What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 23, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 52 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 23, 2026 · 52 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 16, 2026 – August 23, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set, a dominant theme is the expanding role of cardiac MRI (CMR) as both a diagnostic “phenotyping” tool and a prognostic biomarker platform. Multiple studies focus on myocarditis—ranging from AI-assisted strain and mapping-based severity assessment to pediatric recurrence risk and longitudinal monitoring in MIS-C—while others extend CMR phenotyping to cardiomyopathies and post-infection outcomes (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and COVID-19 recovery). Together, these works reinforce a shift from binary diagnosis toward risk-stratified, tissue-characterization-driven care.
A second major thread is the move toward scalable, standardized, and more robust imaging workflows—especially for real-world clinical constraints. Consensus recommendations for 4D-flow postprocessing in congenital heart disease, ECG-free triggering for CMR acquisition, motion-robust 4D cine reconstruction, and feasibility of 5.0T mapping all point to efforts to reduce variability and improve image quality across sites and patient populations. In parallel, several AI/deep-learning papers target segmentation accuracy and automated reporting, including contrast-free scar assessment via virtual native enhancement, aiming to make advanced CMR more accessible and operationally efficient.
Finally, several articles highlight how inflammation and immune biology intersect with cardiovascular disease and arrhythmia risk. Reviews and case reports spanning immune-mediated myocarditis triggers (mpox, eosinophilic syndromes, Lyme-related inflammatory physiology, and immune checkpoint inhibitor pericarditis) align with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy concepts of “hot phases,” suggesting that dynamic inflammatory substrate may be clinically detectable and potentially modifiable. Complementing this, studies linking cardiac imaging biomarkers to systemic outcomes—such as heart–brain small vessel disease burden—underscore a broader “whole-body” perspective in cardiovascular imaging research.
Cardiac MRI in Myocarditis (Diagnosis, Severity, Prognosis)
Comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance in acute myocarditis: Association between mapping parameters and in-hospital severity.
This European Journal of Radiology exploratory retrospective single-center study evaluated adults with clinically suspected acute (peri-)myocarditis who underwent comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) between 2018 and 2024. It found associations between quantitative CMR mapping tissue markers (from cine/edema and mapping components) and laboratory and clinical markers of in-hospital acute severity. The significance is that CMR mapping parameters may help non-invasively stratify acute disease severity at the bedside.
Kaya K, Janssen JP, Pennig L et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Deep learning-derived left ventricular circumferential strain for cardiac MRI diagnosis of acute myocarditis with preserved ejection fraction.
This retrospective diagnostic study evaluated deep learning-derived left ventricular circumferential strain (DL-LVCS) for acute myocarditis diagnosis in patients with preserved ejection fraction (LVEF ≥55%) and compared it with conventional feature tracking-derived strain (FT-LVCS). DL-LVCS reduced operator dependency and analysis time while maintaining diagnostic performance across 142 acute myocarditis patients (106 with preserved EF) and 106 matched healthy controls. Clinically, automated strain quantification could streamline CMR interpretation and improve diagnostic consistency for myocarditis with preserved EF.
Zhang X, Wang C, Cheng C et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac MRI and C-reactive protein for predicting clinical prognosis of acute myocarditis in adults.
This retrospective adult study investigated whether late gadolinium-enhanced CMR findings and C-reactive protein (CRP) predict clinical prognosis in acute myocarditis. It assessed LV cine, mapping (native T1, T2, and post-T1), and LGE characteristics in 41 fulminant myocarditis patients (with and without mechanical circulatory support) and 35 non-fulminant cases, linking myocardial injury tissue parameters and CRP to adverse outcomes. The significance is that combining CMR injury markers with CRP may 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 ↗
CMR Myocardial Changes in MIS-C: Admission Clinical Features and Longitudinal Findings.
This longitudinal CMR study evaluated children with MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children) diagnosed in 2020–2021 who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), linking admission biomarkers and echocardiographic findings to CMR outcomes. The key finding was the association between MIS-C clinical/inflammatory features and the presence of myocarditis and myocardial delayed enhancement (MDE) on CMR using modified Lake Louise criteria, along with characterization of how CMR abnormalities evolved over time. Clinically, it helps identify which MIS-C patients are most likely to have myocarditis/MDE and provides evidence for monitoring cardiac involvement longitudinally.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Pediatric Patients with Recurrent Viral Myocarditis.
This retrospective cohort study assessed pediatric patients (<21 years) with clinically diagnosed acute myocarditis who underwent CMR within 14 days of initial presentation to identify imaging findings and predictors of recurrence. The key finding was that specific CMR myocardial features (and their distribution at early presentation) were associated with later recurrent myocarditis versus full recovery. The scientific significance is that early CMR phenotyping can help stratify recurrence risk in children, potentially guiding follow-up intensity and management.
Vaiyani D, Jones AL, Whitehead KK et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Acute Myocarditis Presenting as Neck Pain With Severe Systemic Inflammation.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 35-year-old previously healthy woman with acute myocarditis presenting atypically as unilateral neck pain with dysphagia and severe systemic inflammation, without initial 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, with CMR used to support the myocarditis diagnosis. Clinically, it highlights that myocarditis can present with extracardiac symptoms and that CMR can be crucial for diagnosis when presentation is misleading.
Fayyaz A, Khan SW, Azam M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI in Cardiomyopathies & Structural Heart Disease
Updates on Imaging Modalities for the Diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis.
This Cardiology in Review article studied diagnostic imaging strategies for aortic stenosis (AS), emphasizing how transthoracic echocardiography can misgrade severity in low-flow, low-gradient, or normal-flow, low-gradient AS. It found that advanced echocardiographic approaches (including 3D imaging and stress echocardiography) and Doppler-derived indices such as mean gradient-to-effective orifice area ratio, along with computed tomography, improve severity assessment and risk stratification. The significance is improved diagnostic accuracy to guide management decisions in elderly patients with AS.
Itani H, Moumneh MB, Zayed A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Network-oriented neurorehabilitation after stroke: a paradigmatic approach.
This opinion paper studied the conceptual framework for stroke recovery by reframing rehabilitation as a network-oriented process rather than targeting isolated impairments in patients after stroke. It argues that effective neurorehabilitation should be specified and documented in terms of mechanisms that drive reorganization of distributed, interconnected brain systems. This paradigm shift is significant because it aims to improve reproducibility and comparability of therapies by linking interventions to network-level mechanisms.
Conti FM, Gassert R, Doganci N et al. · Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rare Cause of Restrictive Cardiomyopathy: A Case Report of Löffler Endocarditis.
This case report described a 46-year-old woman with restrictive cardiomyopathy due to Löffler endocarditis (idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome) and used cardiac MRI to characterize myocardial and endocardial involvement. Cardiac MRI showed hypertrophic and right ventricular hypertrophy with a restrictive filling pattern, and the patient’s course highlighted diagnostic and treatment challenges, particularly with corticosteroid response. The report is significant because it underscores the role of CMR in recognizing rare eosinophilic cardiac disease and informs clinicians about potential limitations of initial steroid-based therapy.
Diz Ferre JL, Soltesz EG, Fava A · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
COVID-19 outcomes and persistent symptoms in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: association with pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance phenotype.
This study evaluated COVID-19 outcomes and persistent post-infection symptoms in 767 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients from the international HCM Registry who had pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotyping. Pre-existing CMR features were associated with higher risk of hospitalization and impaired recovery lasting at least 3 months, as assessed with multivariable logistic regression. These findings suggest that specific baseline CMR phenotypes can help stratify COVID-19 risk and recovery likelihood in HCM patients, supporting more personalized follow-up after infection.
Singhal A, Appleby E, Agnel O et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmogenic Substrate, Ventricular Arrhythmias & Ablation
Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis and Edema in Atrial Fibrillation Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
This JoVE protocol article describes how to assess left ventricular myocardial fibrosis and edema in atrial fibrillation using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) quantitative mapping techniques, including T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction. The key methodological finding is that these CMR tissue-characterization approaches can quantify fibrotic and edematous remodeling relevant to atrial fibrillation. Clinically, this provides a standardized imaging framework to better phenotype atrial fibrillation substrate and potentially guide prognosis and ablation planning.
Wang Y, Zhou J, Zhu Y · Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Imaging-Guided Versus Conventional Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis compared imaging-guided versus conventional ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation strategies in adults with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). Imaging-guided approaches showed differences in VT recurrence outcomes versus conventional ablation (with pooled analysis as the primary endpoint). The results inform whether advanced cardiac imaging to define infarct substrate and guide lesion delivery provides incremental benefit for VT control in ICM patients.
Ahmed S, Sawalha K, Sharief M et al. · Journal of arrhythmia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Inflammatory Hot Phases in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Dynamic Electrophysiologic Substrate Beyond Scar.
This JACC Advances review synthesized evidence on “hot phases” in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), focusing on dynamic inflammatory electrophysiologic substrate beyond fixed scar. The key finding is that episodic inflammation—potentially driven by mechanisms such as desmosomal instability, inflammasome activation, cytokine signaling, and anti-desmoglein-2 immune responses—can accelerate myocardial injury, scar formation, and arrhythmic vulnerability. Scientifically, it reframes ACM as not only a structural inherited disease but also a potentially immunologically modifiable process that may be detectable with CMR tissue characterization and other biomarkers.
Zarghami M, Maleki ND, Naddaf S et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmogenic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Looking Beyond Mitral Regurgitation.
This JACC Case Reports report described an arrhythmogenic phenotype in a 70-year-old woman with Barlow disease (mitral valve prolapse) where risk was not fully explained by mitral regurgitation severity alone. Despite being asymptomatic initially, she had ambulatory ECG evidence of frequent polymorphic premature ventricular complexes and subsequently suffered out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation with cardiac arrest, with cardiac MRI used for further characterization. The case highlights the clinical significance of looking beyond MR severity in MVP to identify arrhythmogenic substrate and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Ribeyrolles S, Zannis K, Berrebi A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Ventricular Summit Ventricular Tachycardia Identified by Electrocardiographic Pattern Recognition and Managed With Radiofrequency Ablation.
This case report described a 66-year-old man with left ventricular summit ventricular tachycardia (LVSVT) diagnosed using characteristic 12-lead ECG pattern recognition and treated with radiofrequency ablation. The key finding was that ECG features consistent with LVSVT localized the arrhythmia to the epicardial superior left ventricular wall between the origins of the main coronary arteries, enabling successful ablation. Clinically, it supports ECG-based identification of LVSVT to streamline mapping and improve procedural targeting for this specific VT origin.
Moreira MG, Hardy CA, Costa LMAD et al. · The American journal of case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI in Ischemic Heart Disease & Coronary Plaque/Inflammation
Coronary CT angiography-derived perivascular fat attenuation index as a potential marker for heart failure in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective study evaluated whether coronary CT angiography (CCTA)-derived perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) reflects coronary inflammation and predicts heart failure in 75 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 75 matched controls without structural heart disease. Perivascular FAI measured around the proximal right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending artery (LAD), and left circumflex artery (LCX) was associated with heart failure in HCM. These results suggest CCTA perivascular FAI could serve as a noninvasive imaging biomarker linking coronary inflammation to HF risk in HCM.
Peng L, Feng Y, Yuan J et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
BMIPP Imaging in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Exercise-Induced Vasospastic Angina With Ventricular Fibrillation.
This case studied a 51-year-old man with exercise-induced vasospastic angina leading to ventricular fibrillation and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, using iodine-123 BMIPP SPECT to detect ischemic “memory.” Coronary angiography after return of spontaneous circulation showed no significant stenosis, while BMIPP SPECT supported myocardial ischemia consistent with vasospastic angina. The clinical significance is that BMIPP imaging may help noninvasively identify ischemia when standard angiography is unrevealing, potentially guiding decisions about spasm evaluation.
Aikawa H, Murai K, Seiki S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Stress Perfusion CMR to Prognosticate for Left Main and High Risk Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease and Major Cardiovascular Adverse Events: Outcomes From a 4,144-Patient Multicenter Cohort.
This multicenter cohort study evaluated vasodilator stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 4,144 patients with suspected left main (LM) and/or high-risk multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) enrolled in the SPINS (Stress CMR Perfusion Imaging in the United States Study) network. Stress perfusion CMR was used to rule out LM/MVD and to predict major cardiovascular adverse events, demonstrating prognostic value for identifying patients at low versus high risk. These findings support stress perfusion CMR as a clinically actionable gatekeeper test to improve risk stratification and downstream management decisions in high-risk coronary anatomy.
Bernhard B, Daibes M, Marques IR et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (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. FF treatment (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) improved cardiometabolic parameters and reduced atherosclerotic burden and related organ injury markers compared with vehicle, using measures including serum lipid profiling and en face Oil Red O staining. The results support a potential anti-atherosclerotic, multi-organ cardiometabolic benefit of FF in a widely used genetic model of human-like cardiovascular disease.
Juvenal H, Gu W, Zhao Z et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI in Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) & Fontan Pathway
Apical Right Ventricular Sequestration with Left Ventricular Hypertrabeculation: Multimodal Imaging Evaluation in an Adolescent.
This case studied a 14-year-old female with palpitations, failure to thrive, and recurrent respiratory infections, using multimodal cardiac imaging to evaluate complex congenital anatomy. Imaging identified apical right ventricular sequestration as a nonobstructive variant of double-chamber right ventricle, associated with severe atrioventricular valve regurgitation, biventricular dysfunction, and a large ventricular septal defect. The significance is that multimodality assessment can clarify underrecognized double-chamber variants and better define associated lesions that drive symptoms.
De la Cruz-Pelayo J, Mélendez-Ramírez G, de la Mora-Cervantes R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Linking shape and clinical outcomes: Statistical shape model of Bidirectional Glenn connection in congenital single ventricle patients.
This study examined 3D morphological variability of the superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC) after the Bidirectional Glenn procedure in 29 congenital single-ventricle patients and related it to clinical outcomes. Using statistical shape modeling (SSM) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance images, it found that anatomical shape variation of the SCPC is associated with outcomes, including the impact of left pulmonary artery (LPA) stenosis and broader 3D differences. This is significant because it enables data-driven risk stratification from CMR anatomy to better predict morbidity and mortality in Fontan pathway patients.
Arrese-Zubizarreta M, Rodriguez-Florez N, Sivera R et al. · PLOS digital health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Advanced CMR Acquisition & Postprocessing Methods
Motion-Robust Approach for 4D Cardiac Cine Using 2D Real-Time Acquisitions and Slice-to-Volume Reconstruction.
This Magnetic Resonance in Medicine study developed a motion-robust 4D cardiac cine method using 2D real-time acquisitions and slice-to-volume reconstruction (SVR) to avoid reliance on patient cooperation. The key finding was that using 2D real-time spiral bSSFP with synchronized ECG across four orientations and retrospectively gated SVR enabled 4D cine reconstruction with 1 mm³ voxels and 25 cardiac phases that was robust to irregular breathing, bulk motion, and arrhythmia. Clinically, this improves feasibility and reliability of 4D cardiac functional assessment in real-world patients who cannot maintain steady breathing.
Tian Y, Joshi AA, Detterich JA et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance postprocessing in congenital heart disease: SCMR FLIICR workgroup recommendations.
This work studied how to standardize postprocessing of 4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) hemodynamics in congenital heart disease (CHD) using recommendations from the SCMR FLIICR workgroup. The key finding is a consensus approach addressing the demanding nature of comprehensive CHD 4D-flow postprocessing to improve exam quality and workflow consistency. Clinically, these recommendations support more reliable noninvasive flow quantification for lifelong CHD follow-up.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Camera-Seismocardiography Based Cardiac Triggering for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Prospective Study.
This prospective study evaluated camera-based seismocardiography for cardiac triggering to enable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without relying on ECG in the presence of magneto-hydro-dynamic and gradient-induced ECG waveform distortion. The key finding is that camera-seismocardiography–based triggering can provide an alternative timing signal for CMR acquisition, addressing ECG limitations while accounting for physiological delays inherent to optical/skin-based signals. This is important for improving motion-artifact control and image quality in CMR when ECG triggering is unreliable.
Zhu Y, Lai H, Mo H et al. · IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 and compared results with 3.0T using MOLLI (T1), T2-prep-GRE (T2), and a simultaneous multi-parametric mapping approach. The key finding was that 5.0T mapping was feasible and yielded reference values that could be compared with established 3.0T reference ranges. This is significant because it establishes baseline quantitative CMR parameters needed to interpret myocardial tissue characterization at 5.0T in future clinical studies.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI/Deep Learning for Cardiac Imaging & Clinical Reporting
High frequency edge network for accurate cardiac structure segmentation.
This iScience study developed the High Frequency Edge Network (HF-EdgeNet) for cardiac structure segmentation using cardiac MRI, targeting boundary delineation in imaging datasets. The key finding was that injecting high-frequency anatomical cues via a High Frequency Edge Transformer (HF-EdgeT), compensating for downsampling-related high-frequency degradation with a High Frequency Adaptive module, and bridging semantic edges with a Semantic Edge Bridge (SEB) improved segmentation accuracy. Scientifically, it demonstrates that high-frequency edge guidance can enhance deep-learning segmentation performance for complex cardiac boundaries.
He S, Xiong H, Wang W et al. · iScience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
[A semi-supervised MRI image segmentation dual-network model for regions with ambiguous boundaries and heterogeneous regions].
This Journal of Southern Medical University study developed HVASS, a semi-supervised dual-network MRI tumor subregion segmentation model for regions with ambiguous boundaries and heterogeneous tissue under extremely low labeling rates. The key finding was that HVASS uses dual-network collaborative learning with prediction inconsistency to automatically identify high-confidence ambiguity zones and low-confidence stable regions for improved boundary segmentation in heart and glioma MRI. Scientifically, it supports more reliable segmentation performance when labeled data are scarce and boundaries are difficult.
Huang L, Xu H, Huang L et al. · Nan fang yi ke da xue xue bao = Journal of Southern Medical University · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
PULSE: A Unified Multi-Task Architecture for Cardiac Segmentation, Diagnosis, and Few-Shot Cross-Modality Clinical Adaptation.
This IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics study introduced PULSE, a unified multi-task architecture for cardiac segmentation, cardiomyopathy diagnosis, and structured clinical reporting. The key finding was that PULSE jointly performs ventricular segmentation using a DINOv2 ViT-B/14 backbone with a Dense Prediction Transformer (DPT) decoder, cardiomyopathy diagnosis using a 23-dimensional clinical biomarker vector with a Random Forest classifier, and template-based report generation populated with measured indices. The significance is streamlined clinical deployment by reducing the need for separate models for segmentation, diagnosis, and reporting.
Ghouse H, Alsharqi M, Nezami F et al. · IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-contrast/Contrast-Free CMR & Alternative Imaging Biomarkers
Myocardial Scar Assessment Using Artificial Intelligence-Powered Contrast-Free MRI: A Prospective Multicenter Study of Virtual Native Enhancement.
This prospective multicenter study evaluated artificial intelligence-powered contrast-free myocardial scar assessment using virtual native enhancement (VNE) in real-world clinical settings. Across two sites (Leeds and Fuwai) with blinded scar reads compared against LGE as the ground truth, VNE was tested for diagnostic performance for myocardial scar detection without contrast agents. If validated, VNE could enable routine scar assessment while avoiding gadolinium exposure and improving feasibility in broader patient populations.
Zhang Q, Zhou D, Thompson P et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 from non-contrast T1-weighted cardiovascular MR using the iT2prep-BOOST sequence against coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients undergoing noninvasive coronary plaque assessment. The key finding was the degree of agreement between iT2prep-BOOST-derived quantitative plaque measures (signal intensity) and CCTA-derived plaque burden/attenuation characteristics. Scientifically, it supports whether non-contrast CMR can serve as an alternative or complement to CCTA for quantifying coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Mechanical Complications After MI & Thrombotic/Embolic Events
Intramyocardial Dissecting Hematoma After Myocardial Infarction Diagnosed by Multimodality Imaging.
This case report studied a 47-year-old man who developed an intramyocardial dissecting hematoma after myocardial infarction that initially mimicked a left ventricular (LV) thrombus. Multimodality imaging—especially cardiac magnetic resonance—identified extensive anterior transmural infarction with a dissecting intramyocardial cavity consistent with intramyocardial dissection, after the patient deteriorated to cardiogenic shock and ventricular tachycardia despite anticoagulation. Recognizing this rare post-MI mechanical complication is clinically important because it can be misdiagnosed as LV thrombus and may require different management.
Borg BC, Josephs C, Ghincea C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
PFO-Mediated Paradoxical Coronary Embolism Causing Myocardial Infarction: Concordant Imaging Findings.
This JACC case report studied a 36-year-old man with myocardial infarction caused by paradoxical coronary embolism through a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Concordant imaging showed distal thrombotic occlusion on coronary angiography and cardiac MRI evidence of subendocardial-to-transmural infarction with edema confined to the corresponding vascular territory, while echocardiography identified a PFO with right-to-left shunting. The clinical significance is that multimodality imaging can strengthen causal attribution in rare embolic MI when a venous thromboembolic source is not otherwise obvious.
Shrestha A, Wong C, Theuerle J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammation, Immune-Mediated Cardiac Disease & Systemic Triggers
Giant cell myocarditis: from immune pathogenesis to contemporary management.
This review studied giant cell myocarditis (GCM) in terms of its immune pathogenesis and contemporary management, focusing on the predominantly T cell–mediated autoimmune process in affected patients (typically middle-aged adults). It found that loss of immune tolerance drives inflammation with macrophage-derived multinucleated giant cells and neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and that without immunosuppression median transplant-free survival is about three months. Clinically, these insights support rapid recognition and early immunosuppressive therapy to reduce malignant arrhythmias and death/need for heart transplantation.
Vosko I, Wallner M · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Placental Histopathology and Transplacental Transfer of RSV-specific Neutralizing Antibodies The Silver Study.
This prospective observational cross-sectional study in The Silver Study examined whether placental histopathology affects transplacental transfer of RSV-specific neutralizing antibodies in pregnancies delivering extremely preterm (24–32 weeks), moderately preterm (33–36 weeks), and term infants (37–42 weeks). The key finding was the relationship between cord–maternal ratios (CMRs) for RSV-A and RSV-B neutralizing antibodies and placental histological characteristics. Clinically, it helps clarify which placental features may predict infant passive immunity against RSV during early life.
Phijffer EWEM, Willemsen J, Wildenbeest JG et al. · The Pediatric infectious disease journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Lyme Myopericarditis With Effusive-Constrictive Physiology: Serial CMR Identifies a Reversible Inflammatory Phenotype.
This case studied a 45-year-old man with Lyme myopericarditis after a tick bite, focusing on serial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to distinguish inflammatory effusive-constrictive physiology from fixed constriction. Serial CMR supported a reversible inflammatory phenotype, with clinical and imaging features consistent with inflammation rather than irreversible constriction. The report is significant because it supports CMR-guided differentiation that can influence management decisions in Lyme-associated pericardial disease.
Alhirtani N, Bigham G, Fabrizio C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Chest Pain With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Multimodality Imaging.
This case studied a 53-year-old woman with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer receiving the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab who developed chest pain due to suspected immune-related pericarditis. Serial computed tomography showed progressive pericardial thickening with elevated inflammatory markers and transaminitis, while troponin was negative, and multimodality imaging was used to characterize the inflammatory cardiac involvement. The report is significant because it emphasizes that ICI-associated cardiovascular immune-related adverse events can present atypically and may require imaging-based reassessment.
Roy R, Liu L, Li H et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Eosinophilic Cardiomyopathy in Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis After Dupilumab Therapy.
This case studied a 64-year-old man who developed eosinophilic cardiomyopathy in the setting of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis after dupilumab therapy, using echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and endomyocardial biopsy. Imaging showed left ventricular dysfunction and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed eosinophilic myocarditis, with rapid improvement after high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide. The significance is that dupilumab-associated eosinophilia can rarely progress to severe eosinophilic myocarditis, and biopsy-confirmed diagnosis can enable timely immunosuppressive treatment.
Agredano I, Michiels V, Argacha JF et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Piperidine-derived resensitizers revive aminoglycoside capacity against persister cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vivo.
This in vivo study examined whether the piperidine-derived antibiotic-resensitizer C10 can restore aminoglycoside activity against persister cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (with mechanistic experiments in persister-state E. coli). C10 increased ribosomal RNA promoter B-driven GFP expression and chemical uptake in persisters, supporting partial transcriptional/metabolic reactivation and thereby resensitizing persister cells to aminoglycosides. If translatable, C10 could provide a strategy to overcome antibiotic tolerance and reduce relapse driven by persister reservoirs.
Kim Y, Kim M, Lee H et al. · Drug resistance updates : reviews and commentaries in antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Acute Myocarditis as an Immune-Mediated Complication of Mpox Infection.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 32-year-old man with well-controlled HIV who developed acute myocarditis after mpox infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Cardiac MRI demonstrated lateral-wall edema on T2-weighted imaging and nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement meeting the updated Lake Louise Criteria, with full recovery on supportive care. The clinical significance is that mpox can trigger immune-mediated myocarditis, and CMR can confirm diagnosis and guide management when coronary and embolic causes are excluded.
Khoury F, Kim JHJ, Baghdasaryan E et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart–Brain Axis (Cerebrovascular Outcomes Linked to Cardiac Imaging)
Left Ventricular Myocardial Strain Impairment Correlates With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden In Patients With Normal Ejection Fraction.
This cross-sectional study evaluated whether subclinical left ventricular myocardial dysfunction, assessed by cardiac MRI-derived left ventricular myocardial strain, is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden in 139 participants with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction who underwent concurrent cardiac and brain MRI. Left ventricular strain impairment correlated with higher CSVD burden on neuroimaging. These findings support a heart–brain link in subclinical cardiomyopathy and suggest myocardial strain on MRI could help identify patients at risk for CSVD-related cerebrovascular injury even when ejection fraction is normal.
Wang W, Zhang X, Liang M et al. · Brain research bulletin · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Cellular/Regenerative Therapies
Deramiocel heart-derived cellular therapy in advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (HOPE-3): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
This phase 3, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed the efficacy and safety of deramiocel, a heart-derived cellular therapy of human allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells, in participants aged ≥10 years with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Deramiocel improved clinical outcomes compared with placebo (with the abstract indicating supportive efficacy and safety consistent with prior HOPE studies). If confirmed in full results, deramiocel could become a disease-modifying cellular therapy option for advanced DMD cardiomyopathy and skeletal muscle decline.
McDonald CM, Villa C, Soslow JH et al. · Lancet (London, England) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CME right colectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy for colon cancer through a bottom-to-up approach using CMR versius robotic system: an IDEAL stage 1 report.
This Updates in Surgery IDEAL Stage 1 case series studied CME right colectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy using the CMR Versius robotic system in patients with colon cancer, using a bottom-to-up approach within the COMPAR trial. The key finding was feasibility and early technical refinement across six patients, with median operative time of 296 minutes (range 233–410) and iterative improvements after case 3 to optimize traction and exposure. Clinically, it provides initial standardization and safety/feasibility data to guide broader adoption and further IDEAL-stage evaluation of this robotic technique.
Pedrazzani C, De Giulio E, Turri G et al. · Updates in surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
[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 combined with the ifosfamide and gemcitabine (IGE) regimen in 23 children with relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma treated at Beijing Children’s Hospital between June 2022 and August 2025. The key finding was the reported efficacy and safety outcomes of this BV+IGE chemotherapy approach over follow-up through December 31, 2025. Clinically, it provides early real-world evidence for a potential treatment option in pediatric relapsed/refractory cHL, informing future prospective trials.
Zhang M, Li N, Huang S et al. · Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Tumors, Rare Masses & Uncommon Cardiac Conditions
Blunt Trauma-Induced Atrial Fibrillation as First Sign of an Unspecified Cardiac Hemangioendothelioma.
This case studied a 40-year-old man who developed atrial fibrillation after blunt chest trauma, with diagnostic workup using transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography–computed tomography. Imaging showed a large nonmetastatic right atrial hemangioendothelioma obstructing inflow and encasing the right coronary artery, and radical surgical resection with vascular reconstruction was performed after biopsy suggested a mesenchymal neoplasm. The report is significant because it shows trauma-associated presentation of a rare cardiac vascular tumor and supports multimodality imaging for surgical planning.
van Dinter SR, Maathuis H, Verkroost MWA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Spindle Cell Cardiac Lipoma in an Adolescent: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Cases.
This case report and systematic review studied a 13-year-old male with a cardiac murmur, using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to characterize a spindle cell cardiac lipoma. Imaging showed multiple intracardiac masses involving the aortic valve, interventricular septum, and posterior left ventricular wall with severe aortic regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis, and CMR localized a lobulated mass arising from the left coronary cusp with extension into the left ventricular outflow tract. The significance is that cardiac spindle cell lipoma is exceptionally rare and multimodality imaging can define extent to support surgical management.
Soh SL, Wee IJY, Murray Binti Jeffery Murray RL et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Giant Thrombosed Coronary Aneurysm Causing Recurrent Ischemic Events: Insights From Multimodality Imaging and Surgical Management.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 56-year-old man with a giant thrombosed coronary aneurysm causing recurrent ischemic events, evaluated using multimodality imaging and treated with surgical management after failed percutaneous revascularization. Cardiac MRI showed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction with inferior wall akinesia and transmural involvement consistent with prior infarction/ischemic injury. The significance is that multimodality imaging—including CMR—can clarify myocardial consequences of giant coronary aneurysms and support selection of definitive surgical strategies.
di Mario R, Esposito A, Bernardi M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Case Reports (Multimodality Imaging for Rare Presentations)
Myocardial Calcification After Severe Sepsis: 3-Patient Case Series, Multimodality Imaging, and Review of the Literature.
This JACC Case Reports case series and literature review described three men who developed left ventricular myocardial calcification after severe sepsis or prolonged ICU admission. Computed tomography demonstrated the distribution and extent of myocardial calcium, while cardiac MRI showed nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement in corresponding segments. The multimodality imaging correlation underscores the clinical importance of recognizing postseptic myocardial calcification as a heterogeneous long-term complication of critical illness.
Ruiz-López A, Salido Iniesta M, Gómez Revelles S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Shortness of Breath Due to a Large Spontaneous Left Atrial Intramural Hematoma.
This case studied a 58-year-old man with acute severe shortness of breath after marathon running, in whom imaging suggested a spontaneous left atrial intramural hematoma (LAIH). Cardiac magnetic resonance showed intermediate T1 signal and slightly elevated T2 signal with no enhancement on first-pass or late gadolinium enhancement, and surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis. The report highlights that LAIH—typically iatrogenic—can rarely occur spontaneously and that CMR nonenhancement patterns can support correct preoperative identification.
Mulder AAW, Vergeer D, Olsthoorn JR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Nonsurgical Management of a Post-Traumatic Left Ventricular Septal Aneurysm in a 13-Year-Old Male.
This case studied a 13-year-old boy who developed a post-traumatic left ventricular septal aneurysm after blunt chest trauma, using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. CMR demonstrated near-transmural late gadolinium enhancement, and the patient was managed conservatively with enalapril, propranolol, and aspirin while remaining clinically stable with preserved systolic function. The findings suggest that selected pediatric traumatic septal aneurysms without ventricular septal defect and with preserved function may be treated non-surgically.
Jocson C, Argrave M, Nasworthy M · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Calcification as a Rare Cardiac Sequela: When Sepsis Leaves Its Mark.
This case studied a 33-year-old woman who developed septic shock from disseminated Streptococcus pneumoniae and later developed myocardial calcification, using serial computed tomography. Four weeks after the initial presentation, repeat CT showed new extensive left ventricular and papillary muscle calcifications despite normal coronary angiography and marked troponin elevation. The report is clinically important because it documents a rare sepsis sequela that can cause persistent structural and functional cardiac impairment.
El-Hamad A, Sene PM, El Mehdi El Yamani M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Education, Training & Health Systems
The Effect of Different Types of Adhesive Systems on Marginal Integrity of Class II Resin Composite Restoration.
This in vitro dental materials study evaluated how different adhesive systems affect marginal integrity of Class II resin composite restorations using cervical margin relocation (CMR) or deep margin elevation (DME) after 6 months of water aging. Using standardized Class II cavities in 32 human maxillary premolars, it compared OptiBond FL (OFL), Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), and Single Bond Universal (UER in etch-and-rinse mode vs USE in self-etch mode). The findings are intended to guide selection of adhesive chemistry and application mode to improve restoration marginal sealing in deep or relocated margins.
Phuntusuntorn P, Engkatanachai K, Singhatanadgit W et al. · The journal of adhesive dentistry · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Understanding the cardiology training landscape in Asia-Pacific region.
This Postgraduate Medical Journal survey studied cardiology training and credentialing pathways across the Asia-Pacific region by collecting responses from credentialed cardiologists representing 23 regions. It found that all regions required specialist qualification to practise cardiology, with 69.6% reporting a single training pathway and 21.7% and 8.7% reporting alternative pathway distributions. The results are significant for harmonizing cardiology curricula development and identifying regional gaps in training structures.
Cader FA, Lee WYS, Widodo WA et al. · Postgraduate medical journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on August 23, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 16, 2026 – August 23, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.