What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

August 16, 2026 · 48 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 09, 2026 – August 16, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set of papers, a dominant theme is the push toward more precise, mechanism- and tissue-informed cardiovascular phenotyping—especially using cardiac MRI. Multiple studies focus on improving the interpretability and transferability of CMR biomarkers (e.g., native T1 reference ranges, diabetes-associated diffuse fibrosis, aortic stiffness in obstructive sleep apnea, and monitoring myocardial tissue characteristics after interventions such as TIPS). Together, these works emphasize that “what you measure” (mapping, ECV, LGE, stiffness metrics) and “how you measure it” (population-specific references, site variability, standardized endpoints) materially affect clinical translation.

A second major thread is risk stratification and prognosis using advanced analytics—ranging from deep learning on cine CMR to physics-informed reconstruction and multimodal AI. Several papers propose automated or more robust computational approaches to reduce operator dependence and improve consistency (e.g., non-contrast cine CMR for adverse remodeling prediction, LLM-based structuring of cineCMR reports, and wearable seismocardiography as a proxy for mechanical function). In parallel, clinical and translational studies continue to link imaging phenotypes to underlying biology: genetic variants and calcium handling in atrial fibrillation, genotype-informed CMR signatures in dilated cardiomyopathy, and microbiome-derived imidazole propionate as a biomarker for coronary artery disease outcomes.

Finally, the digest highlights ongoing efforts to refine diagnosis and management in complex or high-stakes scenarios—ranging from myocarditis and Takotsubo differentiation to rare structural causes of embolic stroke, late radiation cardiac complications, and perioperative arrhythmia vigilance. Therapeutic monitoring and resistance mechanisms also appear, including ATTR amyloidosis response tracking with multiparametric CMR and KRAS PROTAC resistance linked to dysregulated proteolysis. Overall, the collection points toward a future where cardiovascular care is increasingly personalized through integrated imaging, biomarkers, and AI-enabled interpretation.

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Clinical Guidelines & Care Pathways (HFrEF)

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 euploid frozen embryo transfer (SET) or donor cycles, totaling 26,039 SETs in 16,579 women across 21 clinics in Spain and Italy. The key finding (not fully visible in the truncated abstract) was the relative reproductive outcomes—particularly live birth rate—between mNC-ET and HRT-ET protocols in this older population. Clinically, the results aim to inform endometrial preparation choice for maximizing live birth in women ≥40, where protocol selection can affect implantation and pregnancy outcomes.

Molinaro P, Napoleoni E, Alonso C et al. · Fertility and sterility · (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. Across 12 identified guidelines, seven met AGREE II criteria for methodological rigour and showed broad consensus on core diagnostic and treatment recommendations. The synthesis supports evidence-based alignment of HFrEF care pathways and highlights where guideline development quality may affect clinical implementation.

Datta S, Majumder S, Gulsin GS et al. · European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes · (2026) · 3 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Imaging Biomarkers & Tissue Characterization (CMR mapping/LGE/ECV)

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 single-center CMR registry, this study evaluated whether diabetes-associated diffuse myocardial fibrosis can be detected using native T1 mapping and whether it adds prognostic value beyond established clinical risk factors. Native T1 mapping was compared between diabetes mellitus (DM) and non-DM 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 (with additional endpoint details truncated). The work suggests native T1 mapping captures an adverse diabetic myocardial phenotype and may offer modest incremental prognosis for diabetic patients undergoing CMR.

Treiber JM, Backhaus SJ, Wolter JS et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 volunteer cohort using cardiac MRI sequences MOLLI 5(3)3 and SMART1Map, and assessed sex- and age-related differences as well as inter-site variability of MOLLI across two centers. Native T1 values differed by demographic factors and showed measurable site-related variability despite identical scanners and protocols. Population-specific reference values for MOLLI/SMART1Map can improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical interpretation of myocardial tissue characterization in Tunisian patients.

Dali M, Benameur N, Deriche M et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance reveals stable myocardial tissue characteristics despite cardiac remodelling after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis.

This prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study assessed how transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) affects cardiac function, remodeling, and myocardial tissue characteristics in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. Despite acute preload changes after TIPS, CMR showed stable myocardial tissue characteristics over follow-up while cardiac remodeling occurred. These data suggest that TIPS-related cardiac remodeling may not necessarily translate into progressive myocardial tissue injury, informing monitoring strategies in cirrhosis patients.

Zange L, Gröschel J, Abdalla H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 used CMR-derived aortic stiffness parameters—pulse wave velocity (PWV), ascending/descending aortic distensibility (AD AoAsc/AD AoDesc), and pulse pressure (PP)—to test associations with symptomatic high-risk obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study found specific relationships between OSA status and aortic stiffness measures, supporting OSA as a vascular aging risk factor detectable by CMR. These results strengthen the case for using CMR aortic stiffness metrics to identify and monitor cardiovascular risk in OSA.

Riedl KA, Reuter K, Böttcher A et al. · BMC cardiovascular disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 cardiac safety of chronic inhibition of the myostatin-activin pathway with bimagrumab in 68 healthy older adults (60–86 years) over 6 months with follow-up. The study reported the effects of extended bimagrumab exposure on cardiovascular parameters, supporting an assessment of tolerability and cardiac safety in humans. Establishing cardiac safety for bimagrumab is important for the broader development of myostatin-activin pathway inhibitors aimed at improving muscle and metabolic health in older adults.

Rooks D, Yates DP, Neelakantham S et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Imaging for Mechanics & Hemodynamics (4D flow, strain, deformation, compliance)

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 clinical follow-up study of 71 pediatric patients (median age 14 years) with surgically corrected congenital heart disease (CHD), whole-heart accelerated non-contrast 4D flow MRI at 3.0T (WH-4DF) was compared with conventional 2D phase-contrast (2D-PC) and volumetric measurements. The study evaluated feasibility and performance of WH-4DF in routine follow-up, demonstrating its applicability for pediatric CHD hemodynamic assessment. This supports broader clinical adoption of 4D flow MRI to reduce limitations of fixed-plane, operator-dependent, multi-breath-hold 2D-PC imaging.

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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 (finite strain tensor across the myocardial wall) from 3D echocardiography and validated it against cardiac MRI in a small cohort. The reconstructed transmural deformation agreed with cardiac MRI measurements, demonstrating feasibility of capturing out-of-plane transmural mechanics beyond conventional 2D/standard 3D echocardiography. A validated physics-informed 3D echo approach could improve clinical assessment of myocardial mechanics for cardiology diagnostics and research.

Pradhan SP, Yavari A, Lindley ID et al. · Annals of biomedical engineering · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This study evaluated correlations between seismocardiography (SCG) markers and systolic/diastolic function measures from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 26 adults (10 healthy and 16 with cardiovascular disease). SCG variables showed measurable associations with corresponding TTE/CMR systolic and diastolic indices, supporting SCG as a wearable proxy for cardiac mechanical function. If validated in larger cohorts, SCG could enable lower-cost, operator-independent monitoring of cardiac function alongside standard imaging.

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

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Multimodality Imaging in Complex/Structural Heart Disease

Myocardial remodeling and fibrosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis.

This prospective CMR study investigated adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis to characterize left ventricular (LV) remodeling before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR) and to identify CMR markers associated with myocardial fibrosis. Using cardiovascular magnetic resonance to quantify structural remodeling (details truncated), the study aimed to link pre/post-AVR imaging changes with fibrosis-related metrics in congenital AS patients. Scientifically, it addresses a gap in structural remodeling data for congenital AS and supports CMR as a tool for risk stratification and monitoring after AVR.

Keuning ZA, van den Bosch AE, Barreto BL et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multimodality Imaging of a Massive Intrapericardial Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Diagnostic Challenge.

This JACC Case Reports report describes a 68-year-old man with a massive intrapericardial mediastinal hemangioma who had a severe iodinated contrast allergy, creating a diagnostic barrier. Using an iodine-free multimodality approach—2’-deoxy-2’-[F-18] fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT, cardiac MRI, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound—plus 3D reconstruction, clinicians achieved safe complete surgical resection of an adventitial mixed hemangioma. The case is significant because it demonstrates a practical imaging pathway when iodinated contrast is contraindicated, improving diagnostic confidence and procedural planning.

Weng J, Han J, Mao Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Membranous Interventricular Septal Aneurysm (MVSA) as a rare potential cause of embolic stroke: a case report and literature review.

This Neurological Sciences case report and literature review investigated membranous interventricular septal aneurysm (MVSA) as a rare potential source of cardioembolic stroke. The authors report a 42-year-old woman with recurrent cortical ischemic strokes in whom an exhaustive diagnostic work-up found no alternative embolic source other than MVSA, and they summarize clinical and radiological features from previously reported cases. The significance is that MVSA should be considered in cryptogenic or recurrent embolic stroke evaluations, potentially guiding targeted cardiac imaging and management.

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 ↗

Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.

This JACC Case Reports article describes a 54-year-old woman with genetically confirmed SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP) who developed progressive dyspnea and a new left bundle branch block. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, while extended cardiomyopathy gene testing was negative. The case suggests SPG4-HSP may have previously unrecognized systemic cardiac involvement and supports cardiac imaging evaluation in symptomatic patients.

Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Radiation-Associated Mesothelioma With Mixed Constrictive-Restrictive Physiology After Mantle-Field Radiotherapy.

This JACC Case Reports article describes a 60-year-old woman with radiation-associated mesothelioma decades after mantle-field radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma who developed recurrent pleuropericarditis and heart failure symptoms. Echocardiography and cardiac catheterization suggested constrictive physiology, while cardiac magnetic resonance was nondiagnostic and PET-CT demonstrated hypermetabolic pleural, mediastinal, and pericardial lesions. The case illustrates how late radiation complications can produce mixed constrictive-restrictive physiology and the importance of multimodality imaging for diagnosis.

Bensaber R, Serratrice J, Poku NK · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

First Successful Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor Use for Donor-Derived HCM After Heart Transplant.

This case report describes 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. After persistent severe dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance, mavacamten was initiated when gradients and symptoms persisted despite calcium channel blocker and later beta-blocker therapy. The report suggests mavacamten may be an effective early therapeutic option for rare post-transplant donor-derived HCM.

Mohammed HA, Pillai A, Scatola A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Beyond Echocardiography: Multimodality Imaging of a Mitral Valve Blood Cyst in Cryptogenic Stroke.

This case report used multimodality imaging to evaluate a mitral valve blood cyst in a 52-year-old woman presenting with acute ischemic stroke. While echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography identified a thin-walled mobile posterior mitral leaflet cyst, noncontrast cardiac MRI showed an internal signal isointense with the left ventricular blood pool throughout the cardiac cycle, distinguishing it from solid tumors and caseous calcifications. The report demonstrates that CMR dynamic signal characteristics can definitively clarify rare mitral cystic lesions in cryptogenic stroke workups.

Güleşir ME, Topal B, Uğraş UA et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Death (clinical cases/phenotypes)

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, and genetic/clinical risk showed additive effects, supporting a mechanistic link via altered calcium handling. Identifying SNP-specific calcium dysregulation provides a scientific rationale for more targeted prevention or therapeutic strategies for atrial fibrillation.

Jiménez-Sábado V, Tarifa C, Vad OB et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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; n=30), TTN truncating variant carriers (TTNtv; n=30), and genotype-negative patients (GN; n=30). The key finding (truncated) was that CMR phenotypes and clinical presentation differed across these genotype groups, with logistic regression used to associate imaging parameters with high-risk arrhythmogenic genotypes. The work is significant because it links specific DCM genes to imaging “signatures,” potentially enabling genotype-informed arrhythmia risk assessment using CMR.

Zhang Z, Li Y, Xu Y et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Occult Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation After Preoperative Cardiovascular Evaluation.

This JACC Case Reports report describes a 50-year-old man with occult idiopathic ventricular fibrillation occurring about 1 hour after preoperative cardiovascular clearance for elective surgery, despite no structural heart disease or inherited arrhythmia syndrome on workup. Coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, electrophysiological study, and genetic testing were unrevealing, and a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The case highlights the need for heightened perioperative vigilance and consideration of ICD therapy even when conventional imaging and genetic evaluation fail to identify a cause.

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 presenting with malignant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in whom an Lown-Ganong-Levine (LGL) phenocopy was identified with dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal physiology. Despite an initially “benign” short PR interval without preexcitation, ECG during symptoms showed SVT (~220 bpm) with Hisian extrasystole and postconversion ECG demonstrated short PR plus dual AV nodal physiology, alongside a family history of sudden cardiac death. The report highlights a diagnostic pitfall where LGL-phenocopy patterns can mask malignant arrhythmogenic substrates and sudden-death risk.

Negm AY, Zhfan S, Khalil M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Heart Failure Phenotyping & Outcomes (HFpEF/HFrEF remodeling/prognosis)

Longitudinal changes in cardiac function, volumes and fibrosis in a prospective cohort of female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers.

This prospective cohort study used cardiac MRI with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) to characterize longitudinal changes in ventricular volumes, function, and myocardial fibrosis in genetically confirmed female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers (MDC) versus non-carrier females. Across repeated annual CMR visits, the study quantified how cardiac remodeling and fibrosis evolved over time in this understudied heterozygous population. These data improve understanding of the natural history and potential cardiomyopathy trajectory in female dystrophin-mutation carriers, informing surveillance and future intervention strategies.

Ledingham L, Conroy S, Kanwar K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 in dyspneic patients with limited exercise capacity, where conventional protocols are difficult to implement. The framework aims to improve physiologic phenotyping of HFpEF and refine diagnosis of exercise-induced HFpEF using Ex-CMR.

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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Imaging-Derived Sarcopenic Obesity and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights Into Heart Failure Risk and Muscle Biology.

This study developed and validated a deep learning pipeline to derive imaging-based sarcopenic obesity measures (pectoralis major muscle mass plus fat-related features) and tested their association with heart failure risk using long-term follow-up plus genomic and transcriptomic data. Imaging-derived sarcopenic obesity provided additional prognostic insight into heart failure outcomes beyond conventional obesity metrics. If translatable, this approach could improve risk stratification by capturing muscle-fat biology from routine cardiovascular imaging.

Sanghvi MM, Nicholls HL, Kaplan TM et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Multiple manifestations of coronary microvascular dysfunction in a double-hit mouse model of HFpEF.

This preclinical 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 redox-sensitive 3CP agents, and Doppler-based coronary flow reserve testing with multiple vasodilators revealed multiple CMD manifestations. The work supports mechanism-resolved phenotyping of HFpEF-related CMD and provides imaging endpoints for future therapeutic testing.

Kwiatkowski G, Tyrankiewicz U, Mosiołek S et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Coronary Artery Disease & Ischemic Injury (SCAD, STEMI, plaque biology, microvascular obstruction)

Association between coronary high-intensity plaque and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation and plaque morphology.

In patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), this retrospective study evaluated whether high-intensity plaque (HIP) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) relates to pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) and coronary plaque morphology on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). HIP was defined using a plaque-to-myocardium signal intensity ratio (PMR) of ≥1.4 on T1-weighted CMR, and the study analyzed PCATA at the target lesion alongside CCTA plaque burden and morphology. The findings link CMR-defined plaque signal characteristics to perivascular fat changes and CT plaque phenotype, supporting multimodality risk characterization of coronary disease.

Ishii Y, Watabe H, Usami K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac magnetic resonance in acute myocardial infarction undergoing thrombus aspiration.

This single-center observational cohort study assessed whether clinically indicated thrombus aspiration (TA) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affects microvascular obstruction (MVO) and myocardial scar/remodeling in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients using cardiac MRI (CMR) at baseline and 12 months. The key aim was to compare CMR outcomes between STEMI patients treated with primary PCI with versus without TA, focusing on MVO and long-term scar characteristics. The results are intended to clarify whether TA meaningfully improves myocardial tissue-level outcomes beyond acute procedural goals.

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.

A retrospective multicenter study developed and tested a non-contrast cine CMR deep learning (DL) model to predict left ventricular adverse remodeling (LVAR) after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Using a two-stage coarse-to-fine 3D U-shaped network for myocardial localization/segmentation and a classification model integrating imaging, morphological, and motion features, the model was trained on 176 and tested on 76 STEMI patients. If validated, this approach could enable earlier, non-contrast risk stratification for post-STEMI remodeling using automated cineCMR analysis.

Bo K, Qu T, Wang H et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissection complicated by ventricular tachycardia storm and cardiogenic shock.

This BMJ case report describes a healthy man in his 40s who developed extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) of the left anterior descending artery after acute anterolateral ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, complicated by ventricular tachycardia storm and cardiogenic shock. Intravascular ultrasound-guided diagnosis showed TIMI II distal flow, and despite conservative management he required repeated emergency direct-current cardioversions plus intravenous amiodarone and lidocaine with intra-aortic balloon pump support. The case highlights that severe SCAD can rapidly progress to malignant ventricular arrhythmias and shock, underscoring 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 ↗

Reperfusion Injury and Infarct Size: Why Translation has Been Difficult, and How We Move Forward.

This review article evaluated why cardioprotection strategies have struggled to translate into clinical benefit in reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and proposed a framework for future trials. It highlights that multiple contemporary cardioprotection trials in enriched STEMI cohorts were largely neutral for reducing CMR-measured infarct size (e.g., STEMI-DTU, PiCSO-AMI-I, EURO-ICE, COOL AMI EU). The significance is methodological: it argues for rethinking trial design around interrelated injury pathways to improve the likelihood of clinically actionable cardioprotection.

Bulluck H, Hausenloy DJ · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Amyloidosis & Proteinopathy (ATTR and related mechanisms/therapy monitoring)

Vutrisiran Treatment and Changes in Cardiac Parameters and Amyloid Burden Assessed by Cardiovascular MRI.

This JAMA Cardiology analysis examined how vutrisiran treatment (an RNA interference drug that suppresses hepatic transthyretin production) affects cardiac structure/function and myocardial 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 (truncated) was the association between vutrisiran therapy and changes in CMR-derived cardiac parameters and amyloid-related tissue characterization. Clinically, it supports CMR biomarkers such as ECV as measurable endpoints for monitoring therapeutic response in ATTR cardiomyopathy.

Razvi Y, Sheikh A, Patel RK et al. · JAMA cardiology · (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 used humanized knock-in mice expressing wild-type transthyretin (hTTRWT) or the V142I mutant (hTTRV142I) to test whether vitronectin (VTN)-driven amyloid deposition disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis via an integrin-mediated pathway in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. The authors reported that VTN-associated amyloid deposition impaired mitochondrial homeostasis and worsened cardiac structure/function, consistent with integrin-pathway involvement. These findings provide mechanistic targets (VTN/integrin signaling and mitochondrial dysfunction) that could inform future therapies for ATTR cardiac amyloidosis.

Qiu Z, Fan Y, Qin J et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Myocarditis & Inflammatory Cardiomyopathies

Takotsubo Syndrome: From Pathophysiology and Diagnosis to Management.

This review article examined the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), focusing on its typical presentation in postmenopausal women and its overlap with acute myocardial infarction. It highlights that TTS is characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction with regional wall-motion abnormalities extending beyond a single coronary territory in the absence of culprit coronary lesions, often triggered by emotional or physical stressors. Clinically, consolidating these mechanisms and diagnostic principles helps improve differentiation from STEMI/NSTEMI and guides appropriate management of this acute heart failure syndrome.

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, including the impact of COVID-19 and the emerging role of artificial intelligence, across diverse patient populations and etiologies. 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 updated diagnostic frameworks and AI-enabled tools could accelerate recognition and management of myocarditis, including in the context of COVID-19.

Mohee K, Antoun I, Ambrogetti R et al. · Cardiology research and practice · (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 from 2020–2026 on chagasic cardiomyopathy, focusing on genetics, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and therapeutic alternatives in people with American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), particularly in endemic settings such as Peru. 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 emphasizes the diagnostic value of CMR. The review informs improved risk stratification and diagnostic strategies and frames therapeutic options beyond traditional trypanocidal approaches.

Velasco Hurtado JM, Quispe Zavala D, Vilela Luchini C et al. · Medwave · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Valvular & Atrial Appendage Interventions (LAAO, valve disease)

Percutaneous and surgical left atrial appendage occlusion in non-valvular atrial fibrillation: Contemporary narrative review.

This contemporary narrative review evaluated surgical left atrial appendage occlusion (S-LAAO) and percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (pLAAO) for non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients who have contraindications to oral anticoagulation. It synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, focusing on procedural safety, thromboembolic outcomes, and imaging-confirmed completeness of left atrial appendage exclusion. The review is significant because it clarifies comparative effectiveness and technical success considerations that guide selection between surgical and catheter-based LAAO strategies.

Chestaro JA, Price H, Matthews J et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Pulmonary Hypertension & Right-Heart Failure Strategies

Transcatheter atrial flow regulator implantation in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension in resource-limited settings: a single-centre experience.

This retrospective single-centre study evaluated transcatheter atrial flow regulator implantation in six children with severe World Health Organization Group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension in resource-limited settings. The authors report their clinical experience using the atrial flow regulator to create a controlled interatrial shunt to decompress the right heart when access to parenteral prostacyclin is constrained. The findings support feasibility of this device-based strategy as an alternative pathway for right-heart failure management in settings with limited targeted therapy infrastructure.

Das B, Maiya S, Khan B et al. · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Congenital Heart Disease & Adult Congenital Interventions

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 prior surgical repairs who presented with complete heart block requiring pacemaker implantation. It emphasizes that multimodality imaging can map complex septal anatomy to guide lead positioning and improve procedural safety in adult congenital heart disease. The clinical significance is that imaging-guided planning may reduce technical difficulty and complications when implanting pacemakers in anatomically complex patients.

Singh AK, Eastwood C, Wong C · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardio-Oncology & Metastatic/Secondary 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). Different metabolic response categorizations (CMR/PMR/SMD/PMD) were compared for their ability to predict outcomes, with the study concluding that one or more criteria provided superior prognostic stratification. These findings help standardize PET/CT response assessment in advanced melanoma immunotherapy, potentially improving risk-adapted clinical decision-making.

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, examining tumor regression and subsequent relapse mechanisms. Targeted oncogenic KRAS degradation induced rapid, cancer cell-autonomous tumor regression, but relapse occurred associated with dysregulated proteolysis revealed by transcriptional, histologic, and immunophenotypic analyses. These results advance mechanistic understanding of KRAS PROTAC pharmacology and highlight proteolysis pathway dysregulation as a potential driver of resistance.

Martín A, García-Pérez IM, San José S et al. · Cancer research · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Osteosarcoma in a Young Patient: When the Tumor Reaches the Heart.

This case report describes a 17-year-old boy with prior osteosarcoma who developed dyspnea and palpitations and was found on transthoracic echocardiography to have a mobile intracardiac mass attached to the tricuspid subvalvular apparatus. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed a heterogeneous lesion with late gadolinium enhancement, and surgical resection with histopathology confirmed metastatic osteosarcoma. The report underscores that cardiac metastasis from osteosarcoma, though rare, should be considered when echocardiography/CMR reveal malignant-appearing intracardiac masses.

Melem IC, Baratta SJ, Gutierrez G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (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.

This study developed and evaluated a dedicated Raman spectroscopy detector to non-destructively identify and quantify cytostatic drugs in sealed primary packaging, testing cyclophosphamide and gemcitabine in aqueous solutions. The detector enabled direct measurement of drug concentrations in clinically relevant ranges (1–45 mg/mL) through closed infusion glass containers. This provides a practical quality-control approach for personalized chemotherapy in hospital or community pharmacies without opening packaging.

Siegmund P, Klinken-Uth S, Michel A et al. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Microbiome & Biomarkers (gut-derived metabolites)

Gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate predicts cardiometabolic risk in patients with coronary artery disease.

This prospective multicohort study measured circulating gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate (ImP) in patients with coronary artery disease across acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) cohorts to evaluate prognostic value. Higher ImP levels predicted cardiometabolic risk and were associated with adverse outcomes across independent cohorts. ImP could serve as a microbiome-linked biomarker to refine risk stratification in CAD and potentially guide anti-inflammatory or microbiome-targeted interventions.

Wenzl FA, Wang P, Kahles F et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 11 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Genome sequence of Propionimicrobium lymphophilum ARP01 isolated from the human vaginal tract.

This Microbiology Resource Announcements report describes whole-genome sequencing of Propionimicrobium lymphophilum strain ARP01 isolated from a vaginal swab of a healthy 52-year-old Caucasian woman in the United States. Sequencing was performed using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, producing a single-contig genome assembly of 2.2 Mbp. The genome resource enables downstream studies of vaginal microbiome function and potential roles of P. lymphophilum in health and disease.

Peel AR, Churchill H, Hayward MR et al. · Microbiology resource announcements · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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AI/ML & Computational Methods in Cardiology (including imaging LLMs)

CineScribe: LLM-based detection and mitigation of ambiguity in cine cardiac magnetic resonance reports.

CineScribe, a lightweight large language model (LLM) trained on expert-annotated cine cardiac magnetic resonance (cineCMR) free-text reports, was developed to detect ambiguity and convert reports into structured regional wall-motion abnormality (RWMA) representations. The model achieved high performance for report structuring (macro-F1 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94), enabling standardized RWMA generation from validated diagnostic findings. This supports more consistent cineCMR interpretation and reduces miscommunication risk from imprecise language in clinical reporting workflows.

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 machine-learning study proposed Training-time Modality-Missing Audio-Visual Question Answering (TM-AVQA), evaluating robust audio-visual question answering when either audio or visual modalities may be missing during both training and testing. The key finding was that the proposed framework improves performance under modality-missing conditions compared with approaches assuming complete modalities. This supports more reliable multimodal AI deployment in real-world settings with sensor failures or privacy-driven omission of visual data.

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 2023 to 2026. It found that AI approaches can automate quantitative interpretation and move beyond static, population-derived thresholds toward more patient-specific risk assessment. Clinically, this could reduce operator dependence and improve timeliness and consistency of cardiovascular diagnosis and prognostication.

Xia X, Khan WU, Khan Q et al. · Trends in cardiovascular medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Generated automatically on August 16, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 09, 2026 – August 16, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.