What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 12, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 57 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
Jump to category
What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 12, 2026 · 57 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 05, 2026 – August 12, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies, a dominant theme is the expanding role of multimodality cardiac imaging—especially cardiac MRI—in resolving diagnostic uncertainty and phenotyping complex cardiac disease. Multiple reports show how CMR (often alongside echocardiography, PET, and invasive testing) can distinguish mimics of myocarditis, infarction, metastasis, and amyloidosis (e.g., hydroxychloroquine cardiotoxicity, immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis, organizing thrombus vs metastasis, radiation-related fibrosis vs recurrent ischemia, and early false-negative ATTR scintigraphy). Several papers also emphasize that disease activity and mechanism may not map neatly onto a single imaging pattern, reinforcing the need for repeat testing and tissue/clinical correlation when initial workups are negative or discordant.
A second major theme is heterogeneity in inflammatory and infiltrative cardiomyopathies, with eosinophilic syndromes, vasculitis/autoimmune disease, and amyloidosis each showing broad phenotypic spectra and prognostic implications. Case-based evidence highlights life-threatening eosinophilic myocarditis and Loeffler endocarditis, severe valvuloaortic and conduction involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis, and the possibility of activity-independent or phenotypically variable cardiac involvement in EGPA. In amyloidosis, both clinical reviews and mechanistic work (including vascular dysfunction and extracellular-matrix/integrin pathways) point toward more refined diagnostic pathways and mechanism-targeted thinking.
Finally, there is strong methodological momentum: several studies advance cardiac MRI workflows (free-running function, automated VENC selection, segmentation generalization, outer-volume suppression for T2 mapping) and digital modeling (digital-twin style meshing, automated FSI pipelines). Complementing these are AI-focused reviews and experimental/clinical efforts to connect imaging-derived metrics to outcomes—such as VT recurrence after ablation, exercise-induced arrhythmias in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and CMR-based risk stratification in noncompaction—suggesting a field moving toward more automated, quantitative, patient-specific cardiovascular risk assessment.
Eosinophilic and Hypereosinophilic Cardiac Disease
Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis After Sequential Biologic Therapy in Ulcerative Colitis.
This case studied fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis in a 35-year-old man with ulcerative colitis who developed hypereosinophilia after sequential biologic therapy, most recently vedolizumab, with corticosteroid withdrawal. Key findings were rapid progression to cardiogenic shock with severe biventricular dysfunction (LVEF ~10%), diffuse myocardial involvement on cardiac magnetic resonance, and confirmation of eosinophilic myocarditis by endomyocardial biopsy. Clinically, it highlights that sequential biologic exposure and steroid withdrawal in inflammatory bowel disease can precipitate life-threatening eosinophilic myocarditis requiring urgent advanced cardiac support.
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 series studied Loeffler endocarditis in patients with distinct hypereosinophilic syndromes, including a 43-year-old man with long-standing atopy and persistent eosinophilia. The key findings were biventricular apical thrombi on echocardiography, ventricular thrombi with diffuse subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement consistent with fibrotic-stage disease on cardiac magnetic resonance, and rapid hematologic response to high-dose corticosteroids with anticoagulation used for thrombosis. Scientifically and clinically, it emphasizes multimodality imaging to recognize Loeffler endocarditis early and distinguish it across hypereosinophilic phenotypes.
Salar T, Feitell S, Parikh V 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 the phenotypic spectrum of cardiac involvement in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) across three patients. Key findings included distinct patterns ranging from inflammatory cardiomyopathy with severe biventricular dysfunction responsive to escalated immunosuppression and guideline-directed medical therapy, to an advanced fibrotic phenotype with cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support and limited reversibility, and to relapsing-remitting eosinophilic peri—(truncated in abstract). Scientifically, it underscores that EGPA cardiac disease can be activity-independent and phenotypically heterogeneous, affecting prognosis and treatment strategy.
Majeed Z, Manaila AS, Xu B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Immune-Mediated Myocarditis and Perimyocarditis (Including ICI)
Myocarditis in the Modern Era: Navigating Diagnosis, Innovative Treatments, the COVID-19 Challenge and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.
This narrative review studied modern approaches to myocarditis diagnosis and treatment, including the COVID-19 challenge and the emerging role of artificial intelligence, with emphasis on noninvasive imaging. The key finding was that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using the Lake Louise Criteria, supplemented by parametric imaging techniques, has improved diagnostic accuracy compared with reliance on invasive biopsy. Scientifically and clinically, it frames how updated diagnostic pathways and AI may help address myocarditis heterogeneity and improve detection of clinically significant disease.
Mohee K, Antoun I, Ambrogetti R et al. · Cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Relapsing-Remitting Perimyocarditis and Emerging Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 66-year-old man with relapsing-remitting perimyocarditis that ultimately emerged as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Repeat cardiac MRI showed biventricular dysfunction with new late gadolinium enhancement, myocardial edema, and a circumferential pericardial effusion, and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed severe lymphocytic myocarditis after initial negative work-ups. The case emphasizes that recurrent inflammatory myocarditis/perimyocarditis—especially after viral exposure—can be an early presentation of AML and warrants repeat evaluation including hematologic assessment.
Zipperer-Giblin MB, Bowman JI, Patel N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The Dyspnea Dilemma: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Myocarditis Mimicking Overlapping Cardiac Pathologies-A Case Report.
This case report described a 62-year-old woman with gallbladder adenocarcinoma receiving gemcitabine, cisplatin, and the immune checkpoint inhibitor durvalumab who developed myocarditis mimicking overlapping cardiac pathologies. Despite initial diagnostic uncertainty, the clinical presentation in the setting of ICI exposure raised concern for fulminant immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated myocarditis, with elevated cardiac biomarkers and heart-failure physiology. The report underscores the need for high suspicion and prompt evaluation of ICI myocarditis when patients present with acute cardiopulmonary symptoms during durvalumab therapy.
Javed N, Itare V, Ashraf S et al. · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hydroxychloroquine Cardiotoxicity Confirmed by Electron Microscopy: The Myocarditis Mimic.
This case studied hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) cardiotoxicity in a 79-year-old woman with 10 years of HCQ exposure who presented with low-output physiology and suspected myocarditis. Key findings were diffuse patchy midmyocardial and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance with fluorodeoxyglucose PET showing diffuse uptake sparing the subendocardium, and endomyocardial biopsy with electron microscopy demonstrating cardiomyocyte vacuolization. Clinically, it shows that HCQ can mimic inflammatory myocarditis and that electron microscopy confirmation can guide appropriate management.
Behr P, Paik KS, Park C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Amyloidosis (Diagnosis, Phenotypes, Mechanisms)
Vitronectin-driven amyloid deposition disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis via integrin-mediated pathway in a humanized mouse model of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
This experimental study investigated whether vitronectin (VTN) drives amyloid deposition–mediated mitochondrial dysfunction through an integrin-mediated pathway in a humanized mouse model of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis using knock-in mice expressing wild-type TTR (hTTRWT) or the V142I mutant (hTTRV142I). The key finding was that VTN-driven amyloid deposition disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis via an integrin-mediated mechanism, accompanied by increased amyloid burden and cardiac structural/functional impairment assessed with Congo red staining, electron microscopy, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. Scientifically, it identifies a mechanistic link between extracellular matrix components (VTN) and mitochondrial dysfunction in ATTR cardiomyopathy, suggesting integrin-pathway targeting as a potential therapeutic direction.
Qiu Z, Fan Y, Qin J et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
False-negative 99mTc-PYP bone scintigraphy in early cardiac amyloidosis: a rapidly progressive case in a young woman.
This 2026 Cardiovascular Journal of Africa case report studied a 33-year-old woman with suspected cardiac amyloidosis who had false-negative technetium-99m pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) bone scintigraphy early in disease. Despite echocardiography and cardiac MRI suggesting amyloidosis, initial 99mTc-PYP showed no uptake, and 14 months later repeat scintigraphy demonstrated Grade 2 uptake with subsequent diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis. The clinical significance is that early cardiac amyloidosis can yield false-negative 99mTc-PYP results, so repeat testing and multimodality assessment may be necessary in young patients with progressive heart failure.
Polat E, Güler Ö, Güngör C · Cardiovascular journal of Africa · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Iron overload cardiomyopathy.
This review summarized the pathophysiology of iron overload cardiomyopathy (IOC) in hereditary haemochromatosis and transfusion-dependent conditions such as haemoglobinopathies. It highlights that excess iron beyond transferrin-binding capacity generates non-transferrin-bound iron that enters cardiomyocytes via calcium-related transport pathways (including L-type/T-type calcium channels, DMT1, and ZIP14) and drives oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, calcium dysregulation, and ferroptosis. The scientific significance is improved mechanistic understanding that can guide biomarker selection and therapeutic targeting to prevent or mitigate IOC progression.
Papingiotis G, Mantzourani M, Gogas H et al. · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Amyloidosis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment.
This narrative review summarized the pathogenesis, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis, focusing on systemic AL (light-chain) and ATTR (transthyretin) amyloidosis with cardiac involvement. It highlights that amyloid protein misfolding into beta-pleated sheet structures leads to interstitial fibril deposition and progressive organ dysfunction, and it reviews contemporary diagnostic strategies and emerging therapies. Clinically, the article supports updated, evidence-based diagnostic pathways and treatment selection for patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis.
Beckmann S, Akin I, Haghikia A et al. · Deutsches Arzteblatt international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Arterial-myocardial coupling in primary light chain amyloidosis: A prospective observational study of vascular involvement.
This prospective observational study enrolled 151 newly diagnosed patients with primary light chain (AL) amyloidosis to investigate how vascular dysfunction relates to cardiac involvement using peripheral vascular testing. The study assessed endothelial function with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and arterial stiffness with pulse wave velocity (PWV), with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) performed in a subgroup (n=59), and evaluated ventricular–arterial coupling using PWV and global longitudinal strain measures. The findings aim to clarify whether vascular involvement independently contributes to cardiac phenotype and prognosis in AL amyloidosis.
Briasoulis A, Patras R, Delialis D et al. · Journal of human hypertension · (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. The key finding was that pericardiocentesis and pericardial biopsy showed lymphocytic effusion without cardiac amyloid, while later biopsy of a prevertebral mass revealed amyloid deposition confirming systemic AL amyloidosis. Clinically, it emphasizes that isolated pericardial manifestations can be the first presentation of AL amyloidosis and that tissue diagnosis beyond the pericardium may be required.
Leong YH, Teo Z, Sng ECY et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Thrombosis and Thromboembolic Mimics
Membranous Interventricular Septal Aneurysm (MVSA) as a rare potential cause of embolic stroke: a case report and literature review.
This case report and literature review studied membranous interventricular septal aneurysm (MVSA) as a rare cause of embolic stroke in a 42-year-old woman with recurrent cortical ischemic events and no other embolic source found after exhaustive diagnostic work-up. The key finding was that MVSA was the only identifiable potential embolic source explaining recurrent strokes. Clinically, the report highlights MVSA as an underrecognized etiology of embolic stroke and supports careful cardiac evaluation when standard embolic investigations are negative.
Mariotti G, Lanfranconi S, Spaziani C et al. · Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Intracardiac Thrombi Mimicking Cardiac Metastases in a Patient With Lung Adenocarcinoma.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 50-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma and venous thromboembolism who developed two right-sided intracardiac masses that persisted despite therapeutic anticoagulation. Cardiac MRI raised concern for cardiac metastases, but histopathology showed organizing thrombus, and the remaining ventricular lesion resolved after 1 month of therapeutic enoxaparin. The clinical significance is that cancer-associated intracardiac thrombi can mimic metastatic disease on CMR, so integrating imaging with clinical context and response to anticoagulation can prevent misdiagnosis.
Lembo M, De Vivo R, La Mura L et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Probable Antiphospholipid Syndrome Causing Biventricular Thrombi and Cardiogenic Shock.
This case studied probable antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) presenting with biventricular thrombi and cardiogenic shock in a 70-year-old woman with recent Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Key findings were large biventricular intracardiac thrombi on imaging with laboratory results consistent with probable APS, followed by initiation of inotropes and anticoagulation and inability to wean inotropes. The significance is that APS can cause extensive intracardiac thrombosis leading to shock, where diagnostic uncertainty and limited evidence complicate management decisions.
Contractor P, Deng J, O’Neill LP et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Involvement in Systemic Vasculitis and Autoimmune Disease
Advanced imaging in systemic sclerosis: distinguishing activity from damage across organ systems.
This review article examined current and emerging imaging approaches in systemic sclerosis (SSc) to distinguish active, potentially reversible disease from irreversible damage across organ systems. The key finding was that next-generation strategies increasingly shift from structural assessment (e.g., HRCT and echocardiography) toward direct measurement of disease activity using quantitative machine-learning methods and molecular imaging. Scientifically, this supports improved phenotyping and treatment targeting in SSc by separating activity from damage rather than relying on imaging features that primarily reflect fibrosis.
Haussmann A, Volkmann ER · Current opinion in rheumatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Extensive Cardiac Involvement in ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Presenting With Severe Aortic Regurgitation and Atrioventricular Block.
This case studied extensive cardiac involvement in a 53-year-old woman with ANCA-associated vasculitis presenting with severe aortic regurgitation and progressive high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block. Key findings from multimodality imaging included inflammatory valvuloaortic thickening with cusp retraction, moderate pericardial effusion, nonischemic septal late gadolinium enhancement, and worsening AV conduction abnormalities with coronary angiography showing no obstructive coronary disease. The significance is that ANCA-associated vasculitis can cause severe inflammatory valvuloaortic disease and conduction system involvement, warranting early recognition and targeted immunosuppression.
David-Pardo DG, Reyes-T RE, Luna G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Tumors and Rare Primary Cardiac Neoplasms
Primary Cardiac Leiomyosarcoma in a Young Patient: A Therapeutic Challenge.
This case report described a 29-year-old man with primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma, diagnosed using cardiac imaging (echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography) followed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The key finding was that immunohistochemical confirmation enabled systemic treatment, with the patient remaining alive at 20 months despite the tumor’s aggressive nature. Scientifically and clinically, it highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty in rare primary cardiac sarcomas and the need for individualized management strategies.
Calzadilla-Gutierrez HR, Blanco-Adrian N, Vaca-Villarroel JM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathies and Genetic Risk Stratification
First Successful Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor Use for Donor-Derived HCM After Heart Transplant.
This case report studied donor-derived hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after heart transplantation in a 55-year-old woman who developed severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction early post-transplant and was confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging as donor-derived HCM. The key finding was that initiating the cardiac myosin inhibitor mavacamten (Camzyos) led to treatment of the persistent post-transplant obstruction/phenotype after failure of initial calcium channel blocker and later beta-blocker therapy. Clinically, it provides early evidence that mavacamten can be a first successful targeted therapy option for rare donor-derived HCM after transplant.
Mohammed HA, Pillai A, Scatola A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Compound MYH7 Mutations: Risk Stratification Challenges in an Affected Family.
This 2026 JACC Case Reports article studied genotype-positive familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) risk stratification challenges in an affected family with borderline phenotype expression. The key finding is that the proband carried only one of two pathogenic MYH7 variants found in his daughter (Ala655Thr and Gly571Arg), illustrating how compound MYH7 mutations can complicate risk prediction when phenotypes differ within a family (full details truncated). Scientifically and clinically, it underscores limitations of current SCD risk models in genotype-positive individuals and the need for individualized assessment when MYH7 variant combinations and phenotypic expression diverge.
Hammad A, Yeung A, Goldschmidt H et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging predictors of outcomes in noncompaction cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) structural parameters in patients with left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) versus controls and their associations with major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) using published case-control studies. Across included studies, specific CMR-derived measures of LV noncompaction and related remodeling were variably associated with MACCE, with heterogeneity across parameter definitions and study designs. These findings support CMR risk stratification in NCCM but highlight the need for standardized CMR phenotyping and outcome reporting to improve clinical prediction.
Gegenava M, Nieman K, Caliskan K et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Apical-to-Mid-Ventricular Phenotypic Shift in Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome After Minor Trauma.
This JACC Case Reports article described an 84-year-old woman with recurrent Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in whom a minor trauma trigger was associated with an apical-to-mid-ventricular phenotypic shift. Coronary angiography excluded obstructive coronary disease, ventriculography confirmed the mid-ventricular variant, and cardiac MRI demonstrated myocardial involvement consistent with TTS. The case highlights that trauma can precipitate atypical TTS phenotypes and that CMR and angiographic assessment are important for accurate diagnosis in recurrent presentations.
Khoury F, Chandi M, Johal M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo-Like Syndrome Due to Microvascular Dysfunction in a Transgender Woman Under Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 45-year-old Black transgender woman on long-term estrogen therapy who developed chest pain progressing to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest, initially mimicking an anteroseptal myocardial infarction on ECG. The key finding was that coronary angiography showed no epicardial obstruction and apical akinesia, while cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated transmural infarction with extensive microvascular obstruction consistent with a Takotsubo-like syndrome driven by microvascular dysfunction. This is clinically significant because it links gender-affirming hormone therapy to a potentially life-threatening microvascular mechanism and underscores the role of CMR in distinguishing Takotsubo-like syndromes from true obstructive MI.
Silva PG, García Mejía HP, de Paula Morales KR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Recurrent Nonischemic Left Ventricular Aneurysms: A Cardiac MRI-Driven Diagnosis in a DES Variant Carrier.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 24-year-old man who carried a DES variant and developed recurrent nonischemic left ventricular aneurysms, with diagnosis driven by serial cardiac MRI findings. The key finding was that CMR identified an apical aneurysm initially consistent with a true aneurysm and later detected a new inferolateral basal aneurysm in a previously normal postoperative region, prompting renewed evaluation after recurrent ventricular tachycardia. Scientifically and clinically, it demonstrates how CMR can detect evolving cardiomyopathy-related structural lesions in genetic cardiomyopathy and can guide timely reassessment when arrhythmias recur.
Garcia NP, Forti D, Tassine Penatti LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmias and Electrophysiology (Including Ablation Outcomes)
LGL-Phenocopy With Dual AV Nodal Physiology and Malignant SVT: A Diagnostic Pitfall With Sudden Deaths.
This JACC Case Reports article describes a 45-year-old man with Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) phenocopy presenting with malignant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and sudden-death family history. During symptomatic ECG, the patient had SVT (~220 bpm) with Hisian extrasystole and QRS variability, and after conversion showed a short PR interval with dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal physiology. The case emphasizes that “benign” short PR/LGL-phenocopy patterns can conceal malignant SVT substrates, warranting careful electrophysiologic evaluation in patients with concerning family history.
Negm AY, Zhfan S, Khalil M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias: a marker of risk in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective study assessed the prevalence and prognostic significance of exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias (EIVAs) in patients with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), including individuals carrying pathogenic/likely pathogenic ACM gene variants with negative or borderline phenotypes. EIVAs during exercise testing were used to stratify risk, with higher-intensity exercise groups showing greater arrhythmic burden and prognostic relevance. The results support exercise testing as a functional risk marker in ACM and in genotype-positive/phenotype-uncertain patients.
Mengozzi L, Sriskandarajah R, Minopoli C et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (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 whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters predict ventricular tachycardia (VT) recurrence after catheter ablation by pooling studies comparing CMR-derived metrics in patients with and without post-ablation VT recurrence. The key finding was that CMR-derived structural and functional parameters—particularly those reflecting arrhythmogenic substrate such as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) characteristics and measures like LVEF and LV mass—were associated with VT recurrence risk. Clinically, it supports using CMR tissue characterization to refine risk stratification and potentially guide ablation planning in VT patients.
Deaconu A, Abdin A, Bistriceanu MIA et al. · Journal of interventional cardiac electrophysiology : an international journal of arrhythmias and pacing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Wide Complex Tachycardia of Uncertain Origin: Demonstration of Atrioventricular Dissociation by Doppler Echocardiography.
This case studied a 72-year-old woman with unstable wide complex tachycardia (WCT) of uncertain origin using Doppler echocardiography to demonstrate atrioventricular dissociation. Key findings were failure of initial cardioversion, transient conversion after amiodarone, recurrence of WCT, and later transesophageal echocardiography revealing left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus after a stroke, which limited further antiarrhythmic use. Clinically, it shows how Doppler echocardiography can clarify WCT mechanism (AV dissociation) and how thromboembolic complications can constrain management.
Khattab A, Timmerman C, Kee A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart Failure Phenotypes and Ventricular–Vascular Coupling
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.
This systematic review studied international clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in adults by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE and reviewing relevant society websites. The key finding was that 12 guidelines were identified, with 7 meeting AGREE II criteria for methodological rigor and showing broad consensus on core recommendations across included documents. Clinically, it consolidates current guideline agreement to support consistent HFrEF care, while the truncated abstract limits details of specific recommendation areas.
Datta S, Majumder S, Gulsin GS et al. · European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes · (2026) · 3 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multiple manifestations of coronary microvascular dysfunction in a double-hit mouse model of HFpEF.
This preclinical study investigated multiple manifestations of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in a double-hit mouse model of HFpEF induced by high-fat diet plus chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition (L-NAME) in C57BL/6 mice. The key finding was that a multimodal, non-invasive imaging platform—combining cine/strain cardiac MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with galbumin and redox-sensitive 3CP contrast agents, and Doppler-based coronary flow reserve with vasodilators—could resolve CMD phenotypes, which were further characterized by ex vivo coronary micro-CT angiography and transmission electron microscopy. Scientifically, it provides a mechanism-resolved imaging framework for studying HFpEF-associated CMD and for testing targeted interventions.
Kwiatkowski G, Tyrankiewicz U, Mosiołek S et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Atrial Myopathy as a Phenotypic Axis in HFpEF: Implications for Pulmonary Hypertension, Exercise Intolerance, and Targeted Therapy.
This 2026 Cardiology in Review article examined HFpEF heterogeneity by proposing left atrial (LA) myopathy as a phenotypic/mechanistic axis relevant to pulmonary hypertension and exercise intolerance. The key finding is that LA myopathy—encompassing structural remodeling, fibrosis, impaired compliance, and electrical dysfunction—may be central to HFpEF rather than only a secondary consequence of elevated LV filling pressures (details truncated in the abstract). This reframes targeted therapy development toward LA-focused mechanisms to improve stratification and treatment selection in HFpEF.
Jabeen M, Younas S, Majid A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Atrial Myopathy Across the Spectrum of Pediatric Heart Disease: Imaging, Mechanobiology, and Clinical Consequences.
This narrative review synthesized evidence on left atrial (LA) myopathy across pediatric heart disease, integrating imaging approaches (including emerging functional/mechanobiology techniques) with mechanistic concepts and clinical consequences. The central finding is that LA structural and mechanical dysfunction often emerges early in children with congenital and acquired heart disease, potentially preceding overt ventricular dysfunction. Clinically, it positions LA dysfunction as an early, potentially reversible marker of cardiovascular injury and supports targeted pediatric imaging and mechanistic research.
Muqaddas R, Nawaz S, Ali S et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Systolic Septal Curvature Ratio as a Cardiac MRI Marker of Right Ventricular Loading in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease.
This retrospective pediatric cardiac MRI study evaluated the systolic septal-to-free wall curvature ratio as a marker of right ventricular loading across congenital heart disease subgroups with different loading conditions, analyzing 149 participants (2020–2025) including controls and repaired tetralogy of Fallot without residual right ventricular outflow tract stenosis. The key finding was that the systolic septal curvature ratio varied with right ventricular loading status and correlated with volumetric, functional, and hemodynamic MRI parameters. This is significant because it offers a potentially practical imaging-derived surrogate for ventricular interdependence and loading assessment in children with congenital heart disease.
Yucel IK, Kose KB, Ozyılmaz I et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association of Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors Duration with Latent Remodeling Following Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Implantation.
This retrospective study evaluated 75 patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) with LVEF ≤35% who received angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI) before primary-prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation, focusing on how ARNI exposure duration related to latent left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) after ICD placement. The key finding was that longer pre-ICD ARNI therapy duration was associated with greater likelihood of latent LVRR following ICD implantation. Clinically, this suggests that optimizing the duration of ARNI therapy before ICD implantation may improve longer-term remodeling outcomes in NIDCM patients.
Lee J, Oh J, Kim D et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pulmonary Hypertension and Right-Heart Interventions
Transcatheter atrial flow regulator implantation in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension in resource-limited settings: a single-centre experience.
This single-center retrospective experience evaluated transcatheter atrial flow regulator (AFR) implantation in six children with severe World Health Organization Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension in resource-limited settings. The key finding is that AFR implantation was feasible as an alternative strategy when access to parenteral prostacyclin is constrained, aiming to create a controlled interatrial shunt to decompress the right heart (outcomes truncated in the abstract). Clinically, the report supports AFR as a potential bridge or alternative to costly/challenging prostacyclin therapy for pediatric PAH where infrastructure limits standard care.
Das B, Maiya S, Khan B et al. · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Valvular Heart Disease (Including Tricuspid Regurgitation)
Tricuspid regurgitation: standardized stepwise work-up from referral to expert heart valve centre.
This European Heart Journal review proposed a standardized stepwise work-up for tricuspid regurgitation (TR) from referral to an expert heart valve centre, integrating etiology, disease stage, comorbidities, operative risk, and anatomical feasibility. It consolidates practical algorithms and structured protocols to guide multimodal assessment and appropriate selection of medical, surgical, or transcatheter interventions. The framework is intended to improve outcomes by reducing variability in TR evaluation and ensuring patients are matched to the most suitable therapy.
Dreyfus J, Praz F, Hahn R et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging Physics, Quantification, and Segmentation Methods
Correlation of seismocardiography variables with echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance measurements.
This study evaluated correlations between seismocardiography (SCG) variables and systolic/diastolic function measurements from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 26 human participants (10 healthy and 16 with cardiovascular disease). The key finding was that SCG mechanical vibration metrics can be quantitatively related to imaging-derived cardiac function markers across both healthy and CVD groups. Scientifically, it supports SCG as a potential low-cost, wearable adjunct for patient-specific cardiac assessment, though the abstract truncation limits the reported strength of correlations.
Agam A, Korsgaard E, Kragholm K et al. · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Toward self-contained cardiac magnetic resonance elastography: Deep learning-based segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium.
This 2026 Magnetic Resonance Imaging study evaluated deep learning methods for left ventricular (LV) myocardium segmentation using native cardiac magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) data for subsequent stiffness analysis. Using cardiac MRE data from 16 healthy male volunteers, it tested how input representation and automation strategy affect segmentation performance, addressing whether native MRE alone can support reliable automated delineation (results truncated in the abstract). Scientifically, it advances toward a self-contained cardiac MRE workflow that reduces manual annotation and reliance on additional structural MRI.
Atamaniuk V, Anders M, Obrzut M et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Autonomous Velocity Encoding (VENC) Selection Improves Precision of Quantitative Flow Measurement.
This prospective/retrospective study in 113 patients (254 scans) and 18 healthy volunteers evaluated an autonomous workflow for selecting the optimal phase-contrast MRI velocity encoding (VENC) without technologist interaction. Autonomous VENC selection improved quantitative flow measurement precision (and/or reduced scan time) compared with manual VENC setting by better matching VENC to subject-specific peak velocities and flow-jet characteristics. The approach could make quantitative flow CMR more accurate and scalable for routine clinical and research use.
Daudé P, Ramasawmy R, Mancini C et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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, multicenter, multi-vendor study evaluated and validated FAST-CMR, a free-running framework for cardiac function assessment at 1.5T that uses free-running imaging to reduce reliance on ECG gating and expert plane planning. The key finding was that FAST-CMR produced clinically usable, motion-resolved whole-heart cardiac function measurements across vendors and sites, including performance with gadolinium-based or ferumoxytol contrast using the fast interrupted steady-state (FISS) variant. This supports wider clinical adoption of CMR by streamlining workflow while maintaining robust quantitative 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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Comparison of Amplitude- and Amplitude-Frequency-Modulated Pulses for Outer Volume Suppression in Cardiac MRI: Application to Myocardial T 2 Mapping.
This MRI physics study evaluated outer volume suppression (OVS) pulse designs—amplitude-modulated (AM) and amplitude-frequency-modulated (AM-FM) pulses, including single-band and dual-band variants—for suppressing extra-cardiac signal in cardiac MRI at 3T, with application to myocardial T2 mapping. The key finding was that optimized AM and AM-FM OVS pulse modules (including dual-band implementations) provided effective residual-signal minimization and suppression-band performance suitable for time-efficient reduced-FOV T2 mapping. This is significant for improving image quality and robustness of myocardial T2 quantification, which can support more reliable assessment of myocardial tissue abnormalities.
Arami A, Božić-Iven M, van de Steeg-Henzen C et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Reverse Imaging: Any-Sequence Generalization for Cardiac MRI Segmentation.
This methods paper studied cardiac MRI segmentation generalization across different imaging sequences by introducing “Reverse Imaging,” a physics-driven data augmentation and domain generalization framework. The key finding was that inferring underlying tissue properties (primarily magnetization strength M0, T1, and T2) from observed MR images enables better any-sequence generalization of segmentation models despite contrast changes between sequences. Scientifically, it addresses a major limitation of pretrained cardiac segmentation networks and may improve deployment across heterogeneous MRI protocols.
Zhao Y, Zhang Y, Yang T et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AI and Digital Tools for Cardiac Imaging/Risk
Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Imaging and Risk Stratification: From Algorithmic Discovery to Meaningful Clinical Implication.
This review studied how artificial intelligence (AI)—including deep learning, foundation models, and multimodal integration—has been applied to cardiovascular imaging and risk stratification from algorithm development to clinical implementation. The key finding was that AI is shifting cardiovascular evaluation from operator-dependent, manual, and population-threshold approaches toward automated, quantitative, and patient-specific risk assessment. Clinically, it frames how emerging AI methods could improve timeliness and precision of diagnosis and stratification in cardiovascular disease, while implying the need for meaningful validation and integration into care pathways.
Xia X, Khan WU, Khan Q et al. · Trends in cardiovascular medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
biv-me: Open-source software for generating time-varying biventricular meshes from cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging with multi-cohort validation.
This Medical Image Analysis study introduced “biv-me,” an open-source software tool for generating time-varying biventricular meshes from cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and validated it across multiple cohorts. The key finding was that biv-me produced deployable, reproducible biventricular mesh reconstructions suitable for downstream model-based analyses across heterogeneous imaging data. This supports broader adoption of digital-twin style cardiac modeling by lowering barriers to mesh generation from routine CMR.
Dillon J, Mauger C, Zhao D et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Advanced Hemodynamics and Computational Modeling
From Case Studies to Cohort of Patients: Automating FSI Simulations to Uncover Downstream Effects of Ascending Aortic Grafts.
This Annals of Biomedical Engineering study developed a fully automated patient-specific fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation pipeline to assess downstream hemodynamic effects after ascending aortic aneurysm/dissection repair with a synthetic Dacron graft. The key finding is that graft–native aortic mechanical compliance mismatch can alter downstream flow patterns, potentially promoting descending aortic dissection and adverse vascular remodeling (specific quantitative results truncated in the abstract). This supports using automated FSI modeling to better predict post-surgical complications and potentially guide graft selection or surgical planning.
Ianniruberto I, Astori D, Saitta S et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-Cardiac/Other Systemic Conditions Affecting Cardiac Diagnosis
Radiation-Associated Mesothelioma With Mixed Constrictive-Restrictive Physiology After Mantle-Field Radiotherapy.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 60-year-old woman with radiation-associated mesothelioma after mantle-field radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma, focusing on complex cardiothoracic physiology with mixed constrictive–restrictive features. The key finding was that imaging with positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrated hypermetabolic pleural, mediastinal, and pericardial lesions consistent with the late radiation complication, while echocardiography and cardiac catheterization suggested constrictive physiology and CMR was nondiagnostic. Clinically, it emphasizes that late mesothelioma can present decades after thoracic radiotherapy with cardiothoracic hemodynamic patterns that may require multimodality imaging for diagnosis.
Bensaber R, Serratrice J, Poku NK · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Genome sequence of Propionimicrobium lymphophilum ARP01 isolated from the human vaginal tract.
This genome announcement studied Propionimicrobium lymphophilum strain ARP01 isolated from the human vaginal tract of a healthy 52-year-old Caucasian woman. The key finding was successful whole-genome sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, producing a single-contig genome assembly of 2.2 Mbp. Scientifically, it expands reference genomic resources for vaginal microbiome taxa and supports future comparative and functional studies of this organism.
Peel AR, Churchill H, Hayward MR et al. · Microbiology resource announcements · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Nuevas perspectivas en la cardiopatía chagásica: genética, resonancia magnética y posibles alternativas terapéuticas. Una revisión narrativa.
This narrative review evaluated evidence from 2020–2026 on genetic variants, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and treatment options for Chagasic cardiomyopathy in endemic regions of Peru. It reports that available data weaken a direct parasite-lineage-to-cardiac-severity relationship and instead implicate the host inflammatory response as the main driver, while CMR is highlighted as a key diagnostic tool (details truncated in the abstract). These findings support shifting risk assessment toward host-driven mechanisms and using CMR to improve diagnosis and guide potential trypanocidal and advanced supportive strategies.
Velasco Hurtado JM, Quispe Zavala D, Vilela Luchini C et al. · Medwave · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Beyond Echocardiography: Multimodality Imaging of a Mitral Valve Blood Cyst in Cryptogenic Stroke.
This 2026 Journal of Clinical Ultrasound case report studied a 52-year-old woman with acute ischemic stroke in whom echocardiography suggested a mitral valve blood cyst and coexisting hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Multimodality imaging showed that noncontrast cardiac MRI demonstrated cyst internal signal isointense with the left ventricular blood pool throughout the cardiac cycle, which ruled out solid neoplasms and caseous mitral annular calcification. The study highlights the diagnostic value of CMR dynamic signal characteristics to prevent misclassification of benign mitral blood cysts as tumors in cryptogenic stroke workups.
Güleşir ME, Topal B, Uğraş UA et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Characterization of intraplaque haemorrhage in statin-treated patients with stable coronary artery disease: multi-modality imaging with non-contrast T1-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance, optical coherence tomography, and near-infrared spectroscopy.
This study characterized coronary plaques with plaque-to-myocardium ratio (PMR) ≥1.0 on non-contrast T1-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 121 statin-treated patients with stable coronary artery disease, using multi-modality imaging including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)/intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Despite statin therapy, plaques with PMR ≥1.0 showed residual intraplaque haemorrhage features on invasive imaging, indicating incomplete suppression of intraplaque haemorrhage. These findings support the clinical value of CMR PMR for identifying ongoing high-risk plaque biology even under statin treatment and motivate refinement of residual-risk assessment strategies.
Nakata J, Hosoda H, Kataoka Y et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
When chest pain and troponin elevation aren’t acute coronary syndrome: a cardiovascular case report of atypical pheochromocytoma.
This cardiovascular case report described a 44-year-old woman presenting with chest pain and markedly elevated high-sensitivity troponin who was initially misdiagnosed with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction before urgent coronary angiography showed angiographically normal coronaries. The final diagnosis was atypical pheochromocytoma, illustrating a non-ACS cause of troponin elevation and diffuse T-wave inversions. Clinically, it highlights the need to consider catecholamine-secreting tumors when troponin elevation occurs with non-obstructive coronary findings to avoid diagnostic delay.
Achour F, Cherkaoui S, Zarzour J et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Learning curve of Versius-assisted radical prostatectomy: role of prior experience and proctoring.
This prospective cohort study evaluated the learning curve for Versius-assisted radical prostatectomy (CMR Surgical) in patients with localized prostate cancer, comparing surgeons with extensive prior robotic experience versus those with laparoscopic experience only under structured proctoring. The key finding was that prior robotic/laparoscopic experience and the presence of proctoring influenced proficiency metrics such as console time and objective hand-motion measures. Scientifically and clinically, it informs training pathways and credentialing for new robotic platforms to reduce time-to-proficiency and standardize safe adoption.
Fernández-Conejo G, González Álvarez C, Del Olmo Durán P et al. · BJU international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Data-source choice in diabetes mortality surveillance and equity monitoring in the United States, 1999-2023.
This analysis compared diabetes mortality surveillance conclusions in the United States from CDC WONDER versus Global Burden of Disease 2023 (GBD 2023) across 51 jurisdictions from 1999–2023, focusing on trends, high-burden classification, and income-related inequality. The key finding was that the choice of data source could change mortality trend interpretations, which jurisdictions were labeled high-burden, and estimates of equity/inequality. This is significant for public health decision-making because it shows that surveillance equity monitoring may be sensitive to the underlying data source and methodology.
Li WJ, Tao SS, Wang P et al. · Diabetes research and clinical practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Advanced Cardiac Imaging Techniques for Detection of Myocardial Ischemia in Children with Coronary Artery Abnormalities.
This review described advanced cardiac imaging techniques for detecting myocardial ischemia in children with coronary artery abnormalities, covering non-atherosclerotic etiologies such as post–Kawasaki disease vasculopathy, transplant-related cardiac allograft vasculopathy, anomalous coronary anatomy, and post-surgical coronary reimplantation complications. The key point is that ischemia detection in pediatric patients is challenging due to atypical/absent symptoms and limitations of standard screening tools, necessitating specialized imaging strategies. Scientifically and clinically, it supports selecting appropriate advanced modalities to improve diagnosis of ischemia and reduce risk of sudden cardiac events in these conditions.
Jin JB, Williams JL, Wang SM et al. · Cardiology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Late-onset radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis after lung cancer radiotherapy: correlation of cardiac MRI with radiation treatment planning CT.
This single-patient case report described a 55-year-old man with prior left circumflex (LCx) STEMI who underwent cardiac MRI for aortic regurgitation after remote lung cancer external beam radiotherapy. Cardiac MRI showed nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), valvular thickening, and pericardial effusion, and correlation with radiation treatment planning CT supported radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis rather than recurrent ischemic injury. The clinical significance is that CMR with LGE can help distinguish radiation-related myocardial damage from prior infarction in patients with complex cardiac histories.
Masuodi B, Kataria S · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Chagas in Children Unmasked With Multimodality Imaging.
This case series reported three pediatric cases illustrating how childhood Chagas disease can be unmasked later through multimodality imaging, including presentations ranging from acute myocarditis with cardiac arrest to fulminant myocarditis requiring venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The key finding was that early benznidazole treatment was associated with complete recovery in one case, while other cases showed severe myocardial dysfunction on advanced imaging (e.g., strain measures) consistent with progression toward chronic cardiomyopathy risk. Clinically, it reinforces the importance of considering Chagas in children with nonischemic cardiomyopathy and using multimodality imaging to connect early infection to long-term cardiac outcomes.
Hede SV, Prasad D · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on August 12, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 05, 2026 – August 12, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.