What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 19, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 53 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 19, 2026 · 53 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 12, 2026 – August 19, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set, a strong through-line is the expanding role of cardiac MRI—not only for diagnosis, but for standardization, risk stratification, and mechanistic monitoring. Multiple studies focus on quantitative tissue characterization (T1/T2 mapping at different field strengths; native T1 reference values across populations and sequences), while others refine CMR-based prediction tools (including non-contrast deep learning for adverse remodeling after STEMI, and structured extraction of cine findings via LLMs). Together, these efforts aim to make CMR more reproducible and scalable across sites and workflows.
Clinically, myocarditis remains a major theme, with several reports and cohorts emphasizing atypical presentations and improved CMR-based diagnostic/prognostic performance. Work on strain methods (deep learning circumferential strain), combined imaging-plus-biomarker prognostication (CMR injury parameters with CRP), and pediatric/immune-mediated myocarditis phenotyping (including MIS-C and mpox-associated myocarditis) highlights a shift toward earlier recognition and more granular risk stratification. Complementing this, studies in ischemic disease and rare coronary pathology show how advanced imaging can clarify mechanisms (e.g., giant coronary aneurysms, thrombus aspiration’s impact on CMR scar/MVO, and embolic MI due to PFO/paradoxical embolism), directly influencing management decisions.
Finally, the digest reflects a broader cardiology ecosystem where imaging intersects with genetics, systemic disease, and therapeutics. Genotype–phenotype CMR signatures in cardiomyopathies (HCM, DCM, SPG4-HSP, Duchenne/Becker carriers, ATTR-CM) and cardio-renal/vascular cross-organ links (renal biopsy fibrosis vs LV remodeling, diabetes diffuse fibrosis on native T1, OSA and aortic stiffness, and cardiac stability after TIPS in cirrhosis) underscore CMR’s value as a unifying biomarker. Preclinical and translational studies (e.g., cardiometabolic effects of β2-agonism in atherosclerosis models, KRAS PROTAC resistance via proteostasis, and cardioprotection trial design lessons) round out the picture by connecting mechanistic hypotheses to measurable endpoints.
Cardiac MRI (CMR) Quantitative Mapping & Reference Standards
Myocardial T1 and T2 Mapping at 5.0T: Feasibility and Comparison with 3.0-T MRI.
This prospective study evaluated feasibility and established reference values for myocardial T1 and T2 mapping at 5.0-T versus 3.0-T in 50 healthy volunteers using MOLLI (modified Look-Locker inversion recovery) for T1 and T2-prepared GRE (T2-prep-GRE) for T2. The key finding was that myocardial T1/T2 mapping at 5.0-T using these sequences was feasible and produced measurable reference values that could be compared directly with 3.0-T results. These 5.0-T reference benchmarks support standardized quantitative CMR across field strengths for future clinical and research use.
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.
The study measured native myocardial T1 reference values in 94 healthy Tunisian volunteers (ages 5–77 years) using CMR sequences MOLLI 5(3)3 and SMART1Map, assessing sex- and age-related differences and inter-site variability across two centers with identical scanners/protocols. Native T1 values differed by acquisition method and showed sex/age effects, enabling population-specific reference ranges and demonstrating reproducible MOLLI measurements between sites. These Tunisian CMR T1 benchmarks improve interpretation of myocardial tissue characterization and reduce diagnostic ambiguity caused by sequence- and site-dependent variability.
Dali M, Benameur N, Deriche M et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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), using only euploid frozen transfers for autologous cycles and including fresh/frozen transfers for egg donor cycles. Across 26,039 SETs in 16,579 women (2019–2023) from 21 clinics in Spain and Italy, the study found differences in live birth rate and other reproductive outcomes between endometrial preparation strategies (primary outcome details were truncated in the abstract). If confirmed in full results, the findings could inform evidence-based endometrial preparation choice for fertility treatment in women 40–49, potentially improving live birth outcomes while optimizing cycle burden and cost.
Molinaro P, Napoleoni E, Alonso C et al. · Fertility and sterility · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CMR in Myocarditis: Diagnosis, Strain, and Prognosis
Deep learning-derived left ventricular circumferential strain for cardiac MRI diagnosis of acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction.
This retrospective diagnostic study compared deep learning-derived left ventricular circumferential strain (DL-LVCS) with conventional feature tracking-derived strain (FT-LVCS) in 142 adults with acute myocarditis, focusing on those with preserved ejection fraction (AMY-pEF, LVEF ≥55%) versus reduced EF and 106 matched healthy controls. DL-LVCS demonstrated diagnostic performance for acute myocarditis with preserved EF while reducing operator dependency and analysis time compared with feature tracking. The approach may streamline CMR strain analysis and improve practical diagnosis of myocarditis in patients who maintain preserved systolic function.
Zhang X, Wang C, Cheng C et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac MRI and C-reactive protein for predicting clinical prognosis of acute myocarditis in adults.
This retrospective adult study assessed whether late gadolinium-enhanced CMR myocardial injury parameters combined with C-reactive protein (CRP) predict clinical prognosis in acute myocarditis, enrolling 41 fulminant myocarditis patients (including those with and without mechanical circulatory support) and 35 non-fulminant cases. The key finding is that CMR tissue characteristics from cine, mapping (native T1, T2, and post-T1), and LGE—together with CRP—were evaluated for their impact on adverse outcomes. Clinically, integrating LGE/mapping-derived injury burden with CRP could improve risk stratification and prognostication in acute myocarditis.
Shi X, Wang Y, Zhang Z et al. · Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Acute Myocarditis as an Immune-Mediated Complication of Mpox Infection.
This case report documents acute myocarditis as an immune-mediated complication of mpox infection in a 32-year-old man with well-controlled HIV. Cardiac MRI showed lateral-wall edema on T2-weighted imaging and nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement with preserved ejection fraction, meeting updated Lake Louise criteria after coronary and embolic causes were excluded. The clinical significance is that mpox can precipitate myocarditis, and CMR findings can support timely diagnosis and supportive management.
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 longitudinal CMR study in children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) assessed admission clinical features and biomarkers in relation to myocarditis and myocardial delayed enhancement (MDE) on cardiac MRI, using modified Lake Louise criteria. It included MIS-C patients diagnosed from 2020–2021 with CMR and tracked serial changes in CMR features alongside inpatient echocardiographic findings and biomarkers. The findings aim to clarify the temporal evolution of myocardial involvement and identify admission predictors of myocarditis/MDE, informing follow-up strategies after MIS-C.
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 cohort study of 85 pediatric patients (<21 years) with clinically diagnosed acute myocarditis who underwent CMR within 14 days assessed CMR imaging findings and predictors of recurrence. The key finding was that specific CMR features and recovery status differed between children who fully recovered and those who experienced recurrent myocarditis. Identifying pediatric CMR predictors of recurrence could improve risk stratification and follow-up planning after acute 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 Reports report describes a 35-year-old previously healthy woman with acute myocarditis presenting atypically with unilateral neck pain, dysphagia, and severe systemic inflammation rather than classic chest pain or dyspnea. The key finding was that she developed reversible cardiogenic shock with severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ~30%) and elevated cardiac biomarkers, consistent with myocarditis despite the extracardiac presentation. Clinically, the case highlights that myocarditis should be considered in patients with profound systemic inflammation and cardiac biomarker elevation even when initial symptoms are non-cardiac.
Fayyaz A, Khan SW, Azam M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR in Myocardial Infarction & Ischemic Injury (including STEMI/ACS)
Cardiac magnetic resonance in acute myocardial infarction undergoing thrombus aspiration.
In a single-center observational cohort, clinically indicated thrombus aspiration (TA) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was evaluated in consecutive ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients using cardiac MRI (CMR) at baseline and 12 months for microvascular obstruction (MVO) and myocardial scar/remodeling. The study found that TA meaningfully influenced CMR measures of MVO and/or long-term scar/remodeling compared with PCI without TA. This is clinically significant because it informs whether routine TA provides durable myocardial protection beyond the acute goal of reducing distal embolization in STEMI.
Del Torto A, Ventura E, Cannata F et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging for Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Events
Multiple 4q25 risk variants impair calcium homeostasis and compromise left atrial function.
This genetic association study analyzed 391,008 UK Biobank participants to test how multiple 4q25 atrial fibrillation risk SNPs (rs1448818, rs2200733, rs10033464) affect calcium homeostasis and left atrial function. The risk alleles increased incident atrial fibrillation over 10 years in a dose-dependent manner, with additive effects between genetic and clinical risk. Identifying SNP-specific calcium-related mechanisms links 4q25 variants to atrial dysfunction and supports more targeted risk stratification and potential therapeutic strategies for 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 evaluated evidence for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) performed surgically (S-LAAO) or percutaneously (pLAAO) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients, focusing on randomized trials and systematic reviews and summarizing procedural safety, thromboembolic outcomes, and completeness of LAA exclusion using imaging. The review concludes that direct comparative evidence remains limited and synthesizes available data on relative safety and effectiveness between approaches, including imaging-based assessment of occlusion completeness (specific comparative effect sizes were truncated). Clinically, the synthesis supports decision-making for AF patients who cannot take oral anticoagulation by clarifying what is known—and what remains uncertain—about surgical versus percutaneous LAAO.
Chestaro JA, Price H, Matthews J et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Occult Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation After Preoperative Cardiovascular Evaluation.
This case report studied an otherwise healthy 50-year-old man who developed occult idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (out-of-hospital cardiac arrest) 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, inherited arrhythmia syndrome, or cause was identified, and a dual-chamber implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was implanted after successful resuscitation. The report highlights that idiopathic ventricular fibrillation can present perioperatively even after negative workup, supporting the need for rapid resuscitation and consideration of ICD therapy when no reversible cause is found.
Ganthan RR, Isber R, Elcicek A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Metastasis, Infiltration, and Mimics on Imaging
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Mimicking Cardiac Involvement on 18F-FDG PET/CT in a Patient With Lymphoma.
A 78-year-old woman undergoing 18F-FDG PET/CT for newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma had focal left ventricular apical uptake that mimicked cardiac involvement, prompting cardiac MRI to clarify the diagnosis. Cardiac MRI showed asymmetric interventricular septal and apical hypertrophy with apical late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), consistent with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy rather than lymphoma. This case highlights the diagnostic value of CMR (including LGE) for distinguishing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from malignancy-related cardiac involvement when PET/CT findings are ambiguous.
Chen X, Fu Z · Clinical nuclear medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multimodality Imaging of a Massive Intrapericardial Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 68-year-old man with a massive intrapericardial mediastinal hemangioma who had a severe iodinated contrast allergy, making conventional contrast-based imaging unsafe. An iodine-free multimodality strategy using 2’-deoxy-2’-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT, cardiac magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound—supported by 3D reconstruction—enabled safe complete surgical resection. The clinical significance is that it provides a practical imaging workflow for diagnosing and planning surgery when iodinated contrast is strictly contraindicated.
Weng J, Han J, Mao Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Osteosarcoma in a Young Patient: When the Tumor Reaches the Heart.
This case report studied a 17-year-old boy with prior osteosarcoma who developed dyspnea and palpitations due to cardiac metastasis. Transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance identified a mobile intracardiac mass attached to the tricuspid subvalvular apparatus with partial right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and surgical resection with histopathology confirmed metastatic osteosarcoma. The findings emphasize that rare cardiac metastases from osteosarcoma may be missed until late and that multimodality imaging plus pathology are critical for diagnosis and management.
Melem IC, Baratta SJ, Gutierrez G et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathies & Genetic Cardiovascular Disease
Rare Cause of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report of Löffler Endocarditis.
This case report describes a 46-year-old woman with restrictive cardiomyopathy ultimately attributed to Löffler endocarditis (idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome). Cardiac MRI showed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy features, right ventricular hypertrophy, and a restrictive filling pattern, supporting the diagnosis despite initial corticosteroid and diuretic therapy. The report underscores diagnostic imaging challenges and the need for careful management when corticosteroids do not promptly control eosinophil-driven cardiac involvement.
Diz Ferre JL, Soltesz EG, Fava A · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
COVID-19 outcomes and persistent symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: association with pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotype.
This international HCM Registry analysis included 1704 participants with prior CMR phenotyping to test whether baseline CMR features in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) predicted COVID-19 outcomes and impaired recovery (≥3 months). The key finding was that pre-existing CMR phenotypes were associated with COVID-19–related hospitalization and/or prolonged recovery after multivariable adjustment. These results support using CMR-derived risk phenotypes to anticipate COVID-19 prognosis in HCM patients.
Singhal A, Appleby E, Agnel O et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo Syndrome: From Pathophysiology and Diagnosis to Management.
This review summarizes 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. The key finding is that TTS is predominantly seen in postmenopausal women and is often triggered by emotional or physical stress, with multifactorial mechanisms including transient catecholamine-mediated cardiotoxicity and coronary microvascular dysfunction. Clinically, the review consolidates current diagnostic and management strategies to distinguish TTS from acute myocardial infarction and guide treatment.
Marschall A, Salamanca J, Cecconi A et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (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 cardiac MRI (CMR) study followed 75 genetically confirmed female Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy carriers (MDC) and 22 non-carrier females across three annual visits to characterize longitudinal changes in ventricular volumes, function, and fibrosis assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Compared with non-carriers, MDC showed progressive cardiac remodeling with measurable changes in ventricular parameters and LGE-defined fibrosis over follow-up. These findings clarify the natural history of cardiomyopathy risk in female dystrophin-mutation carriers and support CMR/LGE as a tool for monitoring disease progression in this under-characterized population.
Ledingham L, Conroy S, Kanwar K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial remodeling and fibrosis by cardiovascular magnetic resonance in adults with congenital aortic valve stenosis.
This prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study examined 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 CMR structural remodeling metrics, the study reported post-AVR changes in LV remodeling and identified imaging markers linked to myocardial fibrosis (full quantitative results were truncated). These data are scientifically significant because they help define CMR-based biomarkers of remodeling and fibrosis risk in congenital aortic stenosis, potentially improving risk stratification and follow-up after AVR.
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 used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to define genotype–phenotype relationships in 90 dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients stratified 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 was that CMR phenotypes differed across these genetic subgroups, with logistic regression identifying genotype-associated CMR patterns that distinguish high-risk arrhythmogenic variants from TTNtv and genotype-negative DCM (quantitative details were truncated). This is clinically important because CMR signatures could help identify patients with arrhythmogenic genotypes who may benefit from intensified surveillance or therapy.
Zhang Z, Li Y, Xu Y et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Vutrisiran Treatment and Changes in Cardiac Parameters and Amyloid Burden Assessed by Cardiovascular MRI.
This JAMA Cardiology analysis evaluated whether treatment with vutrisiran, an RNA interference drug that suppresses hepatic transthyretin (TTR) production, is associated with changes in cardiac structure/function and amyloid burden measured by multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). The study found associations between vutrisiran therapy and CMR-derived changes in cardiac parameters and extracellular volume (ECV)–based amyloid burden tracking (full effect estimates were truncated). Scientifically, it supports CMR tissue characterization as a mechanistic biomarker for monitoring response to TTR-lowering therapy.
Razvi Y, Sheikh A, Patel RK et al. · JAMA cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Woman With SPG4-Associated Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia.
This case report studied a 54-year-old woman with genetically confirmed SPG4-associated hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) who presented with progressive dyspnea and a new left bundle branch block. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance showed nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction and dyssynchrony, alternative causes were excluded, and extended cardiomyopathy gene testing was negative. The report is significant because it documents dilated cardiomyopathy as a previously unreported systemic cardiac manifestation of SPG4-HSP, expanding the clinical spectrum of this neurogenetic disorder.
Gude S, Kleiven Ø, Edvardsen T · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart Failure Phenotyping (HFpEF and Remodeling)
Exercise Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Work-Volume Loop Model in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction.
This study aimed to establish an analytic framework using exercise cardiovascular magnetic resonance (Ex-CMR) to derive non-invasive compliance and contractile reserve metrics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), including both overt stage C HFpEF and exercise-induced HFpEF. The proposed exercise CMR work–volume loop model enabled quantification of reserve measures independent of fixed exercise protocol constraints in dyspneic patients with limited capacity. This is important because it may improve physiological phenotyping of HFpEF and help distinguish exercise-induced HFpEF from non-cardiac dyspnea using a standardized imaging-derived approach.
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 ↗
Coronary Atherosclerosis & Plaque Vulnerability (CMR/CCTA)
Assessment of Coronary Plaque Burden using Non-Contrast T1-weighted Cardiovascular MR: Comparison with Coronary CT Angiography.
This study compared coronary plaque burden and plaque signal intensity measured by a non-contrast T1-weighted CMR approach using the iT2prep-BOOST sequence against coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in assessing coronary atherosclerosis. The key finding is the evaluation of how iT2prep-BOOST-derived quantitative plaque measures correspond to CCTA-derived plaque burden and plaque attenuation. If concordant, this would support a radiation-free CMR alternative for noninvasive coronary plaque characterization, particularly for high-risk plaque components.
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 ↗
Association between coronary high-intensity plaque and pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation and plaque morphology.
This retrospective study analyzed 104 coronary lesions in 86 patients with chronic coronary syndrome who underwent both CMR and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) before elective percutaneous coronary intervention. The key finding was that high-intensity plaque (HIP), defined on T1-weighted CMR as a plaque-to-myocardium signal intensity ratio (PMR) ≥1.4, was associated with pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) and plaque morphology on CCTA. These imaging links support using CMR HIP as a marker of plaque vulnerability related to local adipose tissue changes in chronic coronary syndrome.
Ishii Y, Watabe H, Usami K et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary Anomalies & Rare Vascular Pathology
Giant Thrombosed Coronary Aneurysm Causing Recurrent Ischemic Events: Insights From Multimodality Imaging and Surgical Management.
This case report describes a 56-year-old man with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to giant thrombosed coronary aneurysms and recurrent ischemic events, managed with multimodality imaging and surgery after failed percutaneous revascularization. The key finding was that multimodality imaging (including cardiac magnetic resonance showing preserved ejection fraction with regional wall-motion abnormalities) clarified the mechanism of recurrent ischemia and guided surgical management. The report underscores the role of advanced imaging in selecting treatment strategies for rare giant coronary aneurysms.
di Mario R, Esposito A, Bernardi M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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, where coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound identified extensive spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) of the left anterior descending artery. The course was complicated by severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, apical thrombus, ventricular tachycardia storm, and cardiogenic shock requiring repeated direct-current cardioversions, intravenous amiodarone and lidocaine, and intra-aortic balloon pump support. The case highlights the potential for life-threatening arrhythmias and shock in extensive SCAD and underscores the need for rapid, aggressive supportive management.
Ng YW, Hill L, Smyth AI et al. · BMJ case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Thromboembolism, Embolic Mechanisms, and Antithrombotic Strategies
PFO-Mediated Paradoxical Coronary Embolism Causing Myocardial Infarction: Concordant Imaging Findings.
This JACC Case Reports report describes a 36-year-old man with myocardial infarction due to paradoxical coronary embolism mediated by a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Coronary angiography showed a distal thrombotic occlusion without atherosclerosis, and cardiac MRI demonstrated subendocardial-to-transmural infarction with edema confined to the corresponding vascular territory. The case highlights the value of concordant CMR and multimodality imaging to establish embolic causality when a venous thromboembolic source is not immediately evident.
Shrestha A, Wong C, Theuerle J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Membranous Interventricular Septal Aneurysm (MVSA) as a rare potential cause of embolic stroke: a case report and literature review.
This case report and literature review described a 42-year-old woman with recurrent cortical ischemic strokes in whom membranous interventricular septal aneurysm (MVSA) was identified as the rare potential cardioembolic source after exhaustive evaluation found no other cause. The key finding was that MVSA can present with recurrent embolic stroke despite a negative work-up for alternative embolic sources, consistent with prior reported cases summarized in the review (radiologic/clinical feature details were truncated). The significance is heightened clinical awareness of MVSA as an embolic mechanism, supporting targeted cardiac imaging when stroke etiology remains unexplained.
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 ↗
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) & Lifelong Surveillance with CMR/4D Flow
4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance postprocessing in congenital heart disease: SCMR FLIICR workgroup recommendations.
This article provides SCMR FLIICR workgroup recommendations for performing and postprocessing 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) across clinical workflows. It emphasizes standardized acquisition and comprehensive hemodynamic postprocessing to improve flow quantification quality while reducing scan time and addressing the technical burden of CHD-specific analysis. These recommendations are intended to improve reproducibility and clinical usability of 4D flow CMR for lifelong CHD surveillance and decision-making.
Garcia J, Geiger J, Christopher A et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Linking shape and clinical outcomes: Statistical shape model of Bidirectional Glenn connection in congenital single ventricle patients.
This study used statistical shape modeling (SSM) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance images from 29 congenital single-ventricle patients after the bidirectional Glenn procedure to quantify 3D morphology of the superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC) and relate it to clinical outcomes. Morphological variability captured by the SSM was assessed for association with outcomes, including the clinical relevance of left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis and broader anatomical differences. The work supports using CMR-derived shape phenotypes to risk-stratify patients and potentially guide management during the pathway to Fontan circulation.
Arrese-Zubizarreta M, Rodriguez-Florez N, Sivera R et al. · PLOS digital health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Whole heart non-contrast 4D Flow MRI at 3.0T for clinical follow-up of congenital heart disease in children and adolescents.
This prospective clinical study in 71 pediatric and adolescent patients with surgically corrected congenital heart disease (median age 14 years) compared accelerated whole-heart 4D flow MRI at 3.0T (WH-4DF) against conventional 2D phase-contrast (2D-PC) and volumetric measurements during routine follow-up. WH-4DF demonstrated practical applicability and comparable or improved assessment of hemodynamics relative to 2D-PC while reducing limitations such as fixed imaging planes and multiple breath-holds. The significance is that WH-4DF can streamline longitudinal CHD surveillance with more comprehensive flow information in children.
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 ↗
Guiding Pacemaker Implantation With Multimodality Imaging in an Adult With Ventricular Septal Defect.
This JACC Case Reports article presented a 57-year-old adult with congenital ventricular septal defect and prior cardiac surgery who developed complete heart block requiring pacemaker implantation. The case emphasized that multimodality imaging can improve procedural safety by clarifying complex septal anatomy and guiding optimal lead positioning strategies. Clinically, it illustrates how advanced imaging planning can reduce technical difficulty and improve outcomes in pacemaker placement for adult congenital heart disease.
Singh AK, Eastwood C, Wong C · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardio-Renal & Cardio-Vascular Cross-Organ Fibrosis/Function Links
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 prospective single-center all-comer registry, this study evaluated whether diabetes-associated diffuse myocardial fibrosis detected by native T1 mapping identifies an adverse cardiac phenotype and adds prognostic value beyond established clinical risk factors in patients undergoing CMR. Native T1 mapping showed differences consistent with increased diffuse fibrosis in diabetes and provided modest incremental prognostic information for a composite endpoint including all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization. This is significant because it suggests native T1 mapping can improve risk stratification in diabetes-related cardiomyopathy without requiring contrast-based fibrosis quantification.
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 patients with advanced liver cirrhosis undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), performing multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance before TIPS (CMR-1) and at early (3 days; CMR-2) and later (100 days; CMR-3) follow-up. Despite cardiac remodeling after TIPS, myocardial tissue characteristics measured by CMR remained stable across follow-up time points. These findings suggest that acute hemodynamic changes from TIPS may remodel cardiac structure/function without detectable deterioration in myocardial tissue properties, informing monitoring strategies in cirrhosis.
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.
Using the population-based Hamburg City Health Study CMR cohort, this study assessed associations between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and aortic stiffness parameters—pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ascending/descending aortic distensibility (AD AoAsc, AD AoDesc) measured by 2D phase-contrast CMR—along with pulse pressure from blood pressure. OSA status was associated with altered aortic stiffness measures consistent with vascular aging. Establishing CMR-based links between OSA and vascular dysfunction supports cardiovascular risk stratification and potential targeting of OSA to reduce long-term vascular outcomes.
Riedl KA, Reuter K, Böttcher A et al. · BMC cardiovascular disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Biomarkers & Risk Prediction Beyond Imaging (including PET/biomarkers/microbiome)
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 assessed prognostic performance of three [18F]FDG-PET/CT metabolic response criteria—PECRIT, PERCIMT, and EORTC—in advanced melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), using baseline and interim PET/CT scans. Patients were categorized as complete metabolic response (CMR), partial metabolic response (PMR), stable metabolic disease (SMD), or progressive metabolic disease (PMD) according to each criterion, and the study compared how well each predicted outcomes. The clinical significance is that it helps determine which PET/CT response definition best stratifies prognosis during immunotherapy, potentially guiding treatment decisions and trial endpoints.
Di Giorgio A, Comito F, Bonazzi N et al. · European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate predicts cardiometabolic risk in patients with coronary artery disease.
This prospective cohort study measured circulating gut microbiota-derived imidazole propionate (ImP) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) across independent cohorts (Swiss ACS n=4,787; Swiss CMR n=150; German ACS n=1,428; German CCS n=701) to assess prognostic value for cardiometabolic outcomes. Higher ImP levels predicted worse cardiometabolic risk and were associated with adverse clinical endpoints across cohorts. Using a microbiome-derived metabolite as a biomarker could enable improved risk prediction and mechanistic insight into inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in CAD.
Wenzl FA, Wang P, Kahles F et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 11 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging/Workflow Innovation & AI/Deep Learning for CMR/Echocardiography
Camera-Seismocardiography Based Cardiac Triggering for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Prospective Study.
This prospective study evaluated camera-based seismocardiography (Camera-Seismocardiography) for cardiac triggering during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as an alternative to ECG triggering in a clinical imaging context. The key finding is that Camera-Seismocardiography can provide MR-compatible cardiac timing without ECG waveform distortion from magneto-hydro-dynamic effects and gradient switching, addressing motion-artifact reduction needs. This technique could improve CMR image quality and robustness when ECG triggering is unreliable, enabling more consistent cardiac-gated acquisitions.
Zhu Y, Lai H, Mo H et al. · IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CineScribe: LLM-based detection and mitigation of ambiguity in cine cardiac magnetic resonance reports.
This study developed CineScribe, an LLM trained on expert-annotated cine cardiac MRI reports to convert free-text into structured regional wall-motion abnormality (RWMA) representations and mitigate ambiguity. The key finding was strong performance on report structuring with a macro-F1 of 0.92 (95% CI 0.89–0.94), enabling standardized diagnostic findings extraction from cineCMR narratives. This could improve consistency and reduce miscommunication in cineCMR interpretation workflows.
Villanueva Benito G, Descalzo ML, Pujadas S et al. · Computers in biology and medicine · (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, two-center 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) in 252 patients (176 training, 76 testing). Using a two-stage DL framework with a 3D U-shaped network for myocardial localization/segmentation and a classification model integrating imaging, morphological, and motion features, the approach demonstrated feasibility for LVAR prediction from cine CMR without contrast. If validated, this could enable earlier risk stratification and targeted follow-up after STEMI using widely available non-contrast CMR.
Bo K, Qu T, Wang H et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 streams are missing during both training and testing. The method improved performance under modality-missing conditions compared with approaches assuming complete modalities, demonstrating resilience to passive signal loss and intentional visual withholding. This advances practical AVQA systems for real-world settings where sensors or privacy constraints prevent full multimodal input.
Zhou J, Li Z, Hu D et al. · IEEE transactions on pattern analysis and machine intelligence · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Physics-Informed Reconstruction of Transmural Myocardial Deformation from 3D Echocardiography: Validation Against Cardiac MRI.
The study introduced a physics-informed reconstruction framework for 3D echocardiography to estimate transmural myocardial deformation by reconstructing the full finite strain tensor across the myocardial wall, and validated it against cardiac MRI in a small cohort. The reconstructed transmural deformation metrics agreed with CMR-based measures, supporting feasibility of out-of-plane motion–robust strain quantification from 3D echo. Clinically, this could broaden access to quantitative myocardial mechanics beyond CMR by enabling more reliable transmural assessment at the bedside.
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 correlated seismocardiography (SCG) variables with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measures of systolic and diastolic function in 26 participants (10 healthy and 16 with cardiovascular disease; mean age 45±16 years, 77% male). The key finding was that SCG signals showed measurable correlations with established imaging-derived cardiac function parameters from TTE and CMR (specific correlation coefficients were truncated). Scientifically, it supports SCG as a potentially low-cost, wearable proxy for cardiac function assessment, though validation in larger cohorts is needed.
Agam A, Korsgaard E, Kragholm K et al. · Biomedical physics & engineering express · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Therapeutics & Translational/Preclinical Cardiovascular Research
[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 evaluated brentuximab vedotin (BV) combined with the ifosfamide–gemcitabine (IGE) regimen in 23 children with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma 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 chemotherapy cycles with follow-up through December 31, 2025. If confirmed in larger studies, this regimen could provide an additional therapeutic option for pediatric relapsed/refractory cHL.
Zhang M, Li N, Huang S et al. · Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Formoterol fumarate attenuates atherosclerosis and improves cardiometabolic dysfunction in ApoE-deficient mice.
This preclinical study tested whether formoterol fumarate (FF), a long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, attenuates atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic dysfunction in 8-week-old male ApoE-deficient (ApoE KO) mice. The key finding was that FF treatment improved cardiometabolic parameters and reduced atherosclerotic burden and related organ damage markers compared with vehicle. The work suggests FF may have therapeutic potential for multi-organ cardiometabolic disease driven by atherosclerosis.
Juvenal H, Gu W, Zhao Z et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The combination of alternating reduced-dose blinatumomab and hyper-CVAD as consolidation therapy in patients with newly-diagnosed adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
In newly diagnosed adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) patients who achieved complete remission after induction, this retrospective study assessed consolidation with alternating reduced-dose blinatumomab and hyper-CVAD (Ph-positive or Ph-negative) using a regimen where blinatumomab was given in cycles 1, 3, 5, and 7 and hyper-CVAD course A/B in cycles 4/8 and 2/6, respectively. The combination strategy was associated with improved post-remission outcomes compared with historical expectations for consolidation intensity, with the rationale centered on blinatumomab’s ability to eradicate minimal residual disease (MRD). Clinically, this supports further evaluation of reduced-dose blinatumomab plus hyper-CVAD as a potentially effective consolidation approach in adult B-ALL.
Li Z, Liu F, Zhang C et al. · Therapeutic advances in hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Targeted KRASG12V Degradation In Vivo Elicits Lung Adenocarcinoma Regression with Subsequent Relapse from Dysregulated Proteolysis.
The preclinical study developed an in vivo lung adenocarcinoma mouse model to evaluate targeted degradation of KRASG12V using a PROTAC approach, examining tumor regression and subsequent relapse mechanisms. Targeted oncogenic KRASG12V degradation drove rapid, largely cancer cell-autonomous tumor regression, but dysregulated proteolysis contributed to relapse after initial response. This provides mechanistic evidence that KRAS PROTAC efficacy and resistance may hinge on proteostasis pathways, informing next-generation KRAS degradation strategies.
Martín A, García-Pérez IM, San José S et al. · Cancer research · (2026) · 2 citations · 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 trial tested chronic inhibition of the myostatin-activin pathway with bimagrumab in 68 healthy older adults (60–86 years) over 6 months with up to 6 months follow-up, focusing on cardiovascular parameters as safety endpoints. Extended pathway inhibition did not reveal clinically concerning adverse changes in cardiac-related measures compared with placebo. These results support the cardiac safety of bimagrumab in humans and help de-risk long-term use of myostatin/activin pathway inhibitors.
Rooks D, Yates DP, Neelakantham S et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Reperfusion Injury and Infarct Size: Why Translation has Been Difficult, and How We Move Forward.
This narrative review assessed why reperfusion injury cardioprotection has been difficult 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 (including STEMI-DTU, PiCSO-AMI-I, EURO-ICE, and COOL AMI EU), and discusses interrelated injury pathways as a reason for failure (details truncated). The significance is that it guides the design of next-generation cardioprotection studies toward more actionable, pathway-informed approaches rather than single-target strategies.
Bulluck H, Hausenloy DJ · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on August 19, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 12, 2026 – August 19, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.