in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Trends in heart failure-related mortality among breast cancer patients in the United States from 1999 to 2024.

This retrospective CDC WONDER database study analyzed trends in heart failure (HF)-related mortality among women with breast cancer aged ≥25 years in the United States from 1999 to 2024, stratifying by race/ethnicity and geographic regions. The key finding was that HF-related mortality trends changed over time and differed across demographic and regional subgroups. These findings are clinically significant for identifying populations at higher risk and for guiding targeted cardio-oncology surveillance and interventions.

Jaiswal V, Kumar D, Kalra K et al. · American journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 (resulting in premature termination and loss of functional LAMP2). The key finding was that this specific LAMP2 p.Leu325fs genotype is associated with distinct clinical/genetic features and cardiac implications consistent with Danon disease cardiomyopathy. Scientifically and clinically, genotype-specific phenotyping can improve prognosis, surveillance, and counseling for patients with this LAMP2 variant.

Yin K, Li Y, Zhao H et al. · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Apical hypercontractility mitigates impaired diastolic filling and lower intraventricular haemodynamic forces in human bed rest.

This study used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in 24 healthy participants undergoing 60 days of strict head-down tilt bed rest (AGBRESA) to longitudinally assess regional contractility and intracardiac haemodynamic forces. The authors found that apical hypercontractility mitigated impaired diastolic filling and reduced lower intraventricular haemodynamic forces during bed rest. These findings suggest an early, non-invasive CMR-measurable compensatory mechanism that could help identify and track cardiovascular risk before overt diastolic dysfunction develops during prolonged inactivity.

Rabineau J, Al-Darwish F, Mulder E et al. · Experimental physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Papillary muscle fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: a pictorial review of causes, diagnostic challenges and practical pearls.

This pictorial review examined papillary muscle fibrosis (PMF) across multiple clinical etiologies and highlighted diagnostic pitfalls on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), particularly late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scenarios. It reports that PMF is increasingly recognized as a cause of ventricular arrhythmias and can be overlooked when papillary muscle and blood pool show similar signal intensity on LGE. Clinically, the review emphasizes careful papillary muscle assessment on CMR to improve detection of PMF in conditions such as ischemic cardiomyopathy, mitral valve prolapse, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac amyloidosis, and cardiac sarcoidosis.

Gutierrez M, McCreavy D, Radike M · Clinical radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 kidney tumour sodium content in 10 patients with localized renal tumours, including renal oncocytoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The key finding was that tumour sodium content measured by 23Na-MRI differed between benign and malignant renal tumour types, enabling non-invasive subtyping. This supports 23Na-MRI as a potential imaging biomarker to stratify indeterminate renal masses earlier in uro-oncology decision-making.

Horvat-Menih I, Birchall JR, Zamora-Morales MJ et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (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 compared results with 42 age- and sex-matched normal controls. The authors found direction-specific alterations in TPM-derived velocities (longitudinal Vz, radial Vr, and circumferential Vphi) and associated changes in dyssynchrony indices (DIz, DIr) that related to cardiac function. These results indicate that TPM can non-invasively characterize mechanical dyssynchrony in Fontan physiology, potentially improving functional assessment and risk stratification.

Lu XZ, Weng KP, Wu MT et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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

This early case series evaluated single-port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SP-TAMIS) using the Da Vinci SP platform in patients with rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The key finding was feasibility of the novel single-port robotic approach despite known docking constraints, with reported early perioperative and oncologic response outcomes (cCR/cMR) consistent with organ-preservation strategies. Scientifically and clinically, it supports SP-TAMIS as a practical extension of robotic TAMIS for mid- and low-rectal cancers where complete or major clinical response is targeted.

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

Metabolic and redox pathway dysregulation in HIV-associated coronary endothelial dysfunction.

This prospective observational study investigated virally suppressed people with HIV (PWH) using stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging combined with high-throughput serum proteomics to identify mechanisms of coronary endothelial dysfunction. The key finding was that coronary endothelial dysfunction in treated HIV was associated with circulating proteomic signatures indicating metabolic and redox pathway dysregulation. This provides mechanistic targets for future interventions to reduce persistent cardiovascular risk in PWH despite antiretroviral therapy.

Keole KS, Bukhari S, Minhas AS et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hypertension and myocardial fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated observational and interventional evidence linking hypertension (including blood pressure levels and antihypertensive medications) to myocardial fibrosis (MF) assessed by histology or cardiac magnetic resonance T1 mapping (ECV% and native T1). The key finding was an overall association between hypertension and greater myocardial fibrosis burden across included studies. Clinically, it strengthens the rationale for blood pressure control and informs imaging-based MF risk assessment in hypertensive patients.

Jiang J, Deng J, Dong L et al. · Clinical radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Lymphatic endothelial cells actively shape immune responses in the lungs.

This narrative review synthesized experimental evidence on how pulmonary lymphatic endothelial cells actively regulate immune responses in the lungs. The key finding is that lung lymphatic endothelial cells shape inflammation and adaptive immunity through mechanisms including PAR1-mediated permeabilization of lymphatic junctions and other junctional/immune-modulatory pathways. Scientifically, it highlights lymphatic endothelial signaling as a potential therapeutic lever to limit acute 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 described how infectious diseases and parasitic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa intersect with cardiovascular disease, focusing on neglected tropical diseases and latent parasitic infections that can reactivate with immunosuppression such as HIV/AIDS. The key finding is that regional infectious exposures, driven by factors like poor sanitation and overcrowding, contribute to cardiovascular complications through diverse etiologies and clinical presentations. Clinically, it underscores the need for integrated infectious-disease and cardiovascular risk assessment in African healthcare settings.

Ogah OS, Umuerri EM, Hahnle J et al. · Journal of the National Medical Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Modeling Aleatoric Uncertainty in Cardiac MRI Segmentation: Probabilistic Detection and Contour Regression.

This methodological study developed a probabilistic framework for cardiac MRI segmentation that models aleatoric uncertainty to improve biomarker reliability, targeting left and right ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF/RVEF). The key finding is that probabilistic detection and contour regression can estimate segmentation uncertainty (variance) at the biomarker level, enabling calibrated uncertainty rather than only average segmentation accuracy. This is significant for clinical deployment because it supports uncertainty-aware cardiac MRI measurements for more trustworthy diagnosis in individual patients.

Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Tourais J et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (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 Swedish study evaluated whether aspirin therapy after heart transplantation (HTx) is associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) by measuring myocardial perfusion reserve using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in HTx patients who also underwent coronary angiography. Patients receiving aspirin had higher myocardial perfusion reserve, suggesting less CAV-related impairment than those not on aspirin. These findings support a potential protective role of aspirin in long-term graft vasculopathy and motivate prospective trials to confirm causality.

Jablonowski R, Löfman IH, Andersson HB et al. · JHLT open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Myocarditis and Inflammatory Myocardial Disease

Extracellular volume fraction by cardiac computed tomography (ECVCT): opportunities and challenges for clinical implementation.

This European Heart Journal Imaging Methods and Practice article reviewed clinical implementation considerations for extracellular volume fraction measured by cardiac computed tomography (ECVCT). It explains how ECVCT is derived from non-contrast and delayed scans in single-energy CT (or from spectral/photon-counting CT energy-resolved data) and notes that ECVCT can reflect interstitial expansion from fibrosis or amyloid infiltration while correlating with CMR-derived ECV. The review is important for guiding practical adoption, addressing technical challenges, and positioning ECVCT as a CT-based alternative/complement to CMR tissue characterization.

Gray R, Rauseo E, Herrey A et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Imaging signatures of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis-related myocarditis: A case report.

This 23-year-old man with asthma, persistent hypereosinophilia, and multisystem disease (renal and neurologic involvement) was reported as having eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome) with suspected myocarditis. Cardiac MRI was highlighted as the most sensitive noninvasive tool to detect myocarditis-related abnormalities from eosinophilic infiltration, enabling timely adjustment of immunosuppression. The case underscores the clinical importance of early CMR in suspected cardiac involvement of EGPA to guide urgent management.

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 evaluated a 37-year-old man with hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia, markedly elevated troponin, normal coronary arteries, and preserved left ventricular systolic function on echocardiography. Cardiac MRI revealed subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement and myocardial edema, establishing acute myocarditis as the arrhythmogenic substrate that initially mimicked idiopathic fascicular VT. The findings reinforce CMR’s role in diagnosing myocarditis in young patients with malignant ventricular arrhythmias and structurally normal hearts on initial testing.

Alkhanafsa M, Aloqaily M, Ababneh R et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Atrial Function by Long Axis Shortening Enhances Risk Stratification Beyond Traditional CMR Markers in Possible Myocarditis.

This study assessed whether atrial functional impairment measured by left and right atrial long axis shortening (LAS) on cardiac MRI adds prognostic value in patients with possible myocarditis, using CMR-derived atrial metrics in addition to traditional markers like LVEF and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Atrial long axis shortening was associated with major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE), providing incremental risk stratification beyond conventional CMR markers. Clinically, incorporating atrial functional measures from routine CMR cine images may improve outcome prediction and risk management in suspected myocarditis.

Ciocca N, Brändle D, Riederer L et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CMR Tissue Characterization for Cardiomyopathy Fibrosis and Remodeling

Cardiac MRI reveals myocardial fibrosis and systolic dysfunction in mitochondrial trifunctional protein-deficient mice.

The study characterized cardiac involvement in a mouse model of mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP) deficiency carrying the TFP β-subunit mutation p.Met404Lys (βTFP-deficient) using cardiac histology and multiparametric cardiac MRI (CMR). Mutant mice showed myocardial fibrosis with collagen deposition and systolic dysfunction on CMR, linking structural remodeling to impaired cardiac function. These findings support CMR plus automated collagen quantification as a translational framework for monitoring cardiomyopathy progression in fatty-acid oxidation disorders.

Vieira Neto E, Basu S, Becker-Szurszewski TJ et al. · Disease models & mechanisms · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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.

Using a UK Biobank-based prospective cohort and imaging framework, the study assessed whether residential green space, blue space, and natural environment exposure predicted incident heart failure and cardiac morpho-functional phenotypes in 437,429 participants without baseline heart failure. Higher exposure measures were associated with differences in cardiac remodeling phenotypes and with risk of developing heart failure over follow-up. These results support environmental exposures as potentially modifiable determinants of cardiac structure/function and HF prevention strategies.

Song Y, Lin Z, Chen X et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 3 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Myocardial inflammation and scar expansion in patients with Anderson-Fabry disease.

In a retrospective single-center pilot study of Anderson-Fabry disease, the authors examined 131 paired 1.5T CMR scans to relate myocardial inflammation measured by T2 mapping (T2m) to cardiac damage progression measured by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) expansion. Higher or persistent myocardial inflammation on T2m was associated with subsequent expansion of LGE, indicating progression of myocardial injury across disease stages. This supports CMR T2 mapping as a potential imaging biomarker for tracking inflammatory activity and fibrosis progression in Fabry cardiomyopathy.

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 ↗ · 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 evaluated 403 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to determine whether a cardiac MRI-derived left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) from routine cine images predicts adverse outcomes. The LACI demonstrated prognostic value and improved risk stratification beyond conventional measures such as LVEF and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Scientifically, the results support LA–LV remodeling coupling as a clinically actionable imaging biomarker for DCM prognosis.

Jiang YJ, Hou XC, Tao J et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CMR in Cardiac Amyloidosis (AL/ATTR) and Related Vascular Effects

Temporal shifts in diagnostic testing for cardiac amyloidosis across U.S. health systems.

This retrospective TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network analysis evaluated temporal trends in diagnostic testing for cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR-CM) in patients diagnosed with wild-type or hereditary ATTR-CM from January 2017 to November 2025. Across health systems, use of key diagnostic modalities—technetium-99m (Tc-99m) bone scintigraphy, cardiac MRI (CMR), and biopsy—shifted over time in contemporary practice. Understanding these testing trends is clinically important for optimizing diagnostic pathways and reducing delays in ATTR-CM identification.

Motairek I, Abadie B, Higgins A et al. · EJNMMI reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 tested 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 uptake metrics at 90 minutes provided incremental diagnostic value, particularly improving specificity in patients with low planar uptake (e.g., Perugini score 1). This supports an imaging protocol refinement that can reduce diagnostic uncertainty in ATTR-CM and improve patient selection for confirmatory or disease-modifying therapy.

Nazerani-Zemann T, Stanzel S, Weitzer F et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CMR for Eosinophilic/Immune-Mediated Cardiac Syndromes (EGPA, Hypereosinophilia, SLE, APS)

Fulminant lupus myopericarditis with Class III lupus nephritis and catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome-like thrombosis: a case report.

This case report described fulminant lupus myopericarditis occurring alongside Class III lupus nephritis and a catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome-like thrombotic syndrome in a 29-year-old man with SLE features. The presentation included severe cardiopulmonary compromise with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF 36%) and dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury, with MPO-ANCA positivity reported in the work-up. The case highlights the high-risk overlap of cardiac, renal, and thrombotic manifestations in aggressive SLE and the need for rapid, coordinated management.

Perez Tagle Tejeda A, Jundi I, Blake DA et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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CMR in Sarcoidosis and Treatment-Refractory Inflammatory Cardiac Disease

A Challenging Case of Advanced Cardiac Sarcoidosis Refractory to Infliximab Therapy.

This case report described advanced cardiac sarcoidosis that remained refractory despite third-line immunosuppression with infliximab. The patient’s disease course highlighted persistent active cardiac involvement despite therapy escalation and emphasized the need for ongoing multimodality assessment. Clinically, it underscores the challenge of treatment-resistant cardiac sarcoidosis and the importance of individualized monitoring and alternative management approaches.

Ibrahim M, Dulay MS, Wechalekar K et al. · Clinical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Imaging in Rare/Genetic Cardiomyopathies (including DCM genotypes, Danon, LAMP2, Desmoplakin)

Syndromic dilated cardiomyopathy suggestive of an oligogenic background with CD36 and TNXB variants: a case report.

This case report described a 46-year-old man with syndromic dilated cardiomyopathy suggestive of an oligogenic background, carrying CD36 and TNXB variants identified via next-generation sequencing. The clinical presentation included progressive exertional dyspnea with extracardiac features, supporting a multi-gene contribution rather than a single-gene monogenic cause. The report is significant because it illustrates how integrative interpretation of multiple variants can refine diagnosis and management in complex DCM.

Aydin I, Ebeoglu SI, Kaya M et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI in Thromboembolism, Intracardiac Thrombi, and Antiphospholipid Syndrome

Navigating Mechanical Support in Cardiogenic Shock With Arterial Hypoplasia: Lessons From Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome.

This case report described a 19-year-old man presenting with cardioembolic stroke and rapidly evolving cardiogenic shock as the first manifestation of arterial tortuosity syndrome (ATS), a disorder causing severe arterial hypoplasia and tortuosity. Multimodality imaging (cranial CTA, aortic angiography, and cardiac MRI) showed profound iliofemoral and aortic narrowing/tortuosity that made mechanical thrombectomy and peripheral veno-arterial ECMO technically unfeasible. The report highlights how ATS-associated vascular anatomy can critically constrain standard mechanical support strategies and emphasizes the need for early, detailed imaging planning.

Lara-García A, Caro-Codón J, Canales L et al. · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Advanced CMR Acquisition, Segmentation, and Quantification Methods

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 (3-T CMR) with ECG gating under general anesthesia. In both species, species-specific normal ranges were derived using midventricular short-axis native T1/T2 mapping sequences adapted from human protocols and calculated ECV. These reference values improve interpretation of myocardial tissue characterization in veterinary cardiology and research at 3 Tesla.

Fries RC, Kadotani S, Toborowsky C et al. · American journal of veterinary research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Uncommon yet critical: Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to Gadobutrol in magnetic resonance imaging procedures.

This report documented two confirmed immediate hypersensitivity reactions to gadobutrol, a macrocyclic nonionic gadolinium-based contrast agent, occurring during MRI procedures. One patient developed generalized pruritus, tachycardia, and nasal congestion that resolved spontaneously, while another patient with multiple comorbidities experienced anaphylactic shock during a cardiac MRI. The cases are significant for reinforcing that even uncommon gadobutrol reactions can be severe and warrant vigilance and preparedness during contrast-enhanced MRI.

Coelho C, Ferreira J, Malheiro D · Asia Pacific allergy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Generated automatically on August 07, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published July 31, 2026 – August 07, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.