What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 26, 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 26, 2026 · 52 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 19, 2026 – August 26, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of papers, cardiac MRI (and related quantitative imaging) remains a central theme—both as a diagnostic tool for rare, high-stakes presentations and as a platform for mechanistic phenotyping. Multiple reports highlight how CMR tissue characterization and mapping can distinguish inflammatory vs fixed processes (e.g., Lyme-associated effusive–constrictive physiology; AF-related fibrosis vs edema workflows), identify uncommon structural lesions (left atrial intramural hematoma; traumatic ventricular septal aneurysm), and reduce diagnostic uncertainty in complex post-injury or post-infection states (sepsis-related myocardial calcification; post–myocardial infarction intramyocardial dissection). Methodology papers further emphasize standardization and robustness—addressing scanner/protocol variability in native T1, improving motion-robust 4D cine, and advancing real-time MRI guidance for right-heart catheterization.
A second dominant thread is risk prediction and substrate mapping for arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. Studies and reviews connect imaging-derived markers (strain, fibrosis metrics, AI-segmented scar) with clinical outcomes and pathobiology, including right ventricular fibrosis in advanced heart failure, late anthracycline cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors, and metabolic signatures of atrial dysfunction in paroxysmal AF. Electrophysiology-focused work underscores the move toward MRI-informed, more precise ablation targeting—improving identification of intramural conduction delay and evaluating imaging-guided vs conventional VT ablation strategies—while also broadening the concept of “dynamic” arrhythmogenic risk (hot phases in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy).
Finally, immune and systemic disease links to cardiac injury appear repeatedly, ranging from immune checkpoint inhibitor pericarditis and SLE myocarditis interferon-pathway signals to EGPA-like eosinophilic cardiomyopathy after dupilumab-associated hypereosinophilia and giant cell myocarditis management emphasizing early immunosuppression. Together, these papers reinforce a broader clinical direction: integrating multimodal imaging, biomarkers, and mechanistic understanding to enable earlier detection, better phenotyping, and more tailored therapy.
Cardiac MRI/CT Imaging Methods & Quantitative Mapping
Left Ventricular Remodeling in Mitral Valve Prolapse: More Than Volume Overload.
This prospective multicenter study investigated determinants of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in nonsyndromic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) beyond mitral regurgitation (MR) volume load, including whether an MVP cardiomyopathy genetic substrate and/or ventricular arrhythmias contribute. Participants underwent cardiac magnetic resonance, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and assessment for cardiomyopathy-associated genetic variants, testing the hypothesis that disproportionate LV remodeling reflects mechanisms beyond volume overload. The findings aim to clarify MVP pathophysiology and identify patients who may benefit from genotype- and arrhythmia-informed risk stratification.
Pype LL, Marchenko O, Van Laer SL et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Volumetric real-time MRI for the guidance of cardiac catheterization at 0.55T.
The study developed and evaluated volumetric real-time cardiac MRI guidance for right-heart catheterization (RHC) at 0.55T, targeting interventional cardiovascular MRI (iCMR) device tracking in patients undergoing invasive pulmonary hypertension/heart failure assessment. The proposed volumetric approach enables flexible real-time re-slicing and whole-heart/great-vessel 3D visualization to reduce out-of-plane tracking failures and the operational burden of updating 2D imaging planes. This could improve the safety and efficiency of low-field iCMR procedural guidance by making device tracking more robust during catheter navigation.
Kumar P, Ramasawmy R, Javed A et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Technical challenges in establishing local native T1 reference ranges in cardiac MRI: a critical review.
This critical review examined the technical challenges of establishing local native T1 reference ranges in cardiac MRI for healthy myocardium across different scanners and acquisition protocols. It found that native T1 values vary substantially due to magnetic field strength (B0), radiofrequency homogeneity (B1), vendor differences, and sequence parameters, limiting cross-center comparability. Addressing these sources of variability is scientifically important for making native T1-based fibrosis detection more accurate and reproducible in clinical CMR.
Che Ha M, Sayuti KA, Mohammed Y et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Normative values for quantitative MRI biomarkers of the liver in collegiate athletes.
This study established normative quantitative liver MRI biomarker values in collegiate athletes, focusing on proton density fat fraction (PDFF), R2*-based liver iron concentration (LIC), and T1/T2 relaxation times. Using return-to-play cardiac MRI at 1.5T/3.0T after COVID-19 recovery, it derived whole-liver PDFF and R2* via chemical shift-encoded MRI and obtained T1/T2 from cardiac mapping with partial liver coverage. These athlete-specific reference ranges are significant for improving interpretation of liver fat and iron metrics in physically active populations where baseline values may differ from general cohorts.
Anagnostopoulos A, Heidenreich JF, Roshanshad A et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis and Edema in Atrial Fibrillation Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
This JoVE protocol describes cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques to quantify left ventricular myocardial fibrosis and edema in patients with atrial fibrillation using T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction. The key methodological finding is that these quantitative CMR mapping approaches can separately characterize fibrotic (T1/ECV) and edematous (T2) myocardial changes relevant to AF-related remodeling. Scientifically, this provides a standardized imaging workflow to better phenotype AF substrate beyond conventional functional measures.
Wang Y, Zhou J, Zhu Y · Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Updates on Imaging Modalities for the Diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis.
This Cardiology in Review article summarized current imaging approaches for diagnosing aortic stenosis (AS), emphasizing limitations of transthoracic echocardiography in low-flow/low-gradient and normal-flow/low-gradient disease. It found that advanced echocardiographic techniques (including 3D imaging and stress echocardiography) and CT-based assessment can improve severity grading and risk stratification. The significance is improved diagnostic accuracy for guiding management decisions in elderly patients with degenerative AS.
Itani H, Moumneh MB, Zayed A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 assessed adults with clinically suspected acute (peri-)myocarditis who underwent comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) between 2018 and 2024, relating CMR mapping parameters to in-hospital severity markers. The key finding was that quantitative CMR tissue markers were associated with laboratory and clinical indicators of acute disease severity. Clinically, this supports using CMR mapping not only for diagnosis but also for bedside risk stratification during hospitalization.
Kaya K, Janssen JP, Pennig L et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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) across four cardiac orientations. The key finding was that retrospectively gated RT-SVR enabled reconstruction of 4D cine with 1 mm³ voxel size and 25 cardiac phases that is robust to irregular breathing, bulk motion, and cardiac arrhythmia. Scientifically, it provides a cooperation-free approach that improves reliability of 4D functional assessment under real-world motion conditions.
Tian Y, Joshi AA, Detterich JA et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Biomarkers & Risk Prediction (Imaging-Linked or Blood-Based)
Association of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging parameters with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels.
This retrospective single-center study evaluated associations between serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and conventional plus tissue-characterization cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters in 204 patients undergoing CMR with NT-proBNP measured within 7 days. Higher NT-proBNP categories (125–500 pg/mL and >500 pg/mL) were associated with worse CMR-derived structural/functional measures such as left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial mass, and left atrial diameter. These findings support NT-proBNP as a clinically useful biomarker that tracks CMR-defined cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, potentially improving risk stratification in routine practice.
Doğan İ, Memis KB, Şahin D et al. · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Distinct relationships of compartment-specific fat distribution profiles with cardiovascular ageing and future cardiovascular events.
Using UK Biobank participants without cardiovascular disease who had cardiac and abdominal MRI plus linked health records, this study assessed whether compartment-specific fat distribution phenotypes (visceral adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and pericardial adipose tissue) relate to machine-learning–estimated biological heart ageing and incident cardiovascular events. Imaging-defined fat depot profiles showed distinct relationships with biological heart ageing and future cardiovascular outcomes, providing information beyond standard anthropometric measures. These results suggest that MRI-derived fat compartment phenotyping may improve cardiovascular risk prediction by capturing depot-specific effects on cardiac ageing.
Maldonado-Garcia C, Salih AM, Neubauer S et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Health Status Relationship to Ischemia and Coronary Artery Disease Severity in the ISCHEMIA Trial.
In a secondary analysis of the ISCHEMIA trial, investigators studied how pre-randomization ischemia severity from stress testing (core laboratory assessment) and coronary artery disease (CAD) anatomic severity from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) related to 1-year health status outcomes in participants with chronic coronary disease and moderate-to-severe ischemia. Ischemia and CAD severity were associated with differences in 1-year health status after adjustment using proportional odds models. These findings link objective ischemia/CAD burden to patient-centered outcomes, supporting more nuanced risk communication and management decisions in chronic coronary disease.
Phillips LM, Jones PG, Shaw LJ et al. · American heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Risk factors for hypothermia on trauma center arrival in injured children.
This retrospective cohort study used the 2021–2023 Trauma Quality Improvement Program dataset to identify predictors of hypothermia on trauma center arrival in injured children (<18 years). The analysis focused on risk factors for hypothermia and also on factors associated with missing temperature documentation, addressing inconsistent vital-sign recording. The results can improve early identification and quality of temperature monitoring to reduce hypothermia-related morbidity in pediatric trauma care.
Rempson CM, Crosier CJ, Pracht EE et al. · The journal of trauma and acute care surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary CT angiography-derived perivascular fat attenuation index as a potential marker for heart failure in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective study assessed 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) compared with 75 matched controls without structural heart disease. Perivascular FAI measured around the proximal right coronary artery, left anterior descending artery, and left circumflex artery was associated with heart failure in HCM. These results suggest that CCTA perivascular FAI could provide 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 ↗
Cardiac Arrhythmias, Electrophysiology & Ablation (Including VT/AF)
MRI-guided multipolar functional substrate mapping identifies intramural conduction corridors: The TRAMPOLINE VT study.
The TRAMPOLINE VT study evaluated how electrode spacing, multipolar signal annotation, and functional mapping influence identification of intramural conduction delay using MRI scar co-registration in 18 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation. Multipolar functional substrate mapping (including comparisons of short-spline versus long-spline Octaray catheter annotation and endocardial versus mid-myocardial substrate mapping after a single sensed extra-stimulus) improved characterization of conduction corridors compared with approaches focused on endocardial signals alone. This supports a more precise, MRI-informed electrophysiology workflow for targeting mid-myocardial VT substrate during ablation.
Maclean E, Tonko J, Creta A et al. · Heart rhythm · (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 relative to conventional ablation, synthesizing evidence across studies that used advanced imaging to define infarct substrate and guide lesion delivery. Clinically, the analysis informs whether adding imaging guidance improves long-term VT control in ICM patients undergoing catheter ablation.
Ahmed S, Sawalha K, Sharief M et al. · Journal of arrhythmia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Ventricular Summit Ventricular Tachycardia Identified by Electrocardiographic Pattern Recognition and Managed With Radiofrequency Ablation.
This case report describes 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 is that ECG features consistent with LVSVT enabled targeted ablation of the epicardial superior left ventricular summit region between the main coronary artery origins. Clinically, this supports ECG-based recognition as a practical tool to guide effective ablation planning for this specific VT location.
Moreira MG, Hardy CA, Costa LMAD et al. · The American journal of case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
BMIPP Imaging in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: Exercise-Induced Vasospastic Angina With Ventricular Fibrillation.
This case report studied a 51-year-old man with exercise-induced vasospastic angina leading to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and ventricular fibrillation, using BMIPP (iodine-123 β-methyl-p-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid) SPECT to assess ischemic memory. Despite no significant coronary stenosis on emergency angiography, BMIPP imaging supported myocardial ischemia consistent with vasospastic angina. BMIPP SPECT may provide a noninvasive diagnostic clue when ischemic evidence is limited and invasive spasm provocation testing is uncertain.
Aikawa H, Murai K, Seiki S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathies & Myocardial Remodeling (Including Fibrosis/Edema)
Management of pericarditis: recent advances.
This narrative review summarized recent advances in pericarditis management, focusing on a shift from empirical anti-inflammatory treatment to mechanism-based, risk-stratified, and imaging-supported care. It highlighted that diagnosis remains clinical (typical chest pain, pericardial rub, ECG changes, and effusion) while inflammatory biomarkers and multimodality imaging—especially cardiac magnetic resonance—improve diagnostic confidence, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic decisions. The review supports more tailored, evidence-informed management strategies for acute idiopathic or presumed viral pericarditis and related presentations.
Imazio M · Polish archives of internal medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Comparative Performance of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography and CMR Feature Tracking for Right Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis in advanced heart failure.
This study compared right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) measured by 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), 2D STE, and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) against histopathology for right ventricular myocardial fibrosis (RVMF) in patients with advanced heart failure. The key finding (from the abstract’s stated aim) was to identify which imaging-derived RVFWLS metric is the most robust noninvasive marker of RVMF, using histopathological RVMF as the gold standard. If validated, the most robust strain modality could improve noninvasive fibrosis phenotyping and risk stratification in advanced heart failure.
Gao L, Cao Y, Dong N et al. · Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Metabolic Signatures of Atrial Functional Impairment in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A CMR Strain-metabolomics Study.
The study integrated cardiac MRI (CMR) atrial strain with untargeted metabolomics to identify metabolic signatures of atrial functional impairment in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Despite similar left atrial sizes, it reported significant differences in atrial strain and identified seven differential metabolites—phosphatidylcholine, inosine, bilirubin, biliverdin, 3-methylhistidine, L-tryptophan, and pantothenic acid—as candidate biomarkers linked to declining atrial function. These findings suggest metabolite–strain coupling could enable earlier biomarker-driven identification of reversible atrial dysfunction in PAF.
Shi T, Liu B, Lian X et al. · Journal of cardiovascular translational research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Late cardiac effects of anthracycline-based therapy in childhood cancer survivors: a CMR study of cardiac strain and function.
This cross-sectional observational CMR study assessed subclinical cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) treated with anthracyclines, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) of global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain for both ventricles. The key finding was that CMR-FT–derived strain measures can serve as markers of late anthracycline-associated subclinical myocardial impairment approximately 12 years after treatment compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Clinically, this supports using CMR-FT strain for earlier detection and monitoring of late cardiotoxicity in CCS.
Mojica-Pisciotti ML, Panovský R, Holeček T et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Ventricular Myocardial Strain Impairment Correlates With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden In Patients With Normal Ejection Fraction.
This cross-sectional cardiac and brain MRI study evaluated whether subclinical left ventricular myocardial strain impairment is associated with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden in 139 participants with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. Left ventricular myocardial strain impairment correlated with greater CSVD burden on neuroimaging. These findings suggest that subtle, imaging-detectable left ventricular dysfunction may serve as a marker (and potential contributor) to cerebral microvascular injury even when ejection fraction is normal.
Wang W, Zhang X, Liang M et al. · Brain research bulletin · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammatory Hot Phases in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Dynamic Electrophysiologic Substrate Beyond Scar.
This review article examined the concept of “hot phases” in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), focusing on dynamic inflammatory electrophysiologic substrate beyond fixed scar. It summarizes evidence that episodic inflammation—potentially driven by mechanisms such as desmosomal instability, inflammasome activation, cytokine signaling, and anti-desmoglein-2 responses—can accelerate injury, scar formation, and arrhythmic vulnerability. The scientific significance is that ACM risk may be modulated by inflammatory activity, supporting future strategies that target inflammation in selected patients rather than treating only established scar.
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 describes an arrhythmogenic mitral valve prolapse (MVP) presentation in a 70-year-old woman with Barlow disease, where risk was not explained solely by mitral regurgitation severity. Despite being asymptomatic initially, she had bileaflet prolapse with mitral annular disjunction and frequent polymorphic premature ventricular complexes on ambulatory monitoring, followed by out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. The clinical significance is that arrhythmogenic MVP can require evaluation for ventricular arrhythmia risk even when standard MVP assessment focuses mainly on MR severity.
Ribeyrolles S, Zannis K, Berrebi A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammatory/Immune-Mediated Cardiac Disease
MxA expression in systemic lupus erythematosus -associated myocarditis indicates type I interferon pathway activation.
This report studied two patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-associated myocarditis to determine whether myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) expression indicates local type I interferon pathway activation. In both cases, cardiac involvement was evaluated in the context of MxA as a surrogate marker of type I IFN activity, supporting interferon-pathway involvement in SLE myocarditis. The finding is clinically important because it suggests interferon-driven mechanisms may be relevant targets for diagnosis and potentially therapy in SLE myocarditis.
Ito Y, Arinuma Y, Yuasa H et al. · Immunological medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Giant cell myocarditis: from immune pathogenesis to contemporary management.
This review studied the immune pathogenesis and contemporary management of giant cell myocarditis (GCM) in affected patients, focusing on mechanisms involving T cells, macrophages, and neutrophil extracellular traps. It found that GCM is predominantly a T cell–mediated autoimmune disorder with rapid hemodynamic decline and that without immunosuppression median transplant-free survival is about three months. Clinically, these findings support early immunosuppressive strategies and highlight immune-tolerance breakdown and innate immune contributors as key therapeutic targets in middle-aged adults.
Vosko I, Wallner M · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Lyme Myopericarditis With Effusive-Constrictive Physiology: Serial CMR Identifies a Reversible Inflammatory Phenotype.
This case report studied a 45-year-old man with Lyme disease presenting with myopericarditis and effusive-constrictive physiology, using serial CMR to differentiate inflammatory from fixed constriction. Serial CMR identified a reversible inflammatory phenotype rather than irreversible constriction, aligning with the clinical implication that inflammation-driven physiology can improve with appropriate treatment. The ability to track reversibility with CMR can directly affect management decisions in uncommon Lyme-associated effusive-constrictive presentations.
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 report studied a 53-year-old woman with metastatic lung adenocarcinoma receiving the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab who developed chest pain due to suspected cardiovascular immune-related toxicity. Serial imaging showed progressive pericardial thickening with elevated inflammatory markers and transaminitis, supporting immune-related pericarditis as the cause of symptoms. The case emphasizes that multimodality imaging can help detect ICI-associated pericarditis early and distinguish it from infection, pulmonary embolism, or malignancy progression.
Roy R, Liu L, Li H et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pericardial Disease & Pericardial Tumors
Pericardial Hemangioma: An 8-Year Diagnostic Odyssey of Recurrent Pleural Effusion.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 54-year-old woman with an 8-year history of recurrent pleural effusions initially misdiagnosed as amyloidosis, ultimately found to have a pericardial hemangioma. Cardiac MRI demonstrated a transverse pericardial sinus mass with characteristic T2 hyperintensity and centripetal enhancement, and histology confirmed hemangioma after surgical excision with no recurrence at 4-year follow-up. The case emphasizes the diagnostic value of characteristic CMR features to avoid prolonged misdiagnosis of rare pericardial tumors.
Castillo M, Ibáñez A, Cuevas O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Congenital/Structural Heart Disease & Pediatric Cardiac Imaging
Nonsurgical Management of a Post-Traumatic Left Ventricular Septal Aneurysm in a 13-Year-Old Male.
This case report studied a 13-year-old male who developed a post-traumatic left ventricular septal aneurysm after blunt chest trauma, using echocardiography and CMR to characterize the lesion. Echocardiography showed an apical septal aneurysm without ventricular septal defect and with preserved systolic function, while CMR demonstrated near-transmural late gadolinium enhancement. Conservative therapy with enalapril, propranolol, and aspirin maintained clinical stability, suggesting selected pediatric traumatic septal aneurysms with preserved function may be managed nonsurgically.
Jocson C, Argrave M, Nasworthy M · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical Right Ventricular Sequestration with Left Ventricular Hypertrabeculation: Multimodal Imaging Evaluation in an Adolescent.
This case report 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, reduced functional right ventricular volume, and a large ventricular septal defect. Multimodality characterization can improve recognition of this underdiagnosed entity and support tailored management for associated hemodynamic lesions.
De la Cruz-Pelayo J, Mélendez-Ramírez G, de la Mora-Cervantes R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Tumors & Rare Cardiac Masses
Blunt Trauma-Induced Atrial Fibrillation as First Sign of an Unspecified Cardiac Hemangioendothelioma.
This case report studied a 40-year-old man who developed atrial fibrillation after blunt chest trauma, with diagnostic workup using transthoracic echocardiography, CMR, and PET-CT. Imaging showed a large nonmetastatic right atrial hemangioendothelioma obstructing inflow and encasing the right coronary artery, and radical resection with RCA reconstruction was performed. The report highlights that trauma-associated atrial arrhythmia can be the first sign of rare cardiac vascular tumors and that CMR/PET-CT can guide 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 cardiac spindle cell lipoma presenting with a murmur, using echocardiography and CMR for lesion localization and characterization. Imaging showed multiple intracardiac masses involving the aortic valve, interventricular septum, and posterior left ventricular wall, causing severe aortic regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis, with a large lobulated mass arising from the left coronary cusp extending into the left ventricular outflow tract. Because cardiac spindle cell lipoma is exceptionally rare, documenting imaging features can improve diagnostic suspicion and surgical decision-making in adolescents.
Soh SL, Wee IJY, Murray Binti Jeffery Murray RL et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Thrombus/Embolic Mimics & Post-Injury Mechanical Complications
Shortness of Breath Due to a Large Spontaneous Left Atrial Intramural Hematoma.
This case report studied a 58-year-old man with acute severe shortness of breath after recent marathon and 10-mile running, evaluating a large left atrial mass using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). CMR showed intermediate T1 signal and slightly elevated T2 signal with no enhancement on first-pass or late gadolinium enhancement, supporting a diagnosis of spontaneous left atrial intramural hematoma confirmed at surgery. Recognizing the CMR enhancement pattern can help distinguish LA intramural hematoma from other atrial tumors or thrombi and guide appropriate surgical management.
Mulder AAW, Vergeer D, Olsthoorn JR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Intramyocardial Dissecting Hematoma After Myocardial Infarction Diagnosed by Multimodality Imaging.
This case studied a 47-year-old man after myocardial infarction who developed an intramyocardial dissecting hematoma, evaluated using multimodality cardiac imaging. Although the large left ventricular (LV) mass was initially presumed to be LV thrombus and anticoagulation was given, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging ultimately demonstrated an extensive anterior transmural infarction with a dissecting intramyocardial cavity diagnostic of intramyocardial dissection. The finding is scientifically and clinically significant because it shows how intramyocardial dissection can mimic LV thrombus and underscores the role of cardiac MRI in diagnosing this rare mechanical post-MI complication.
Borg BC, Josephs C, Ghincea C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Drug/Therapy-Associated Cardiac Toxicity & Treatment Effects
Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Heart Transplantation: Mechanisms, Clinical Integration, and the Experience of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese.
This review and real-world experience report examined extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) as an immunomodulatory therapy for heart transplant recipients with complex rejection, focusing on mechanisms and clinical integration at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese. ECP—combining leukapheresis with 8-methoxypsoralen photoactivation and UVA irradiation—induces leukocyte apoptosis and promotes immune tolerance via dendritic-cell modulation, regulatory T-cell expansion, and cytokine reprogramming, with clinical evidence supporting use in steroid-refractory acute cellular rejection and selected antibody-mediated rejection. The work helps translate mechanistic rationale into practical transplant rejection management and supports ECP’s role in steroid-refractory settings.
Martini L, Righini FM, Selimi A et al. · Artificial organs · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Deramiocel heart-derived cellular therapy in advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (HOPE-3): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
In a phase 3, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (HOPE-3), deramiocel (human allogeneic cardiosphere-derived cells) was tested in participants aged ≥10 years with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Deramiocel improved clinical outcomes compared with placebo while assessing safety in this advanced DMD population. If confirmed in full results, deramiocel could become a disease-modifying cellular therapy option for DMD patients with progressive skeletal and cardiac involvement.
McDonald CM, Villa C, Soslow JH et al. · Lancet (London, England) · (2026) · 2 citations · 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 after starting dupilumab, an IL-4Rα antagonist, in the setting of marked hypereosinophilia. Three months post-dupilumab initiation, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed left ventricular dysfunction and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed eosinophilic myocarditis consistent with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The report is clinically significant because it highlights a rare but severe progression from dupilumab-associated transient eosinophilia to life-threatening eosinophilic cardiac involvement requiring high-dose corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide.
Agredano I, Michiels V, Argacha JF et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Surgery/Interventional Techniques
The Effect of Different Types of Adhesive Systems on Marginal Integrity of Class II Resin Composite Restoration.
This in vitro dental study evaluated how different universal adhesive systems and application modes 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. In standardized Class II preparations in 32 human maxillary premolars, restorations using OptiBond FL (OFL), Clearfil SE Bond (CSE), Single Bond Universal in etch-and-rinse (UER), or Single Bond Universal in self-etch (USE) were compared for marginal integrity. The findings are clinically relevant for selecting adhesive strategy and bonding mode to improve restoration margins in CMR/DME techniques.
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 study surveyed credentialed cardiologists across 23 Asia-Pacific regions to map differences in cardiology training and credentialing pathways. It found that all regions required specialist qualification to practise cardiology, with 69.6% reporting a single training pathway and smaller proportions reporting multiple pathways (21.7% and 8.7%). The results are significant for curriculum and credentialing harmonization efforts across the Asia-Pacific cardiology workforce.
Cader FA, Lee WYS, Widodo WA et al. · Postgraduate medical journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 IDEAL stage 1 case series studied bottom-to-up complete mesocolic excision (CME) right colectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy in six patients undergoing surgery within the COMPAR trial at Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona using the CMR Versius robotic system. Key technical refinements after case 3 optimized traction and exposure, with a median operative time of 296 minutes (range 233–410). Standardizing robotic CME right colectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy may improve reproducibility and safety as this platform enters clinical practice.
Pedrazzani C, De Giulio E, Turri G et al. · Updates in surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Noninvasive/Low-Contrast Planning & Radiation Reduction
Non-Contrast cardiac magnetic resonance for left atrial appendage occlusion Planning: A comparative study with cardiac CTA.
This European Journal of Radiology study evaluated non-contrast cardiac MRI for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) planning in 32 atrial fibrillation patients by comparing landing zone measurements and predicted optimal fluoroscopic projection angles against cardiac CTA and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). It found that non-contrast CMR measurements could be compared to CCTA/DSA and used to estimate implanted device sizing and fluoroscopic projection angles. Clinically, this supports reducing radiation and contrast exposure for LAAO planning when CCTA is limited.
Wang Q, Bao J, Li M et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Outcomes After Systemic Infection (Sepsis, Lyme, COVID, etc.)
A plasmid-associated immunoglobulin-binding protein in Acinetobacter baumannii.
The research investigated virulence determinants in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii by screening 89 clinical isolates in animal infection models and using comparative genomics plus functional assays to identify plasmid-encoded factors. It characterized ImbA, an immunoglobulin-binding protein encoded on the type D plasmid, showing immunoglobulin interactions by pull-down assays and biolayer interferometry. This mechanistic link between a specific plasmid gene (imbA) and host immunoglobulin binding advances understanding of A. baumannii virulence in multidrug-resistant infections.
Kim D, Kim C, Lee S et al. · EBioMedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Sequelae After SARS-CoV-2 in Children: From Myocardial Injury to Dysautonomia and Implications for Phenotype-Guided Follow-Up.
This article reviewed pediatric cardiovascular outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on long-term myocardial injury, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and autonomic dysfunction with follow-up of at least four weeks. The key synthesis was that evidence spans the full spectrum of acute severity and links persistent subclinical cardiac abnormalities and dysautonomia to longer-term phenotype-guided follow-up needs. This is significant for designing structured post-COVID surveillance pathways in children, especially after MIS-C.
Mól N, Kwinta P · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial Calcification After Severe Sepsis: 3-Patient Case Series, Multimodality Imaging, and Review of the Literature.
This JACC Case Reports case series (3 patients) investigated myocardial calcification after severe sepsis, including septic shock and prolonged ICU admission in three men. Computed tomography identified calcium distribution, while cardiac MRI showed nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement in corresponding segments. The significance is that multimodality imaging (CT for calcification extent and CMR for tissue characterization) helps define heterogeneous long-term myocardial consequences after postseptic injury.
Ruiz-López A, Salido Iniesta M, Gómez Revelles S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (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 extremely preterm (24–32 weeks), moderately preterm (33–36 weeks), and term (37–42 weeks) infants. The key finding was that cord-to-maternal ratios of neutralizing RSV-A and RSV-B antibodies were analyzed in relation to placental histological characteristics. Scientifically, it clarifies how placental factors may modulate passive immunity against RSV, informing risk stratification for early-life RSV protection.
Phijffer EWEM, Willemsen J, Wildenbeest JG et al. · The Pediatric infectious disease journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Calcification as a Rare Cardiac Sequela: When Sepsis Leaves Its Mark.
This case report studied a 33-year-old woman with septic shock from disseminated Streptococcus pneumoniae, using serial computed tomography to evaluate persistent cardiac injury. Four weeks after the septic episode, repeat CT revealed new extensive left ventricular and papillary muscle calcifications consistent with sepsis-related myocardial calcification. Identifying this rare sequela is clinically important because it may explain long-term structural and functional impairment after severe sepsis.
El-Hamad A, Sene PM, El Mehdi El Yamani M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Genetics & Mechanistic Omics
Multimodal Framework of Left Heart-Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling Underlying Right Ventricular Failure in PH-HFpEF.
This study aimed to build a multimodal mechanistic framework for left heart–pulmonary vascular remodeling underlying right ventricular (RV) failure in pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH-HFpEF). In a predominantly retrospective PH-HFpEF cohort (n=48), it combined clinical evaluation, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing with myocardial transcriptomics to explain RV dysfunction. Scientifically, integrating vascular mechanics with myocardial gene-expression data could identify actionable pathways driving RV failure in PH-HFpEF.
Raza F, Gregorich ZR, Freeman J et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Machine Learning/AI for Cardiac Imaging & Segmentation/Reporting
Artificial Intelligence-Derived Myocardial Fibrosis on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for Prognosis in Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review of a Sparse Evidence Base.
This systematic review assessed whether artificial intelligence (AI)–based quantification of myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)—including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and parametric mapping—adds independent prognostic value in adults with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Across a sparse evidence base, eligible studies used AI-derived fibrosis markers and reported covariate-adjusted outcomes over at least 12 months, with risk of bias evaluated using PROBAST/PROBAST+AI/QUIPS. The review highlights the potential prognostic utility of AI fibrosis metrics while emphasizing the need for more robust, comparable prospective evidence.
Siddiqi AK, Khan AR, Khan S et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
High frequency edge network for accurate cardiac structure segmentation.
This iScience study developed and evaluated the High Frequency Edge Network (HF-EdgeNet) for cardiac structure segmentation using cardiac MRI data. The key finding was that high-frequency anatomical boundary cues improve segmentation accuracy, implemented via the High Frequency Edge Transformer (HF-EdgeT), a High Frequency Adaptive module to address downsampling degradation, and a Semantic Edge Bridge (SEB) block. Scientifically, it advances MRI segmentation models by explicitly encoding high-frequency edge information to better delineate cardiac structures.
He S, Xiong H, Wang W et al. · iScience · (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 with few-shot cross-modality adaptation. The key finding was that PULSE jointly performs ventricular segmentation using a DINOv2 ViT-B/14 backbone with a Dense Prediction Transformer decoder, cardiomyopathy diagnosis from a 23-dimensional clinical biomarker vector via a Random Forest classifier, and template-based report generation populated with measured indices. Clinically, this integrated framework can streamline deployment by combining imaging analysis, diagnosis, and standardized reporting into one model.
Ghouse H, Alsharqi M, Nezami F et al. · IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on August 26, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 19, 2026 – August 26, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.