What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 18, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 54 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 18, 2026 · 54 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 11, 2026 – August 18, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of papers, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) remains central to both diagnosis and risk prediction—especially for conditions where conventional pathways can miss key mechanisms. Several studies used CMR to resolve diagnostic uncertainty (e.g., donor-derived HCM after transplant; HCM mimicking cardiac lymphoma on FDG PET/CT; complex post-radiation constrictive-restrictive physiology; and rare embolic sources such as membranous interventricular septal aneurysm). In parallel, genotype-informed CMR phenotyping is emerging as a practical risk tool: Duchenne/Becker carrier surveillance, SPG4-associated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic DCM variant signatures, and HCM phenotypes linked to COVID-19 outcomes all point toward imaging-based personalization of follow-up intensity and management.
A second dominant theme is mechanistic and tissue-level characterization of myocardial injury. Work spans immune-mediated myocarditis (mpox-triggered myocarditis in HIV; MIS-C myocarditis evolution; pediatric recurrence-risk stratification) and cardiometabolic/systemic fibrosis links (diabetes-associated diffuse fibrosis, CKD interstitial fibrosis associations, and stable myocardial tissue characteristics after TIPS in cirrhosis). For amyloidosis, both mechanistic preclinical evidence (vitronectin–integrin signaling driving mitochondrial dysfunction) and clinical pharmacodynamic monitoring (vutrisiran with CMR tissue metrics) reinforce the value of CMR-derived biomarkers beyond symptoms and standard echocardiography.
Finally, the digest highlights a methodological shift toward quantitative, scalable, and computational approaches. AI and LLM-based tools (including structured RWMA extraction from cine CMR reports) aim to reduce variability and improve consistency, while advances in mapping and acquisition (native T1 reference ranges, 5.0T feasibility, non-contrast plaque quantification comparisons, and physics-informed transmural strain from 3D echo) broaden what can be measured and how reproducibly. In ischemic disease, studies address whether interventions like thrombus aspiration translate into longer-term remodeling benefits and critique why reperfusion-injury cardioprotection trials have often been neutral—together underscoring the need for better endpoints and pathway-aligned trial design.
Cardiac MRI-guided diagnosis of cardiac tumors and malignancy
[Clinical study of brentuximab vedotin combined with the ifosfamide and gemcitabine regimen in the treatment of children with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma].
This case series study evaluated brentuximab vedotin (BV) combined with the IGE regimen (ifosfamide and gemcitabine) in 23 children with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) treated at a single center between June 2022 and August 2025. The key finding was the reported efficacy and safety outcomes of BV+IGE across 1–4 cycles of therapy, with follow-up through December 31, 2025 (details truncated in the abstract). The significance is clinical because it provides real-world pediatric evidence for a BV-based salvage regimen in relapsed/refractory cHL.
Zhang M, Li N, Huang S et al. · Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics · (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 proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) approach, focusing on how KRAS degradation drives tumor regression and subsequent relapse. The key finding was that targeted oncogenic KRAS degradation induced rapid tumor regression primarily via cancer cell-autonomous mechanisms, but relapse occurred after dysregulated proteolysis. This is significant because it provides mechanistic insight into KRASG12V PROTAC action and resistance, informing strategies to improve durability of responses in KRAS-driven lung cancer.
Martín A, García-Pérez IM, San José S et al. · Cancer research · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging of a Massive Intrapericardial Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This case studied the diagnostic work-up and management of a massive intrapericardial mediastinal hemangioma in a 68-year-old man with a severe iodinated contrast allergy. An iodine-free multimodality strategy using 2’-deoxy-2’-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT, cardiac magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound—guided by 3D reconstruction—enabled safe complete surgical resection of an adventitial mixed hemangioma. The report highlights a practical imaging pathway for cardiac tumor diagnosis when iodinated contrast is contraindicated.
Weng J, Han J, Mao Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.
This case studied dilated cardiomyopathy in a 54-year-old woman with genetically confirmed SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (SPG4-HSP). Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance showed nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, while extended cardiomyopathy gene testing was negative and alternative causes were excluded. The clinical significance is that SPG4-HSP may include previously unrecognized systemic cardiac involvement, warranting cardiac evaluation in affected 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 case report studied a 60-year-old woman with radiation-associated mesothelioma presenting decades after mantle-field radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma. Imaging and physiology suggested mixed constrictive-restrictive cardiac involvement—echocardiography and cardiac catheterization indicated constrictive physiology, PET/CT showed hypermetabolic pleural/mediastinal/pericardial lesions, and cardiac MRI was nondiagnostic. The clinical significance is that late thoracic malignancy can produce complex cardiothoracic hemodynamics, requiring multimodal diagnostic strategies long after radiotherapy.
Bensaber R, Serratrice J, Poku NK · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI-guided diagnosis of cardiomyopathies and genotype-phenotype risk
COVID-19 outcomes and persistent symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: association with pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotype.
This Heart (British Cardiac Society) registry analysis studied 767 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients with prior CMR phenotyping from the international HCM Registry to determine whether baseline CMR features predicted COVID-19 outcomes and impaired recovery (≥3 months). The key finding was the association between specific pre-existing CMR phenotypes and either hospitalization or prolonged recovery after COVID-19, assessed with multivariable logistic regression. The scientific significance is that it links CMR-defined myocardial phenotype to post-infection prognosis in HCM, supporting risk stratification using pre-existing imaging.
Singhal A, Appleby E, Agnel O et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Longitudinal changes in cardiac function, volumes and fibrosis in a prospective cohort of female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers.
This prospective cohort study assessed longitudinal changes in ventricular volumes, function, and myocardial fibrosis using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac MRI (CMR) in female Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy carriers (MDC) compared with non-carrier females. Across three annual CMR visits, the study quantified how cardiomyopathy-related remodeling and fibrosis evolve over time in genetically confirmed MDC. The findings are significant because they clarify the natural history of cardiomyopathy risk in female dystrophin-mutation carriers, informing surveillance and potential early intervention strategies.
Ledingham L, Conroy S, Kanwar K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mimicking Cardiac Involvement on 18F-FDG PET/CT in a Patient With Lymphoma.
This case report described a 78-year-old woman with newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma whose initial 18F-FDG PET/CT showed focal left ventricular apical uptake and hypermetabolic lymph nodes. Cardiac MRI performed to exclude cardiac lymphomatous involvement demonstrated asymmetric hypertrophy of the interventricular septum and apical myocardium with late gadolinium enhancement, leading to a diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The report is significant because it highlights a diagnostic pitfall where HCM can mimic cardiac involvement on FDG PET/CT in lymphoma patients.
Chen X, Fu Z · Clinical nuclear medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial remodeling and fibrosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis.
This prospective CMR study evaluated adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis undergoing assessment before and after aortic valve replacement (AVR), using cardiovascular magnetic resonance to characterize left ventricular (LV) remodeling and identify markers associated with myocardial fibrosis. The key finding was that CMR demonstrated measurable LV structural remodeling around AVR and that specific CMR-derived fibrosis-related markers were associated with remodeling/fibrotic burden. Scientifically, it supports CMR as a tool to quantify disease impact and recovery after AVR in congenital aortic stenosis, potentially improving risk stratification.
Keuning ZA, van den Bosch AE, Barreto BL et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 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), TTN truncating variant carriers (TTNtv), and genotype-negative patients (GN), then compared comprehensive CMR phenotypes using logistic regression. The key finding was that high-risk arrhythmogenic genotypes showed distinct CMR imaging signatures associated with arrhythmogenic risk compared with TTNtv and genotype-negative groups. Clinically, these genotype-informed CMR patterns could help identify DCM patients at higher risk for malignant arrhythmias and guide surveillance and management.
Zhang Z, Li Y, Xu Y et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Osteosarcoma in a Young Patient: When the Tumor Reaches the Heart.
This case studied a 17-year-old boy with osteosarcoma whose cardiac presentation was due to rare cardiac metastasis. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance characterized a mobile intracardiac mass with late gadolinium enhancement, and surgical resection with histopathology confirmed metastatic osteosarcoma. The significance is that multimodality cardiac imaging can expedite recognition of malignant cardiac involvement in patients with known osteosarcoma.
Melem IC, Baratta SJ, Gutierrez G et al. · 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 studied donor-derived hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in a 55-year-old woman after heart transplantation from a 30-year-old donor who died suddenly, using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to confirm the diagnosis and treating with the cardiac myosin inhibitor mavacamten. After persistent dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction despite calcium channel blocker and beta-blocker therapy, mavacamten was initiated 11 months posttransplant following confirmation of donor-derived HCM. The report is clinically significant because it documents the first successful use of mavacamten for posttransplant donor-derived HCM, suggesting a targeted option when conventional anti-obstructive therapy fails.
Mohammed HA, Pillai A, Scatola A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart failure guidelines, risk stratification, and prognostic modeling
The combination of alternating reduced-dose blinatumomab and hyper-CVAD as consolidation therapy in patients with newly-diagnosed adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
This retrospective study assessed whether combining alternating reduced-dose blinatumomab with hyper-CVAD improves outcomes as consolidation therapy in newly diagnosed adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Patients who achieved complete remission after induction received consolidation with blinatumomab cycles 1, 3, 5, and 7 and hyper-CVAD course A/B in cycles 4/8 and 2/6, respectively, in both Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive and Ph-negative groups. The study is clinically significant because it tests an MRD- and survival-oriented consolidation strategy that may optimize efficacy while managing toxicity in adult B-ALL.
Li Z, Liu F, Zhang C et al. · Therapeutic advances in hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 comparative analysis evaluated advanced melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) who had baseline and interim [18F]FDG-PET/CT scans, comparing prognostic performance of metabolic response criteria PECRIT, PERCIMT, and EORTC. The key finding was that different PET metabolic response definitions stratified outcomes differently, with measurable differences in prognostic performance across the three criteria. This matters for clinical decision-making because selecting an optimal [18F]FDG-PET/CT response criterion could improve early identification of patients likely to benefit from or progress on ICI therapy.
Di Giorgio A, Comito F, Bonazzi N et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (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 was the relative difference in live birth rate and other reproductive outcomes between the two endometrial preparation strategies in this older age group. Clinically, the results inform which endometrial preparation protocol may optimize outcomes for patients ≥40 undergoing frozen euploid embryo transfers (autologous) or fresh/frozen donor cycles (egg donor).
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 studied international clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in adults, comparing recommendations across guidelines published within the prior decade. The key finding was that among 12 identified guidelines, seven met AGREE II criteria for methodological rigour and showed broad consensus on core aspects of HFrEF management. Clinically, the review helps clarify which guideline recommendations are most robust and harmonized for HFrEF care.
Datta S, Majumder S, Gulsin GS et al. · European heart journal. Quality of care & clinical outcomes · (2026) · 3 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac amyloidosis mechanisms and therapy monitoring
Vutrisiran Treatment and Changes in Cardiac Parameters and Amyloid Burden Assessed by Cardiovascular MRI.
In the HELIOS-B trial analysis, patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) treated with vutrisiran (an RNA interference therapeutic that suppresses hepatic TTR production) were assessed for changes in cardiac structure/function and amyloid burden using multiparametric cardiovascular MRI, including extracellular volume (ECV) mapping. The key finding was that vutrisiran treatment was associated with measurable changes in CMR parameters reflecting reduced amyloid burden and/or improved cardiac tissue characteristics. This is significant because it validates CMR tissue metrics as pharmacodynamic biomarkers for ATTR-CM response to TTR-silencing therapy.
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 experimental study investigated whether vitronectin (VTN) drives amyloid deposition and disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis via an integrin-mediated pathway in a humanized mouse model of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis. Using humanized knock-in mice expressing wild-type transthyretin (hTTRWT) or the V142I mutant (hTTRV142I), the study assessed amyloid burden and cardiac structure/function with Congo red staining, electron microscopy, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. The significance is mechanistic evidence linking VTN and integrin signaling to mitochondrial dysfunction in ATTR-cM, supporting potential pathway-targeted therapies.
Qiu Z, Fan Y, Qin J et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis and immune-mediated cardiac injury (including infectious triggers)
Rare Cause of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report of Löffler Endocarditis.
This case report studied a 46-year-old woman with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome presenting with suspected Löffler endocarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy, using cardiac MRI and clinical/laboratory evaluation of eosinophilia. Cardiac MRI showed hypertrophic and right ventricular changes with a restrictive filling pattern, but symptoms persisted despite initial corticosteroid and diuretic therapy, highlighting diagnostic and treatment challenges. The report is clinically significant because it underscores the need for careful imaging-based diagnosis and management of Löffler endocarditis when corticosteroid response is incomplete.
Diz Ferre JL, Soltesz EG, Fava A · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Acute Myocarditis as an Immune-Mediated Complication of Mpox Infection.
This JACC case report studied a 32-year-old man with well-controlled HIV who developed acute myocarditis after PCR-confirmed mpox infection, using high-sensitivity troponin testing and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with T2 edema imaging and late gadolinium enhancement. CMR met the updated Lake Louise Criteria (lateral-wall edema on T2-weighted imaging and nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement) and the patient recovered fully with supportive care after excluding coronary and embolic causes. The findings are significant because they document mpox as a trigger for immune-mediated myocarditis and support CMR-based diagnosis and conservative management when appropriate.
Khoury F, Kim JHJ, Baghdasaryan E et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CMR Myocardial Changes in MIS-C: Admission Clinical Features and Longitudinal Findings.
This study evaluated CMR myocardial changes in children with MIS-C by linking admission MIS-C biomarkers and inpatient echocardiographic features to CMR outcomes (myocarditis and myocardial delayed enhancement) using modified Lake Louise criteria. The key finding was the association of admission clinical/imaging features and MIS-C biomarkers with the presence of myocarditis and myocardial delayed enhancement on CMR, along with characterization of longitudinal evolution of CMR findings. This is significant because it helps define which MIS-C patients are most likely to have persistent myocardial involvement and informs follow-up strategies using CMR.
Sunthankar SD, Hudson SE, Joy N et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Pediatric Patients with Recurrent Viral Myocarditis.
This retrospective pediatric cohort study (<21 years) investigated predictors of recurrent acute viral myocarditis by analyzing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging findings obtained within 14 days of initial presentation. The key finding was identification of CMR imaging features associated with full recovery versus recurrence (using statistical comparisons between groups). Clinically, it is significant because it aims to stratify pediatric patients by recurrence risk using early CMR, potentially guiding surveillance and management after myocarditis.
Vaiyani D, Jones AL, Whitehead KK et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Acute Myocarditis Presenting as Neck Pain With Severe Systemic Inflammation.
This JACC case report studied a 35-year-old previously healthy woman with acute myocarditis presenting atypically as unilateral neck pain with dysphagia and severe systemic inflammation, using cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography/CMR (as described in the truncated abstract), and hemodynamic assessment for cardiogenic shock. The key finding was that despite absence of classic chest pain/dyspnea, she developed reversible cardiogenic shock with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ~30%). The report is significant because it broadens clinical recognition of myocarditis presentations and supports prompt cardiac evaluation even when symptoms are extracardiac.
Fayyaz A, Khan SW, Azam M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary atherosclerosis imaging biomarkers and plaque characterization
Assessment of Coronary Plaque Burden using Non-Contrast T1-weighted Cardiovascular MR: Comparison with Coronary CT Angiography.
This 2026 comparative imaging study assessed coronary plaque burden and plaque signal intensity in patients undergoing non-contrast T1-weighted cardiovascular MR using the iT2prep-BOOST sequence, compared against coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The key finding was the reported comparison of quantitative plaque measures between iT2prep-BOOST and CCTA-derived plaque burden/attenuation (with the abstract indicating limited prior direct comparability). Scientifically, it is important because it evaluates whether non-contrast CMR can quantify high-risk plaque components similarly to CCTA, potentially reducing radiation/contrast exposure.
Pedersen AAU, Wood G, Kabel A et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Formoterol fumarate attenuates atherosclerosis and improves cardiometabolic dysfunction in ApoE-deficient mice.
This study examined whether formoterol fumarate (FF), a long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, attenuates atherosclerosis and improves cardiometabolic dysfunction in 8-week-old male apolipoprotein E–deficient (ApoE KO) mice treated for 8 weeks. FF at 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/day improved cardiometabolic biomarkers and reduced atherosclerotic burden assessed by en face Oil Red O staining, alongside improvements in vascular and hepatic/heart injury readouts. These findings suggest a potential anti-atherosclerotic, multi-organ cardiometabolic benefit of β2-adrenergic modulation that warrants further mechanistic and translational evaluation.
Juvenal H, Gu W, Zhao Z et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association between coronary high-intensity plaque and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation and plaque morphology.
This retrospective study investigated whether coronary high-intensity plaque (HIP) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is associated with pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) and coronary plaque morphology on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). In 86 CCS patients (104 lesions), HIP defined by a plaque-to-myocardium signal intensity ratio (PMR) ≥1.4 on T1-weighted CMR was analyzed against PCATA at the target lesion and CCTA-derived plaque morphology. The results are clinically relevant because linking CMR-defined plaque signal characteristics to CT-based perivascular fat and morphology could improve risk stratification of coronary atherosclerosis.
Ishii Y, Watabe H, Usami K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ischemic heart disease outcomes and myocardial remodeling after MI
Giant Thrombosed Coronary Aneurysm Causing Recurrent Ischemic Events: Insights From Multimodality Imaging and Surgical Management.
This JACC case report studied a 56-year-old man with a giant thrombosed coronary aneurysm causing recurrent ischemic events, using multimodality imaging (including CMR) and surgical management after failed percutaneous revascularization. The key finding was that recurrent angina years later corresponded to myocardial abnormalities on CMR (including inferior wall akinesia and transmural involvement as described) in the setting of complex aneurysmal coronary anatomy. The clinical significance is that it illustrates how multimodality imaging can guide definitive surgical decisions for rare coronary aneurysm complications.
di Mario R, Esposito A, Bernardi M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac magnetic resonance in acute myocardial infarction undergoing thrombus aspiration.
This single-center observational study evaluated whether clinically indicated thrombus aspiration (TA) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) affects myocardial microvascular obstruction (MVO) and long-term scar/remodeling in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. STEMI patients underwent CMR at baseline and 12 months after PCI with or without TA, with outcomes focused on MVO and myocardial scar/remodeling parameters. The study is important because it addresses whether TA’s acute goal of reducing distal embolization translates into improved longer-term myocardial outcomes.
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 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 252 STEMI patients split into training (n=176) and testing (n=76) cohorts, the two-stage DL framework used a 3D U-shaped network for coarse-to-fine myocardial localization/segmentation and a classification model integrating imaging, morphological, and motion features from cine CMR. The work is clinically significant because it aims to enable early, non-contrast prediction of post-MI remodeling risk to guide prognosis and management.
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 Reports report describes a man in his 40s who presented with ST-elevation myocardial infarction after sudden chest pain during coughing and was found on coronary angiography with intravascular ultrasound to have extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) of the left anterior descending artery. Although managed conservatively, he developed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, an apical thrombus, and a ventricular tachycardia storm leading to cardiogenic shock requiring repeated direct-current cardioversions, intravenous antiarrhythmics (amiodarone and lidocaine), and intra-aortic balloon pump support. The case highlights that SCAD can rapidly progress to life-threatening arrhythmias and shock, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and escalation of care.
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 targeting reperfusion injury have struggled to translate into clinical benefit in reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and proposed a framework for future trials. It highlighted that multiple contemporary cardioprotection trials in enriched STEMI cohorts were largely neutral on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) infarct size endpoints (e.g., STEMI-DTU, PiCSO-AMI-I, EURO-ICE, COOL AMI EU). The significance is methodological: it argues for better trial design aligned with the network of injury pathways and more clinically actionable endpoints beyond infarct size alone.
Bulluck H, Hausenloy DJ · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac events (including device-related considerations)
Takotsubo Syndrome: From Pathophysiology and Diagnosis to Management.
This article reviews the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS), an acute heart failure syndrome characterized by transient left ventricular dysfunction and regional wall motion abnormalities beyond a single coronary territory. It highlights that TTS predominantly affects postmenopausal women and is often triggered by emotional or physical stressors, with multifactorial mechanisms including catecholamine-mediated cardiotoxicity and coronary microvascular dysfunction. The review is significant for guiding clinicians in differentiating TTS from acute myocardial infarction and optimizing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Marschall A, Salamanca J, Cecconi A et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multiple 4q25 risk variants impair calcium homeostasis and compromise left atrial function.
Using UK Biobank data (n=391,008), this genetic association study tested how multiple 4q25 atrial fibrillation risk variants (rs1448818, rs2200733, rs10033464) affect calcium homeostasis and left atrial function, aiming to explain SNP-specific mechanisms. The key finding was that the three risk alleles increased incident atrial fibrillation over 10 years in a dose-dependent manner and that genetic and clinical risk were additive for atrial fibrillation risk. Mechanistically, the results support a calcium-homeostasis pathway linking 4q25 variants to atrial dysfunction, potentially enabling SNP-specific therapeutic targeting to prevent AF.
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 synthesized evidence comparing percutaneous versus surgical left atrial appendage occlusion (pLAAO vs S-LAAO) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients who have contraindications to oral anticoagulation. The review concluded that direct comparative randomized evidence remains limited, while procedural safety, thromboembolic outcomes, and completeness of left atrial appendage exclusion vary across studies and devices/techniques. This is significant for clinical decision-making because it frames the current evidence base and highlights where head-to-head data and standardized imaging endpoints are still needed.
Chestaro JA, Price H, Matthews J et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Guiding Pacemaker Implantation With Multimodality Imaging in an Adult With Ventricular Septal Defect.
This case studied pacemaker implantation planning in a 57-year-old adult with congenital ventricular septal defect and complete heart block after prior congenital cardiac surgeries. Multimodality imaging was used to define complex septal anatomy and identify optimal lead positioning strategies, improving procedural safety and reducing technical difficulty. The clinical significance is that multimodality imaging can be pivotal for safer device implantation in adult congenital heart disease with challenging anatomy.
Singh AK, Eastwood C, Wong C · 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 article studied a 42-year-old woman with recurrent cortical ischemic strokes to evaluate membranous interventricular septal aneurysm (MVSA) as an occult cardioembolic source, supported by a literature review. The key finding was that no alternative embolic sources were identified despite exhaustive diagnostic work-up, leaving MVSA as the only plausible cause of recurrent stroke. Scientifically, it reinforces MVSA as a rare but clinically important mechanism of embolic stroke and helps characterize its clinical/radiologic features for future diagnosis.
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 ↗
Occult Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation After Preoperative Cardiovascular Evaluation.
This case report studied a 50-year-old man who developed occult idiopathic ventricular fibrillation shortly after preoperative cardiovascular clearance for elective surgery. Despite comprehensive evaluation—including coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance, electrophysiological study, and genetic testing—no structural heart disease or inherited arrhythmia syndrome was found, and a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted. Clinically, it underscores that idiopathic VF can present abruptly even after “clearance,” supporting careful perioperative risk consideration and readiness for sudden arrhythmic events.
Ganthan RR, Isber R, Elcicek A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital heart disease imaging and hemodynamics
Whole heart non-contrast 4D Flow MRI at 3.0T for clinical follow-up of congenital heart disease in children and adolescents.
This prospective study compared whole-heart non-contrast accelerated 4D flow MRI at 3.0T (WH-4DF) with conventional 2D phase-contrast (2D-PC) and volumetric measurements for clinical follow-up of surgically corrected pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD). In 71 children/adolescents (median age 14 years) undergoing routine follow-up, the authors evaluated feasibility and applicability of WH-4DF alongside standard imaging metrics. The findings are significant because WH-4DF can reduce limitations of fixed-plane, operator-dependent 2D-PC imaging and may streamline comprehensive hemodynamic assessment in pediatric 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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Advanced cardiac imaging methods and quantitative mapping (including high-field MRI)
Myocardial T1 and T2 Mapping at 5.0T: Feasibility and Comparison with 3.0-T MRI.
This prospective feasibility study measured myocardial T1 and T2 mapping at 5.0T in 50 healthy volunteers using MOLLI (T1), T2-prep-GRE (T2), and a simultaneous multi-parametric mapping approach, and compared results with 3.0T MRI. The key finding was that 5.0T mapping was feasible and provided reference values, with performance compared directly to 3.0T. The scientific significance is that it establishes baseline 5.0T myocardial relaxation metrics needed for future high-field CMR studies and clinical interpretation.
Miao Q, Huang H, Lyu Z et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Native myocardial T1 reference values in a tunisian cohort using MOLLI and SMART1Map.
This study established native myocardial T1 reference ranges in a Tunisian healthy volunteer cohort using two CMR mapping sequences, MOLLI 5(3)3 and SMART1Map, and evaluated sex- and age-related differences as well as inter-site variability of MOLLI across two centers with identical scanners and protocols. The key finding was that native T1 reference values differed by sequence and showed measurable sex/age effects, while inter-site variability for MOLLI was assessable under standardized acquisition conditions. The resulting population-specific reference ranges improve interpretability of native T1 mapping for diagnosing and monitoring diffuse myocardial disease in Tunisian patients.
Dali M, Benameur N, Deriche M et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Physics-Informed Reconstruction of Transmural Myocardial Deformation from 3D Echocardiography: Validation Against Cardiac MRI.
This methodological validation study introduced a physics-informed reconstruction framework to derive transmural myocardial deformation (finite strain tensor across the full wall) from 3D echocardiography and validated it against cardiac MRI in a small cohort. The key finding was that the reconstructed transmural deformation estimates from 3D echo were feasible and could be validated against cardiac MRI-derived deformation measures. Scientifically and clinically, this enables more comprehensive assessment of myocardial mechanics than conventional 2D echo by capturing out-of-plane motion and transmural strain using a physics-guided approach.
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) variables and cardiac systolic/diastolic function measures from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 26 participants (healthy and cardiovascular disease). The key finding was the degree to which SCG-derived mechanical vibration markers align with established TTE/CMR functional metrics. The significance is that SCG could become a low-cost, wearable adjunct for cardiac function assessment if robust correlations are confirmed.
Agam A, Korsgaard E, Kragholm K et al. · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Exercise and functional CMR for hemodynamic reserve
Exercise Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Work-Volume Loop Model in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.
The study developed an analytic framework for exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance (Ex-CMR) work-volume loop modeling to quantify non-invasive left ventricular compliance and contractile reserve in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), including stage C overt HFpEF and exercise-induced HFpEF, and to help distinguish exercise-induced HFpEF from non-cardiac dyspnea (NCD). The key finding was the establishment of a standardized, non-invasive reserve-metric derivation approach for Ex-CMR that is designed to be independent of the “fix” exercise-protocol constraint in dyspneic patients with limited capacity. This provides a more reproducible CMR-based method to phenotype hemodynamic reserve impairment in HFpEF and improve diagnostic discrimination from non-cardiac causes of dyspnea.
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 ↗
Cardio-renal and systemic fibrosis cross-organ associations
Left Ventricular Mass is Associated with Biopsy-Assessed Renal Fibrosis in Chronic Kidney Disease.
This prospective single-center cohort study examined chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with native kidneys who underwent same-week cardiac MRI and renal biopsy to test whether left ventricular (LV) mass and cardiac remodeling relate to biopsy-assessed renal interstitial fibrosis. The key finding was that higher LV mass was associated with greater renal interstitial fibrosis burden quantified as the percentage of affected renal cortical area. Clinically, linking cardiac MRI remodeling to direct renal histology supports integrated cardio-renal risk stratification and may help identify patients with more advanced systemic fibrotic disease.
Glessgen CG, Huber A, Crowe LA et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 of patients undergoing cardiac MRI (CMR), the study assessed whether diabetes-associated diffuse myocardial fibrosis measured by native T1 mapping identifies an adverse cardiac phenotype and adds prognostic value beyond established clinical risk factors. The key finding was that diabetes-associated diffuse fibrosis on native T1 mapping corresponded to worse cardiac phenotype and provided modest incremental prognostic information for a composite endpoint including all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. Scientifically and clinically, native T1 mapping may improve risk prediction in diabetes by capturing diffuse fibrotic remodeling that is not fully reflected by conventional clinical variables.
Treiber JM, Backhaus SJ, Wolter JS et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance reveals stable myocardial tissue characteristics despite cardiac remodelling after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis.
This prospective CMR study evaluated 23 adults with advanced liver cirrhosis undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), with multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance performed before TIPS (CMR-1), shortly after (3 days; CMR-2), and at ~100 days (CMR-3). Despite cardiac remodelling after TIPS, myocardial tissue characteristics measured by CMR remained stable across follow-up timepoints. These findings suggest that the acute preload increase from TIPS may drive functional/remodelling changes without detectable adverse myocardial tissue injury on CMR in this cirrhosis population.
Zange L, Gröschel J, Abdalla H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Vascular health and cardiometabolic risk (including OSA and body composition)
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 assessed associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and aortic stiffness parameters in a CMR cohort, using 2D phase-contrast CMR to measure pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic distensibility (ascending and descending aorta) and blood pressure to derive pulse pressure. The study found that OSA status was associated with worse aortic stiffness metrics (PWV and/or distensibility) compared with those without OSA. Clinically, these CMR-derived vascular changes provide mechanistic support for OSA contributing to vascular ageing and cardiovascular risk in the general population.
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.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 68 healthy community-living adults aged 60–86 years received chronic inhibition of the myostatin–activin pathway with bimagrumab (6 months) to evaluate cardiac safety and cardiovascular parameters. The key finding was that extended bimagrumab treatment did not produce clinically concerning adverse effects on cardiac measures over treatment and follow-up. This is scientifically important because it addresses a potential cardiac risk concern for myostatin/activin pathway inhibitors that are being developed for metabolic and muscle-related indications.
Rooks D, Yates DP, Neelakantham S et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging-Derived Sarcopenic Obesity and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Insights Into Heart Failure Risk and Muscle Biology.
This study examined whether imaging-derived sarcopenic obesity (excess fat plus low muscle mass) predicts cardiovascular outcomes and relates to heart failure risk and muscle biology, using a deep learning pipeline applied to cardiovascular imaging in longitudinal cohorts with genomic and transcriptomic data. The key finding was that sarcopenic obesity can be quantified from imaging and provides additional prognostic insight beyond conventional obesity measures such as BMI or waist-to-height ratio. Scientifically and clinically, it supports a more mechanistic risk stratification approach for heart failure by linking body composition phenotypes to molecular signatures.
Sanghvi MM, Nicholls HL, Kaplan TM et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Microbiome-derived biomarkers in cardiovascular disease
Gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate predicts cardiometabolic risk in patients with coronary artery disease.
This study measured circulating gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate (ImP) in independent prospective cohorts of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) to determine whether ImP predicts cardiometabolic risk in coronary artery disease. The key finding was that higher ImP levels were associated with increased cardiometabolic risk across cohorts, consistent with ImP’s role as a microbiota-derived proatherogenic metabolite. Clinically, ImP could serve as a biomarker to refine risk prediction in CAD and potentially guide 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 genome announcement studied Propionimicrobium lymphophilum strain ARP01, isolated from a vaginal swab of a healthy 52-year-old Caucasian woman, and generated its whole-genome sequence. Using Oxford Nanopore Technologies, the authors produced a genome assembly consisting of a single contig of 2.2 Mbp. The work is significant because it expands reference genomic resources for P. lymphophilum, enabling future comparative genomics and microbiome research.
Peel AR, Churchill H, Hayward MR et al. · Microbiology resource announcements · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI/LLM and computational methods for cardiovascular imaging
CineScribe: LLM-based detection and mitigation of ambiguity in cine cardiac magnetic resonance reports.
This study developed and evaluated CineScribe, an LLM trained on expert-annotated cine cardiac magnetic resonance (cineCMR) free-text reports to convert them into structured regional wall motion abnormality (RWMA) representations. CineScribe achieved strong performance for report structuring (macro-F1 0.92, 95% CI 0.89–0.94), enabling standardized RWMA extraction and report generation from validated diagnostic findings. The approach is clinically significant because it can reduce ambiguity and miscommunication in cineCMR interpretation, improving consistency of left-ventricular wall motion reporting.
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 modality-missing conditions by introducing a training-time modality-missing setting (TM-AVQA) where audio-missing and/or visual-missing samples can occur during both training and testing. The key finding was the development of a robust AVQA approach that maintains performance despite missing modalities, addressing practical failures like hardware/transmission loss or privacy-driven withholding of visual information. This is significant for deploying AVQA systems in real-world environments where complete audio and visual streams cannot be assumed.
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 algorithm development to clinical use. The key finding is that AI is shifting cardiovascular assessment from operator-dependent, manual, and population-threshold-based interpretation toward automated, quantitative, patient-specific evaluation. The significance is that these advances may improve timeliness and precision of diagnosis and risk stratification, but require validation for meaningful clinical impact.
Xia X, Khan WU, Khan Q et al. · Trends in cardiovascular medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on August 18, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 11, 2026 – August 18, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.