What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 15, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 53 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 15, 2026 · 53 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 08, 2026 – August 15, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies, a dominant theme is the expanding use of cardiac MRI (and related quantitative imaging) to move from qualitative diagnosis toward mechanistic, patient-specific risk prediction. Multiple papers focus on tissue characterization (native T1 reference ranges, diffuse fibrosis in diabetes, ECV/amyloid response to TTR-lowering therapy) and on remodeling trajectories over time (post-TIPS cardiac remodeling, congenital aortic stenosis after AVR, muscular dystrophy carrier natural history, and genotype-linked cardiomyopathy imaging signatures). Together, they reinforce CMR’s role as both a diagnostic tool and a longitudinal biomarker platform.
A second major theme is mechanistic phenotyping of cardiovascular disease—especially heart failure and atrial disease—using advanced physiology and multimodal data. Reviews and studies highlight left atrial myopathy as a potential driver of HFpEF heterogeneity, while exercise-CMR frameworks aim to quantify compliance and contractile reserve to better distinguish cardiac from non-cardiac dyspnea. Genetic work links AF risk variants to calcium-homeostasis mechanisms, and several studies connect vascular or systemic drivers (OSA–aortic stiffness, gut microbiome metabolite ImP in CAD, cardio-renal fibrosis coupling, and sarcopenic obesity imaging phenotypes) to downstream cardiovascular outcomes.
Finally, the digest shows rapid growth in computational and AI-enabled approaches—ranging from physics-informed 3D echocardiography reconstruction and deep-learning CMR segmentation to LLM-based report structuring and broader AI-in-imaging reviews. In parallel, clinical case reports and translational studies underscore the value of multimodality imaging for rare but high-stakes scenarios (intracardiac thrombi mimicking metastases, uncommon embolic sources, SCAD progression with malignant arrhythmias, and contrast-constraint diagnostic pathways), while oncology and inflammatory cardiac conditions (melanoma PET response criteria, myocarditis/TTS reviews, and cancer-related cardiac involvement) continue to benefit from standardized imaging endpoints and improved diagnostic algorithms.
Cardiac MRI & Tissue Characterization (T1/T2/LGE/ECV)
Native myocardial T1 reference values in a tunisian cohort using MOLLI and SMART1Map : List of Authors.
This study established native myocardial T1 reference ranges in a Tunisian healthy cohort using cardiac MRI sequences MOLLI 5(3)3 and SMART1Map, and assessed sex- and age-related differences plus inter-site variability of MOLLI across two centers. In 94 healthy volunteers (ages 5–77 years), the authors quantified population-specific native T1 values and evaluated how measurement variability differed by sequence and site. Population-specific CMR T1 reference values can improve diagnostic accuracy for myocardial tissue characterization in Tunisian patients and reduce misclassification due to site/sequence effects.
Dali M, Benameur N, Deriche M et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI & Hemodynamics (4D flow, flow reserve, mechanics)
Physics-Informed Reconstruction of Transmural Myocardial Deformation from 3D Echocardiography: Validation Against Cardiac MRI.
This methodological study introduced a physics-informed reconstruction framework to derive transmural myocardial deformation by estimating the full finite strain tensor from 3D echocardiography, validated against cardiac MRI. Using segmented endocardial and epicardial surfaces from 3D echo, the framework reconstructed transmural mechanics and was validated in a small cohort by comparison to CMR-derived deformation measures. A CMR-validated, physics-informed 3D echocardiography method could enable more accurate assessment of myocardial mechanics in clinical practice without relying solely on CMR.
Pradhan SP, Yavari A, Lindley ID et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Correlation of seismocardiography variables with echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance measurements.
This study evaluated correlations between seismocardiography (SCG) variables and systolic/diastolic function measures from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 26 adults (10 healthy and 16 with cardiovascular disease). The key finding was that SCG mechanical vibration metrics meaningfully correlated with imaging-derived cardiac function markers across both healthy and CVD groups. Scientifically, it supports SCG as a potentially low-cost, wearable adjunct to conventional imaging for cardiac function assessment.
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 study assessed deep learning methods for automated segmentation of the left ventricular myocardium using native cardiac magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) data, aiming toward self-contained cardiac MRE workflows. Using cardiac MRE data from 16 healthy male volunteers for training (details truncated), it evaluated how input representation and automation strategy affect segmentation performance. Reliable automated LV segmentation is important for scalable, noninvasive myocardial stiffness assessment using cardiac MRE.
Atamaniuk V, Anders M, Obrzut M et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI & Structural Remodeling/Prognosis (ventricles, fibrosis, remodeling)
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance reveals stable myocardial tissue characteristics despite cardiac remodelling after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis.
This prospective CMR study assessed how transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) affects cardiac function, remodeling, and myocardial tissue characteristics in patients with liver cirrhosis. In 23 included patients, multiparametric CMR performed before TIPS and at early (3–4 days) and later (100 days) follow-up showed stable myocardial tissue characteristics despite cardiac remodeling. These findings suggest that TIPS-related hemodynamic changes may remodel cardiac structure/function without causing sustained adverse myocardial tissue alterations, informing post-TIPS cardiac monitoring.
Zange L, Gröschel J, Abdalla H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac safety of chronic inhibition of the myostatin-activin pathway with bimagrumab in healthy older adults.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the cardiac safety of chronic inhibition of the myostatin-activin pathway with bimagrumab in 68 healthy older adults (60–86 years) over 6 months with up to 6 months follow-up. The study investigated cardiovascular parameters to determine whether prolonged pathway inhibition adversely affects human cardiac muscle function or related safety endpoints. Demonstrating cardiac safety (or identifying risks) is crucial for translating myostatin/activin-targeted therapies into older populations where cardiovascular comorbidity is common.
Rooks D, Yates DP, Neelakantham S et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial remodeling and fibrosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis.
This prospective CMR study investigated myocardial remodeling and markers of fibrosis in adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance to quantify structural changes. The key finding was that CMR-based assessment could characterize LV remodeling trajectories in congenital AS and identify imaging markers associated with myocardial fibrosis after AVR. This is significant because it provides a noninvasive way to risk-stratify and monitor myocardial injury/remodeling in congenital AS patients using CMR biomarkers.
Keuning ZA, van den Bosch AE, Barreto BL et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Atrial Disease & Atrial Fibrillation (genetics, LA function, LAAO)
Multiple 4q25 risk variants impair calcium homeostasis and compromise left atrial function.
This genetic association study tested whether multiple 4q25 atrial fibrillation risk variants (rs1448818, rs2200733, rs10033464) impair calcium homeostasis and compromise left atrial function using analysis of 391,008 UK Biobank participants. The risk alleles increased incident atrial fibrillation in a dose-dependent manner, with additive genetic and clinical risk, and the variants were linked to mechanisms affecting calcium handling relevant to atrial dysfunction. Identifying SNP-specific calcium-homeostasis effects provides mechanistic targets that could refine risk prediction and inform future atrial fibrillation interventions.
Jiménez-Sábado V, Tarifa C, Vad OB et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Percutaneous and Surgical Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation: Contemporary Narrative Review.
This contemporary narrative review evaluated evidence for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) performed surgically (S-LAAO) versus percutaneously (pLAAO) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients, focusing on randomized trials and systematic reviews. The key finding was that direct comparative evidence remains limited, with emphasis on procedural safety, thromboembolic outcomes, and imaging-confirmed completeness of left atrial appendage exclusion across approaches. Scientifically and clinically, it supports individualized selection of S-LAAO versus pLAAO in AF patients who cannot take oral anticoagulation, while underscoring the need for more head-to-head data.
Chestaro JA, Price H, Matthews J et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Vascular Biology & Aortic/Atherosclerosis Imaging
Association between coronary high-intensity plaque and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation and plaque morphology.
In patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), this retrospective study examined whether high-intensity plaque (HIP) on T1-weighted cardiac MRI—defined by a plaque-to-myocardium signal intensity ratio (PMR) ≥1.4—associates with pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) and coronary plaque morphology on CCTA. Across 104 coronary lesions in 86 CCS patients undergoing both CMR and CCTA before elective PCI, HIP was evaluated against PCATA and plaque burden/morphology measures. The findings are intended to link CMR-derived plaque signal characteristics to CT-based perivascular fat changes, supporting multimodality risk characterization of coronary atherosclerosis.
Ishii Y, Watabe H, Usami K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR-based aortic stiffness parameters in a symptomatic high risk obstructive sleep apnea cohort: results from the population-based Hamburg City Health Study.
This population-based Hamburg City Health Study analysis examined associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and CMR-derived aortic stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity (PWV), ascending/descending aortic distensibility (AD AoAsc/AD AoDesc), and pulse pressure (PP). Using CMR-based 2D phase-contrast measurements for PWV and distensibility and blood pressure for PP, the study evaluated whether OSA status correlates with vascular aging markers. Establishing OSA–aortic stiffness links in a general population supports CMR-based risk stratification and reinforces the cardiovascular importance of diagnosing and treating OSA.
Riedl KA, Reuter K, Böttcher A et al. · BMC cardiovascular disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From Case Studies to Cohort of Patients: Automating FSI Simulations to Uncover Downstream Effects of Ascending Aortic Grafts.
The study developed and applied a fully automated, patient-specific fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulation pipeline to model downstream hemodynamic effects after ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection repair using synthetic Dacron grafts in patients. The key finding was that graft–native compliance mismatch can be translated into patient-specific changes in flow and wall mechanics that help explain reported downstream descending aortic dissection risk. This provides a scalable computational framework to predict post-operative sequelae and potentially guide surgical planning or graft selection to reduce adverse vascular remodeling.
Ianniruberto I, Astori D, Saitta S et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart Failure Phenotyping & Mechanisms (HFpEF/HFrEF)
Exercise Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Work-Volume Loop Model in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.
This study proposed an exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance (Ex-CMR) work-volume loop analytic framework to derive non-invasive compliance and contractile reserve metrics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), including distinguishing exercise-induced HFpEF from non-cardiac dyspnea (NCD). It focused on standardizing reserve quantification despite variability in exercise capacity and protocol constraints in dyspneic patients. Clinically, the model aims to improve phenotyping and interpretation of Ex-CMR reserve physiology for more accurate HFpEF diagnosis and characterization.
Ghanbari F, Rodriguez J, Gopal DM et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review of clinical practice guidelines and recommendations.
This systematic review evaluated international clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in adults. Twelve guidelines were identified, and seven met AGREE II criteria for methodological rigour, with broad consensus across included recommendations (details truncated in the abstract). The synthesis helps clinicians and policymakers understand current guideline alignment and where evidence-based recommendations may need harmonization.
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.
The study used a double-hit mouse model of HFpEF (high-fat diet plus chronic nitric oxide synthase inhibition with L-NAME) to characterize coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) using multimodal, non-invasive imaging. In C57BL/6 mice, cine/strain cardiac MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with galbumin and a redox-sensitive agent (3CP), and Doppler-based coronary flow reserve testing with multiple vasodilators were combined with ex vivo coronary micro-CT angiography and transmission electron microscopy. This mechanistic phenotyping platform can help resolve CMD-related HFpEF subtypes and guide targeted translational research.
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 review examined left atrial (LA) myopathy as a phenotypic/mechanistic axis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and its links to pulmonary hypertension and exercise intolerance. The key finding was that LA myopathy—encompassing structural remodeling, fibrosis, impaired compliance, and electrical dysfunction—may be central to HFpEF heterogeneity rather than only a downstream effect of elevated left ventricular filling pressures. Scientifically, it supports LA myopathy–targeted therapeutic strategies and improved phenotyping to enable more precise treatment selection in HFpEF.
Jabeen M, Younas S, Majid A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial Injury, Infarction & Reperfusion (STEMI/MVO/scar/cardioprotection)
Cardiac magnetic resonance in acute myocardial infarction undergoing thrombus aspiration.
In STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI with or without clinically indicated thrombus aspiration (TA), this single-center observational study used cardiac MRI at baseline and 12 months to evaluate microvascular obstruction (MVO) and myocardial scar/remodeling. The research specifically targeted whether TA alters long-term CMR outcomes compared with PCI alone, given MVO’s prognostic role. If TA shows differential effects on scar/MVO trajectories, it could refine procedural decision-making to improve long-term myocardial recovery after STEMI.
Del Torto A, Ventura E, Cannata F et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Deep learning-based non-contrast cine CMR for optimized prediction of left ventricular adverse remodeling after ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
This retrospective multicenter study developed and tested a deep learning (DL) model using non-contrast cine CMR to predict left ventricular adverse remodeling (LVAR) after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Using a two-stage coarse-to-fine approach with a 3D U-shaped network for myocardial localization/segmentation and a classification model integrating imaging, morphological, and motion features, it trained on 176 and tested on 76 STEMI patients. The work supports non-contrast cine CMR as a feasible imaging substrate for automated, early risk prediction of post-MI remodeling.
Bo K, Qu T, Wang H et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reperfusion Injury and Infarct Size: Why Translation has Been Difficult, and How We Move Forward.
This Current Cardiology Reports review examined why cardioprotection strategies targeting reperfusion injury have translated poorly in reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and proposed a framework for future trials. The key finding was that multiple contemporary cardioprotection trials in enriched STEMI cohorts were largely neutral for reducing infarct size on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), including STEMI-DTU, PiCSO-AMI-I, EURO-ICE, and COOL AMI EU. The significance is that it reframes trial design toward a more actionable, pathway-based approach to improve the likelihood of clinically meaningful cardioprotection.
Bulluck H, Hausenloy DJ · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Death (including device/ECG pitfalls)
Extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissection complicated by ventricular tachycardia storm and cardiogenic shock.
This BMJ Case Reports study describes a healthy man in his 40s who developed extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) of the left anterior descending artery after acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, with subsequent ventricular tachycardia storm and cardiogenic shock. Despite conservative management, he developed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction with an apical thrombus requiring repeated emergency direct-current cardioversions and intravenous amiodarone and lidocaine plus intra-aortic balloon pump support. The case highlights that extensive SCAD can rapidly progress to malignant ventricular arrhythmias and shock, emphasizing the need for close monitoring and readiness for aggressive rhythm and hemodynamic rescue.
Ng YW, Hill L, Smyth AI et al. · BMJ case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Occult Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation After Preoperative Cardiovascular Evaluation.
This JACC Case Reports article studied occult idiopathic ventricular fibrillation in a 50-year-old man who developed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest about 1 hour after preoperative cardiovascular clearance. The key finding was that extensive evaluation—including coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, electrophysiological study, and genetic testing—failed to identify structural heart disease or an inherited arrhythmia syndrome, leading to dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. Clinically, it underscores that “idiopathic” ventricular fibrillation can present abruptly even after preoperative clearance and supports consideration of vigilant perioperative risk assessment.
Ganthan RR, Isber R, Elcicek A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
LGL-Phenocopy With Dual AV Nodal Physiology and Malignant SVT: A Diagnostic Pitfall With Sudden Deaths.
This case report described a 45-year-old man with malignant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) where an Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) phenocopy with dual AV nodal physiology was identified as a diagnostic pitfall. During symptomatic ECG, the patient had SVT at ~220 bpm with a Hisian extrasystole and QRS variability, and after conversion the ECG showed a short PR interval with dual AV nodal physiology; family history included sudden cardiac death in three siblings. The report emphasizes that “benign” short-PR phenotypes can mask malignant arrhythmogenic substrates and may require careful risk assessment.
Negm AY, Zhfan S, Khalil M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathies & Genetic/Inherited Disease (DCM/HCM/ATTR/TTR)
Longitudinal changes in cardiac function, volumes and fibrosis in a prospective cohort of female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers.
This prospective cardiac MRI cohort study assessed longitudinal changes in ventricular volumes, function, and myocardial fibrosis by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in genetically confirmed female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers (MDC) versus non-carriers. Over repeated annual CMR visits, the study quantified how cardiac remodeling and fibrosis evolve over time in this population with heterozygous dystrophin mutations. Scientifically, it clarifies the natural history and potential cardiomyopathy phenotype in female carriers, informing surveillance and risk stratification strategies.
Ledingham L, Conroy S, Kanwar K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Imaging signatures of high-risk arrhythmogenic genotypes in dilated cardiomyopathy.
This prospective study enrolled 90 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and stratified them into high-risk arrhythmogenic variant carriers (HRAv; DSP, FLNC, LMNA, PLN), TTN truncating variant carriers (TTNtv), and genotype-negative patients (GN), then compared cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotypes. The key finding was that specific high-risk arrhythmogenic genotypes show distinct CMR imaging signatures compared with TTNtv and genotype-negative groups, supported by logistic regression analyses. Clinically, these genotype-linked CMR patterns can improve identification of patients at higher arrhythmic risk for targeted surveillance and management.
Zhang Z, Li Y, Xu Y et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Vutrisiran Treatment and Changes in Cardiac Parameters and Amyloid Burden Assessed by Cardiovascular MRI.
This JAMA Cardiology analysis assessed how vutrisiran treatment (an RNA interference therapeutic that suppresses hepatic TTR production) affected cardiac structure/function and amyloid burden measured by multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (including extracellular volume [ECV] mapping) in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy from the HELIOS-B trial. The key finding was the association between vutrisiran therapy and measurable changes in CMR-derived cardiac parameters and amyloid load over time. Scientifically, it strengthens the role of CMR tissue characterization (e.g., ECV) as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for ATTR-CM response to TTR-lowering therapy.
Razvi Y, Sheikh A, Patel RK et al. · JAMA cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
p.(V142I)-Associated Variant Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Complicating Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Lethal Combination.
This JACC Case Reports article describes a 51-year-old Nigerian man with complex congenital heart disease (double outlet right ventricle) who was ultimately diagnosed with variant transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRv-CM) due to homozygosity for the p.(V142I) TTR variant. The key finding was that the p.(V142I) genotype was confirmed after cardiac magnetic resonance and bone scintigraphy suggested amyloidosis, and the case illustrates a lethal combination with underlying congenital cardiac pathology and delayed care. Clinically, it underscores the aggressive nature of p.(V142I)-associated ATTRv-CM—particularly in individuals of African ancestry—and the importance of timely diagnosis in complex congenital heart disease.
Zathar Z, Choy CH, Al-Sakini N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.
This case report studied dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in a 54-year-old woman with SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP) and new left bundle branch block. The key finding was that echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated nonischemic DCM with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony after alternative causes were excluded, while extended cardiomyopathy gene testing was negative. Clinically, it documents a previously unreported cardiac manifestation of SPG4-HSP and supports cardiac evaluation in patients with SPG4-HSP even when cardiomyopathy is not expected.
Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Vitronectin-driven amyloid deposition disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis via integrin-mediated pathway in a humanized mouse model of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.
This preclinical 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. The key finding was that humanized knock-in mice expressing wild-type TTR (hTTRWT) or the V142I mutant (hTTRV142I) showed VTN-associated amyloid burden and cardiac dysfunction alongside disrupted mitochondrial homeostasis, consistent with an integrin-mediated mechanism. Scientifically, it provides mechanistic evidence linking extracellular matrix vitronectin to mitochondrial impairment in ATTR cardiac amyloidosis, supporting integrin/VTN pathway targeting as a potential therapeutic direction.
Qiu Z, Fan Y, Qin J et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
First Successful Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor Use for Donor-Derived HCM After Heart Transplant.
This case report studied the first successful use of the cardiac myosin inhibitor mavacamten (Camzyos) for donor-derived hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) after heart transplantation in a 55-year-old woman. The key finding was that she developed severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction early posttransplant, with donor-derived HCM confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance 5 months posttransplant, and mavacamten initiation at 11 months was used to manage persistent gradients and symptoms. Clinically, it suggests mavacamten may be an effective therapeutic option for rare donor-derived HCM after transplant when conventional therapies are insufficient.
Mohammed HA, Pillai A, Scatola A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital Heart Disease & Adult Congenital Interventions
Whole heart non-contrast 4D Flow MRI at 3.0T for clinical follow-up of congenital heart disease in children and adolescents.
In a prospective pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) follow-up setting, this study compared accelerated whole-heart non-contrast 4D flow MRI at 3.0T (WH-4DF) with conventional 2D phase-contrast (2D-PC) and volumetric measurements. Among 71 surgically corrected pediatric patients (median age 14 years), both 2D-PC and WH-4DF were acquired during routine clinical follow-up to assess feasibility and applicability. The results support using whole-heart 4D flow MRI to reduce plane dependence and breath-hold burden while improving hemodynamic assessment in children and adolescents with CHD.
van Schuppen J, van der Hulst AE, Takx RAP et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Modified natural cycle versus hormone replacement therapy embryo transfer in women over 40 years old: a retrospective analysis.
This retrospective multicenter cohort study compared modified natural cycle embryo transfer (mNC-ET) versus hormone replacement therapy embryo transfer (HRT-ET) in women aged ≥40 years undergoing single embryo transfer (SET), analyzing 26,039 SETs in 16,579 women across 21 clinics in Spain and Italy. The key finding (as framed by the study objective) was the relative reproductive outcomes—particularly live birth rate—between mNC-ET and HRT-ET protocols using euploid frozen transfers for autologous cycles and both fresh and frozen transfers for egg-donor cycles. Clinically, the results inform which endometrial preparation strategy may optimize outcomes for women over 40 when using SET and euploid embryo selection.
Molinaro P, Napoleoni E, Alonso C et al. · Fertility and sterility · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Guiding Pacemaker Implantation With Multimodality Imaging in an Adult With Ventricular Septal Defect.
This JACC Case Reports article describes a 57-year-old adult with congenital ventricular septal defect and repaired coarctation who developed complete heart block requiring pacemaker implantation. The key finding was that multimodality imaging helped plan lead positioning in the setting of complex septal anatomy to improve procedural safety and reduce technical difficulty. Clinically, it supports using advanced imaging to guide device implantation in adult congenital heart disease patients with challenging anatomy.
Singh AK, Eastwood C, Wong C · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Transcatheter atrial flow regulator implantation in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension in resource-limited settings: a single-centre experience.
This single-centre retrospective experience evaluated transcatheter atrial flow regulator implantation in six children with severe World Health Organization Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension in resource-limited settings. The intervention was used as an alternative strategy when access to parenteral prostacyclin was constrained, aiming to create a controlled interatrial shunt for right-heart decompression. The report provides early real-world feasibility and clinical experience that may inform care pathways where standard prostacyclin delivery is difficult.
Das B, Maiya S, Khan B et al. · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardio-Oncology & Cancer-Related Cardiac Disease
Prognostic value of different metabolic response criteria in patients with advanced melanoma treated with immunotherapy: a comparative analysis of PECRIT, PERCIMT, and EORTC criteria.
This retrospective study evaluated prognostic performance of [18F]FDG-PET/CT metabolic response criteria (PECRIT, PERCIMT, and EORTC) in patients with advanced melanoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Across baseline and interim PET/CT scans, the different criteria produced distinct metabolic response categorizations (CMR/PMR/SMD/PMD) with varying prognostic performance for outcomes. These findings help standardize PET/CT response assessment in advanced melanoma on ICIs, potentially improving risk stratification and treatment monitoring.
Di Giorgio A, Comito F, Bonazzi N et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Targeted KRASG12V Degradation In Vivo Elicits Lung Adenocarcinoma Regression with Subsequent Relapse from Dysregulated Proteolysis.
This preclinical study developed an in vivo lung adenocarcinoma mouse model to test targeted degradation of KRASG12V using a PROTAC approach. Targeted oncogenic KRASG12V degradation induced rapid tumor regression driven largely by cancer cell-autonomous effects, but tumors subsequently relapsed associated with dysregulated proteolysis. These results support KRASG12V PROTACs as a potential strategy to overcome resistance seen with direct KRAS inhibition, while highlighting proteolysis-related relapse mechanisms.
Martín A, García-Pérez IM, San José S et al. · Cancer research · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging of a Massive Intrapericardial Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This JACC Case Reports study presented a 68-year-old man with a massive intrapericardial mediastinal hemangioma who had a severe iodinated contrast allergy that prevented standard contrast-based imaging. The key finding was that an iodine-free multimodality diagnostic strategy—2’-deoxy-2’-[F-18] fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT, cardiac magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound—combined with 3-dimensional reconstruction enabled safe complete surgical resection. The significance is a practical imaging pathway for diagnosing and planning surgery when iodinated contrast is contraindicated.
Weng J, Han J, Mao Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Osteosarcoma in a Young Patient: When the Tumor Reaches the Heart.
This case report studied cardiac metastasis from osteosarcoma in a 17-year-old boy with prior osteosarcoma who presented with dyspnea and palpitations. The key finding was that transthoracic echocardiography showed a mobile intracardiac mass attached to the tricuspid subvalvular apparatus with partial right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement suggested malignancy; surgical resection and histopathology confirmed metastatic osteosarcoma. Scientifically and clinically, it emphasizes the diagnostic value of multimodality cardiac imaging for late, rare cardiac involvement by osteosarcoma.
Melem IC, Baratta SJ, Gutierrez G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Radiation-Associated Mesothelioma With Mixed Constrictive-Restrictive Physiology After Mantle-Field Radiotherapy.
This case report studied radiation-associated mesothelioma presenting with mixed constrictive–restrictive physiology decades after mantle-field radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma in a 60-year-old woman. The key finding was that echocardiography and cardiac catheterization suggested constrictive physiology while cardiac magnetic resonance was nondiagnostic, and PET-CT demonstrated hypermetabolic pleural, mediastinal, and pericardial lesions consistent with malignant mesothelioma. Clinically, it highlights the need to consider late thoracic malignancy when cardiothoracic physiology is complex and standard cardiac imaging is inconclusive.
Bensaber R, Serratrice J, Poku NK · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
New perspectives on chagasic cardiomyopathy: A narrative review of genetics, magnetic resonance imaging and therapeutic alternatives.
This narrative review summarized evidence (2020–2026) on genetics, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and therapeutic alternatives for chagasic cardiomyopathy due to American trypanosomiasis. It reports that available data challenge a simple link between parasite lineage and cardiac severity, instead implicating the host inflammatory response as a primary driver, and it discusses the diagnostic utility of cardiac MRI and treatment options including trypanocidal and advanced support therapies. The review supports updated, host-focused risk stratification and improved imaging-based diagnosis in endemic settings such as Peru.
Velasco Hurtado JM, Quispe Zavala D, Vilela Luchini C et al. · Medwave · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Thromboembolism & Intracardiac Thrombi
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 potential cardioembolic source of stroke in a 42-year-old woman with recurrent cortical ischemic events and no other embolic source on exhaustive work-up. The key finding was that MVSA was the only identifiable cause of recurrent embolic stroke despite comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. Clinically, the report highlights MVSA as a rare but important differential diagnosis for unexplained recurrent embolic stroke and supports careful cardiac imaging/assessment when standard embolic sources 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 ↗
Beyond Echocardiography: Multimodality Imaging of a Mitral Valve Blood Cyst in Cryptogenic Stroke.
This case report used multimodality imaging to diagnose a mitral valve blood cyst in a 52-year-old woman presenting with acute ischemic stroke. Echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography identified a thin-walled mobile cystic mass on the posterior mitral leaflet, while noncontrast cardiac MRI showed internal signal isointense with the left ventricular blood pool throughout the cardiac cycle, distinguishing it from solid tumors or caseous calcifications. The imaging approach helps prevent misdiagnosis of rare benign lesions that can present with cryptogenic stroke.
Güleşir ME, Topal B, Uğraş UA et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Intracardiac Thrombi Mimicking Cardiac Metastases in a Patient With Lung Adenocarcinoma.
This case report studied a 50-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma and venous thromboembolism who developed two right-sided intracardiac masses that initially appeared consistent with cardiac metastases on cardiac magnetic resonance. The key finding was that histopathology of an excised atrial mass showed organizing thrombus and that the remaining ventricular lesion resolved within one month of therapeutic enoxaparin. Clinically, it highlights that cancer-associated intracardiac thrombi can mimic metastatic disease on cardiac MRI and that 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 ↗
Inflammatory/Immune Cardiac Conditions (myocarditis/TTS)
Takotsubo Syndrome: From Pathophysiology and Diagnosis to Management.
This review article summarizes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in predominantly postmenopausal women who present with acute heart failure and transient left ventricular dysfunction. It highlights that TTS mimics acute myocardial infarction and is characterized by regional wall motion abnormalities extending beyond a single coronary territory without culprit coronary lesions, often triggered by emotional or physical stressors. Clinically, it consolidates current diagnostic criteria and management considerations to improve differentiation from acute coronary syndromes and guide treatment of this reversible cardiomyopathy.
Marschall A, Salamanca J, Cecconi A et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis in the Modern Era: Navigating Diagnosis, Innovative Treatments, the COVID-19 Challenge and the Role of Artificial Intelligence.
This narrative review examined modern approaches to myocarditis diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the COVID-19 era and the role of artificial intelligence. It highlights that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) using the Lake Louise Criteria, supplemented by parametric imaging, has improved noninvasive diagnostic accuracy compared with reliance on invasive biopsy. The review underscores how evolving imaging and AI tools may refine myocarditis detection and guide innovative therapies.
Mohee K, Antoun I, Ambrogetti R et al. · Cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging AI, Automation & Computational Methods
CineScribe: LLM-based detection and mitigation of ambiguity in cine cardiac magnetic resonance reports.
CineScribe, an LLM trained on expert-annotated cine cardiac MRI (cineCMR) free-text reports, was developed to convert unstructured regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) descriptions into standardized structured outputs. The model achieved high performance for report structuring (macro-F1 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94) and was designed to detect/mitigate ambiguity that can otherwise cause miscommunication. This supports more consistent cineCMR interpretation and downstream clinical decision-making by standardizing RWMA extraction from routine reports.
Villanueva Benito G, Descalzo ML, Pujadas S et al. · Computers in biology and medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Robust Audio-Visual Question Answering with Missing Modality in Training and Testing.
This paper studied audio-visual question answering (AVQA) under a modality-missing setting by introducing Training-time Modality-Missing AVQA (TM-AVQA), where audio-missing and/or visual-missing samples can occur during both training and testing. The authors developed a robust approach for AVQA that maintains performance despite missing modalities caused by signal loss or privacy-driven removal. This is significant for deploying AVQA systems in real-world settings where complete audio and visual streams cannot be guaranteed.
Zhou J, Li Z, Hu D et al. · IEEE transactions on pattern analysis and machine intelligence · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 algorithmic development to clinical implementation between 2023 and 2026. The key finding was that AI approaches are increasingly enabling automated, quantitative, patient-specific cardiovascular assessment that addresses limitations of operator-dependent interpretation and static population thresholds. Scientifically and clinically, it frames current opportunities and challenges for translating AI-driven imaging/risk tools into meaningful decision support for cardiovascular care.
Xia X, Khan WU, Khan Q et al. · Trends in cardiovascular medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Non-cardiac/Systems Biomarkers & Cross-Organ Risk (gut microbiome, kidney, sleep, etc.)
Diabetes-associated diffuse myocardial fibrosis assessed by native T1 mapping: Adverse cardiac phenotype and modest incremental prognostic value in a real-world cohort.
In a real-world prospective all-comer registry, this study evaluated whether diabetes-associated diffuse myocardial fibrosis assessed by native T1 mapping identifies an adverse cardiac phenotype and adds prognostic value beyond clinical risk factors. Native T1 mapping and related CMR measures were compared between diabetes and non-diabetes groups, with adjustment for LV end-diastolic volume index and major fibrosis-inducing comorbidities, and outcomes included a composite of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (and related endpoint as reported). The work suggests native T1 mapping may improve risk stratification in diabetes by capturing diffuse fibrotic remodeling with modest incremental prognostic utility.
Treiber JM, Backhaus SJ, Wolter JS et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate predicts cardiometabolic risk in patients with coronary artery disease.
This prospective cohort study evaluated whether gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate (ImP) predicts cardiometabolic risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) across independent ACS and CCS cohorts. Circulating ImP levels were measured in Swiss ACS (n=4787), Swiss CMR (n=150), German ACS (n=1428), and German CCS (n=701) cohorts and were associated with adverse outcomes consistent with higher cardiometabolic risk. If validated clinically, ImP could serve as a microbiome-linked biomarker to improve prognosis and potentially guide risk management in CAD.
Wenzl FA, Wang P, Kahles F et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 11 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging-Derived Sarcopenic Obesity and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights Into Heart Failure Risk and Muscle Biology.
This study investigated imaging-derived sarcopenic obesity and its relationship to cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure risk and muscle biology, using long-term follow-up plus genomic and transcriptomic data. The key finding was that a deep learning pipeline quantified pectoralis major muscle mass to operationalize sarcopenic obesity from cardiovascular imaging and linked this phenotype to differential cardiovascular outcomes and biological signatures. Scientifically and clinically, it supports a translatable imaging-based approach to refine risk stratification beyond BMI by incorporating muscle-fat composition.
Sanghvi MM, Nicholls HL, Kaplan TM et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Genome sequence of Propionimicrobium lymphophilum ARP01 isolated from the human vaginal tract.
The study reported the isolation and whole-genome sequencing of Propionimicrobium lymphophilum strain ARP01 from a vaginal swab of a healthy 52-year-old Caucasian woman in the United States. Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the genome assembly produced a single contig of 2.2 Mbp. This provides a reference genome for a human vaginal tract commensal that can support future microbiome and comparative genomics studies.
Peel AR, Churchill H, Hayward MR et al. · Microbiology resource announcements · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Development and evaluation of a Raman detector for non-destructive identification and quantitation of cytostatic drugs in different primary packaging containers.
The study developed and tested a dedicated Raman detector for non-destructive identification and quantitation of cytostatic drugs directly through closed primary packaging, focusing on cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine. Raman measurements in sealed infusion glass quantified drug concentrations in clinically relevant ranges (1–45 mg/mL) in aqueous liquids. This supports improved hospital/community pharmacy quality control for personalized chemotherapy by enabling rapid, non-invasive verification of cytostatic drug content.
Siegmund P, Klinken-Uth S, Michel A et al. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on August 15, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 08, 2026 – August 15, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.