What's New in Cardiac MRI? — August 27, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 60 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
August 27, 2026 · 60 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 20, 2026 – August 27, 2026
Overview
The dominant thread across this week’s papers is the move from “one-size-fits-all” risk models toward more mechanistic, imaging-anchored prediction—especially using cardiac MRI tissue characterization. Multiple studies show that measures of myocardial injury and remodeling (e.g., LV extracellular volume as diffuse fibrosis, combined microvascular obstruction plus intramyocardial hemorrhage after STEMI, and infarct-zone ECV for early post-MI remodeling) can forecast future arrhythmias, ventricular dysfunction, and adverse cardiovascular events beyond conventional clinical variables.
A second major theme is refinement of arrhythmia risk and treatment planning using advanced imaging and functional mapping. Work in atrial fibrillation highlights fibrosis/ECV and multimodal signatures (including strain–metabolomics) as early markers of atrial dysfunction. For ventricular tachycardia, imaging-guided strategies—ranging from MRI scar co-registration and multipolar functional mapping to systematic evaluation of imaging-guided ablation approaches—aim to better identify intramural conduction corridors and improve long-term VT control.
Finally, several studies emphasize that cardiovascular risk is shaped by systemic biology and context: cardiometabolic phenotypes (including depot-specific adiposity and the limits of “metabolically healthy obesity”), inflammatory/autoimmune disease mechanisms (e.g., pericarditis, GPA, giant cell myocarditis), and post-infectious effects (including pediatric SARS-CoV-2 sequelae). Together, these findings support a broader clinical direction—integrating imaging, biomarkers, and disease-specific mechanisms to enable earlier detection, better counseling, and more targeted interventions.
Cardiovascular mortality and epidemiology in high-risk populations
Trends and disparities in colorectal cancer mortality among adults with diabetes mellitus in the United States: A retrospective analysis, 1999-2025 and projections to 2040.
This retrospective U.S. national mortality study (1999–2025, with projections to 2040) examined colorectal cancer (ICD-10 C18–C20) deaths among adults with diabetes mellitus (ICD-10 E10–E14) aged ≥45 years. It found measurable CRC mortality trends with disparities across diabetes-related subgroups over time, and used joinpoint regression to project future mortality patterns through 2040. These findings highlight an ongoing and potentially worsening CRC mortality burden in U.S. adults with diabetes and support targeted prevention and screening strategies for this high-risk population.
Tablawy M, Ibrahim AA, Badawi AA et al. · Journal of diabetes and metabolic disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial Fibrosis and Reverse Remodeling After Valve Replacement in Chronic Aortic Regurgitation.
This prospective longitudinal observational study evaluated reverse remodeling, functional recovery, and symptomatic change after aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation, and assessed whether myocardial fibrosis predicted incomplete recovery. Patients showed reverse remodeling and clinical/functional improvement after AVR, but myocardial fibrosis/scarring was associated with less complete recovery. These findings suggest that preoperative myocardial fibrosis may identify AR patients at risk for persistent myocardial dysfunction even after guideline-based AVR.
Thornton GD, Bennett JB, Aziminia N et al. · JAMA cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Enhancing risk prediction for sudden cardiac death: quantitative late gadolinium enhancement analysis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This single-center retrospective study assessed whether quantitative late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) metrics from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improve sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk prediction in 617 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Multiple LGE quantification approaches—including n-standard deviation (SD) thresholding and full width at half maximum methods, with a defined “gray zone”—were evaluated for association with SCD or aborted SCD. If validated, standardized quantitative LGE analysis could refine SCD risk stratification beyond conventional clinical models in HCM.
Wang L, Zhang H, Lu G et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AL Cardiac Amyloidosis Mimicking Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Absent Apical Sparing.
This JACC Case Reports report describes a patient with progressive heart failure whose presentation mimicked dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction and lacked apical sparing, ultimately attributed to AL cardiac amyloidosis. Cardiac imaging (including CMR with diffuse, patchy late gadolinium enhancement) supported the diagnosis despite echocardiographic features that were not classic for amyloid. The case highlights the need for early CMR-based evaluation when suspected cardiomyopathy phenotypes are atypical, to avoid delayed treatment of rapidly progressive AL amyloidosis.
Kidess GG, Kaufman M, Sarswat N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Loeffler’s Endomyocarditis With Embolic Stroke Secondary to Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia With Therapy-Related Molecular Features.
This JACC Case Reports article describes Loeffler’s endomyocarditis with embolic stroke in a 77-year-old man with chronic eosinophilic leukemia carrying therapy-related molecular features after R-CHOP for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Echocardiography identified a large apical left ventricular thrombus and CMR showed diffuse subendocardial involvement consistent with eosinophil-mediated myocardial injury and endomyocardial fibrosis. Clinically, it underscores that clonal hypereosinophilic disorders can present with thromboembolic cardiac complications and that prompt recognition is critical for targeted management.
Ramesh S, Yousif N, Affas Z et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Emerging experimental and computational methods for studying redox-regulated structural transitions.
This FEBS Letters review examined emerging experimental and computational approaches to study redox-regulated structural transitions driven by thiol-based redox switches involving cysteine and selenocysteine. It highlights new chemoselective small-molecule probes that trap specific sulfenic/sulfinic acid states and a shift toward machine-learning–assisted graph-based modeling to overcome limitations of transient intermediates and the computational cost of classical molecular dynamics. Scientifically, these advances aim to enable atomic-level thermodynamic and kinetic understanding of redox-driven conformational changes relevant to metabolism and signaling.
Rass T, Reichmann D, Erdős G · FEBS letters · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Impact of Dapagliflozin on MRI-Derived Epicardial Adipose Tissue: Secondary Imaging Analysis of a Randomized Trial.
This secondary longitudinal imaging analysis of a prospective randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluated whether the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin reduces epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) independently of weight change in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without overt cardiovascular disease. The study specifically used MRI-derived EAT measurements to test a direct drug effect versus changes secondary to weight loss. If confirmed, dapagliflozin’s independent impact on EAT would support a mechanistic link between SGLT2 inhibition and cardiovascular risk modulation beyond glycemic control.
Cha MJ, Firoozeh N, Naumova AV et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Long-term results of brentuximab vedotin and bendamustine for first-line treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma in the elderly (HALO trial).
This British Journal of Haematology report reports long-term outcomes from the HALO trial, a prospective open-label phase I/II study testing first-line brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) plus bendamustine (Levact) in elderly patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. The study enrolled older adults (mean age ~70.8 years) and evaluated safety and efficacy of the Be-BV regimen as frontline therapy in this population with a narrow therapeutic window. These long-term results inform risk–benefit considerations for using brentuximab vedotin–based combination therapy in treatment-naïve elderly Hodgkin lymphoma patients.
Gallamini A, Viviani S, Rapezzi D et al. · British journal of haematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 NT-proBNP levels and conventional plus tissue-characterization CMR parameters in 204 patients undergoing CMR with NT-proBNP measured within 7 days. Patients were stratified by NT-proBNP into normal (<125 pg/mL), high (125–500 pg/mL), and extremely high (>500 pg/mL) groups, and CMR measures such as ejection fraction, myocardial mass, and left atrial diameter (and late gadolinium enhancement metrics) were compared across groups. The findings support using CMR parameters to better interpret biomarker-defined disease severity and may help integrate imaging with NT-proBNP for cardiac risk assessment.
Doğan İ, Memis KB, Şahin D et al. · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac myxoedema due to severe hypothyroidism mimicking myopericarditis: a case report.
This European Heart Journal Case Reports article describes a 42-year-old woman with severe hypothyroidism whose cardiac myxoedema mimicked myopericarditis after a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite symptoms and imaging/clinical features that initially suggested inflammatory myocardial/pericardial disease, the presentation was due to hypothyroidism-related myocardial and pericardial involvement. The case emphasizes that severe hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of suspected myopericarditis because it is potentially reversible with appropriate thyroid treatment.
Gualini E, Pedrotti P, Dalino Ciaramella P et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Extracorporeal Photopheresis in Heart Transplantation: Mechanisms, Clinical Integration, and the Experience of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese.
This review describes the immunomodulatory mechanisms and clinical integration of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in heart transplant recipients, focusing on its use for complex rejection. It summarizes how ECP (leukapheresis plus 8-methoxypsoralen photoactivation and UVA irradiation) induces leukocyte apoptosis and promotes immune tolerance via dendritic-cell modulation, regulatory T-cell expansion, and cytokine reprogramming, and reports real-world experience from Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese. Clinically, it supports ECP as an option for steroid-refractory acute cellular rejection and selected antibody-mediated rejection in transplant care.
Martini L, Righini FM, Selimi A et al. · Artificial organs · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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)–derived quantification of myocardial fibrosis on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)—including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and parametric mapping—in adults with ischaemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy adds independent prognostic value over conventional fibrosis measures. The evidence base was sparse, with fewer than three comparable studies meeting inclusion criteria, limiting conclusions about incremental prognostic performance of AI fibrosis markers. Clinically, the review highlights a need for more rigorous, head-to-head, covariate-adjusted prospective studies before AI fibrosis quantification can be adopted for risk prediction in cardiomyopathy.
Siddiqi AK, Khan AR, Khan S et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 2D speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), 3D speckle-tracking echocardiography (3D-STE), and cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) in patients with advanced heart failure, using histopathology of right ventricular myocardial fibrosis (RVMF) as the gold standard. The key finding was which RVFWLS method was most robust for evaluating RVMF, with 3D-STE being directly assessed against 2D-STE and CMR-FT. Establishing the most reliable noninvasive RV fibrosis marker could improve risk stratification and monitoring of myocardial remodeling 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 ↗
A plasmid-associated immunoglobulin-binding protein in Acinetobacter baumannii.
This study investigated virulence determinants in 89 carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and identified an immunoglobulin-binding protein, ImbA, encoded on a type D plasmid. ImbA was characterized as a functional virulence factor through protein–immunoglobulin interaction assays including pull-down experiments and biolayer interferometry. Defining ImbA’s role in immune binding provides a potential target for therapies or diagnostics aimed at reducing severe A. baumannii infections driven by plasmid-associated virulence.
Kim D, Kim C, Lee S et al. · EBioMedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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, focusing on how T1 values vary with magnetic field strength and B0/B1 homogeneity, scanner vendor differences, and acquisition parameters. The key finding was that these sources of variability substantially limit direct comparability of native T1 across studies and centers, undermining fibrosis detection thresholds if local calibration is not performed. Improving standardization and reference-range methodology is scientifically important for reliable, multi-center CMR assessment of myocardial fibrosis and other tissue abnormalities.
Che Ha M, Sayuti KA, Mohammed Y et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Metabolic Signatures of Atrial Functional Impairment in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A CMR Strain-metabolomics Study.
This CMR strain–metabolomics study evaluated paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients by combining left atrial strain from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with untargeted metabolomics to identify biomarkers of early atrial functional impairment. Despite similar left atrial sizes, seven differential metabolites—phosphatidylcholine, inosine, bilirubin, biliverdin, 3-methylhistidine, L-tryptophan, and pantothenic acid—were associated with declining atrial function. These metabolite signatures could enable earlier, stage-specific biomarker development to delay progression of 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 study assessed late cardiac effects of anthracycline-based therapy in 117 childhood cancer survivors (CCS) approximately 12 years after treatment, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) to quantify ventricular strain and function. The key finding was that CMR-FT–derived strain measures (including global longitudinal strain and global circumferential/radial strain for both ventricles) can detect subclinical cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) compared with 79 age- and sex-matched controls. Using CMR-FT strain as a sensitive marker could improve long-term surveillance and early intervention for CCS at risk of progressive cardiotoxicity.
Mojica-Pisciotti ML, Panovský R, Holeček T et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (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 systematically reviewed pediatric evidence on long-term cardiovascular sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection, emphasizing myocardial injury, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), and autonomic dysfunction across studies with at least four weeks of follow-up. The key finding was that the literature supports a spectrum of persistent subclinical myocardial abnormalities and dysautonomia in children after SARS-CoV-2 and MIS-C, with phenotype-relevant implications for follow-up. Summarizing these patterns is clinically significant for designing structured, phenotype-guided monitoring pathways for affected children.
Mól N, Kwinta P · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
MxA expression in systemic lupus erythematosus -associated myocarditis indicates type I interferon pathway activation.
This case-based study examined systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)–associated myocarditis in two patients and assessed myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) expression as a surrogate marker of local type I interferon pathway activation. The key finding was that MxA expression in the myocardium indicated type I interferon pathway activation in SLE myocarditis. Demonstrating local IFN-pathway involvement could support more targeted mechanistic understanding and potentially guide future immunomodulatory strategies in SLE myocarditis.
Ito Y, Arinuma Y, Yuasa H et al. · Immunological medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodal Framework of Left Heart-Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling Underlying Right Ventricular Failure in PH-HFpEF.
This study developed 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), integrating vascular mechanics with myocardial transcriptomics. In a predominantly retrospective PH-HFpEF cohort (n=48) assessed with clinical evaluation, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing, the key finding was the linkage of RV failure physiology to transcriptomic signals informed by MRI-derived RV functional metrics. This mechanistic integration is scientifically significant because it can identify pathways driving RV deterioration and inform targeted interventions for PH-HFpEF.
Raza F, Gregorich ZR, Freeman J et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Normative values for quantitative MRI biomarkers of the liver in collegiate athletes.
This study established normative quantitative liver MRI values in collegiate athletes by measuring proton density fat fraction (PDFF), R2*-based liver iron concentration (LIC), and T1/T2 relaxation times using 1.5T/3.0T MRI. The key finding was the provision of athlete-specific reference ranges derived from chemical shift–encoded MRI for PDFF and R2* and cardiac mapping for T1/T2 with partial liver coverage. Having these norms is clinically important for correctly interpreting liver quantitative biomarkers in athletes, especially after COVID-19 recovery return-to-play imaging.
Anagnostopoulos A, Heidenreich JF, Roshanshad A et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (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 study evaluated 139 participants with normal left ventricular ejection fraction by linking left ventricular myocardial strain impairment on cardiac MRI to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden on brain MRI. The key finding was a significant association between subclinical LV dysfunction (reduced strain) and greater CSVD burden, supporting a heart–brain microvascular connection even when ejection fraction is preserved. This is clinically important because it suggests CMR strain could help identify individuals at higher risk for cerebral microvascular injury despite normal pump function.
Wang W, Zhang X, Liang M et al. · Brain research bulletin · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial studied deramiocel (human allogeneic heart-derived cardiosphere-derived cells) in participants aged ≥10 years with advanced Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Deramiocel was tested as an intravenous infusion strategy to assess efficacy and safety in advanced disease, building on improvements reported in earlier phase 1–2 studies and HOPE-2. If effective, deramiocel would represent a clinically meaningful cell-based therapy targeting both cardiac and skeletal muscle decline in advanced DMD.
McDonald CM, Villa C, Soslow JH et al. · Lancet (London, England) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging Cardiac Amyloidosis: From Early Diagnosis to Risk Stratification and Evaluation of Treatment Efficacy.
This review article examined how multimodality cardiac imaging—from early diagnosis through risk stratification and treatment-response assessment—can be used in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (AL and ATTR). It highlights echocardiography as a first-line imaging modality and emphasizes that imaging stage of cardiac involvement strongly influences observed treatment efficacy and outcomes. Clinically, the work supports imaging-guided management to identify disease stage early and to monitor response to disease-modifying therapies in cardiac amyloidosis.
Sclafani M, Russo D, Oikonomou G et al. · Journal of cardiovascular development and disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Assessment of Left Ventricular Myocardial Fibrosis and Edema in Atrial Fibrillation Using Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.
This JoVE protocol article described how cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can quantify left ventricular myocardial fibrosis and edema in atrial fibrillation using T1 mapping, T2 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV) fraction. The key methodological finding is that these quantitative CMR techniques provide measurable biomarkers of tissue remodeling relevant to AF progression and ventricular dysfunction risk. Scientifically and clinically, the approach enables standardized, noninvasive assessment of AF-related myocardial changes that may improve prognosis and guide therapy evaluation.
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 systematic review and meta-analysis compared imaging-guided versus conventional ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation strategies in adults with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). The study’s key finding is that it evaluates whether advanced cardiac imaging that characterizes infarct substrate and guides lesion delivery reduces VT recurrence compared with conventional approaches, using PRISMA methods and PROSPERO-registered analyses. Clinically, the results aim to clarify the incremental benefit of imaging-guided ablation for improving long-term VT control in ICM.
Ahmed S, Sawalha K, Sharief M et al. · Journal of arrhythmia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammatory Hot Phases in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Dynamic Electrophysiologic Substrate Beyond Scar.
This JACC Advances review synthesized evidence that arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) can include episodic inflammatory “hot phases” beyond the traditional scar/fibrofatty substrate model. It identifies proposed mechanisms such as desmosomal instability, inflammasome activation, cytokine signaling, and anti-desmoglein-2 immune responses, with cardiac magnetic resonance tissue characterization used to detect dynamic injury. Scientifically, reframing ACM as having inflammatory exacerbations may support new risk stratification and therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation in selected patients.
Zarghami M, Maleki ND, Naddaf S et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary CT angiography-derived perivascular fat attenuation index as a potential marker for heart failure in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective study evaluated whether the coronary CT angiography-derived perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) reflects coronary inflammation and predicts heart failure in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In 75 HCM patients and 75 matched controls, perivascular FAI was measured around the proximal right coronary artery, LAD, and LCX and was assessed for association with heart failure using comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance measures of left ventricular morphology and function. If validated, perivascular FAI from CCTA could become a noninvasive imaging biomarker for HF risk stratification in HCM.
Peng L, Feng Y, Yuan J et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Arrhythmogenic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Looking Beyond Mitral Regurgitation.
This JACC Case Reports article described an arrhythmogenic mitral valve prolapse phenotype in a 70-year-old woman with Barlow disease, where risk was not explained solely by mitral regurgitation severity. The key finding was that despite being asymptomatic, she had bileaflet prolapse with mitral annular disjunction and frequent polymorphic premature ventricular complexes on ambulatory monitoring, followed by out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation with cardiac arrest. Clinically, the case emphasizes that arrhythmogenic MVP requires evaluation beyond MR severity, including rhythm monitoring and advanced structural assessment.
Ribeyrolles S, Zannis K, Berrebi A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Calcification After Severe Sepsis: 3-Patient Case Series, Multimodality Imaging, and Review of the Literature.
This JACC Case Reports article presented a 3-patient case series of myocardial calcification after severe sepsis and reviewed the literature, using multimodality imaging. The key finding was that computed tomography identified the distribution and extent of myocardial calcium deposition while cardiac magnetic resonance showed corresponding nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement. Scientifically and clinically, the report underscores that CT and CMR provide complementary information for characterizing rare post-sepsis myocardial calcification and its long-term consequences.
Ruiz-López A, Salido Iniesta M, Gómez Revelles S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 and application modes affect marginal integrity of Class II resin composite restorations using cervical margin relocation (CMR) or deep margin elevation (DME). Using 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) after 6 months of 37°C water aging. The findings are intended to guide selection of adhesive systems and bonding protocols to improve restoration marginal integrity and longevity.
Phuntusuntorn P, Engkatanachai K, Singhatanadgit W et al. · The journal of adhesive dentistry · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Ventricular Summit Ventricular Tachycardia Identified by Electrocardiographic Pattern Recognition and Managed With Radiofrequency Ablation.
This American Journal of Case Reports article described a 66-year-old man with left ventricular summit ventricular tachycardia (LVSVT) diagnosed using characteristic 12-lead ECG pattern recognition. The key finding was that radiofrequency ablation was used to manage LVSVT originating from the epicardium of the superior left ventricular wall between the main coronary artery origins. Clinically, the case supports ECG-based identification of LVSVT to facilitate targeted ablation and potentially improve outcomes in this specific arrhythmia substrate.
Moreira MG, Hardy CA, Costa LMAD et al. · The American journal of case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
High frequency edge network for accurate cardiac structure segmentation.
This study developed and evaluated HF-EdgeNet, a high-frequency edge–guided encoder–decoder deep learning model for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) image segmentation. The key finding is that injecting high-frequency structural cues via the High Frequency Edge Transformer (HF-EdgeT), compensating for high-frequency degradation during downsampling with the High Frequency Adaptive module (HF-Adapte), and bridging semantics with the Semantic Edge Bridge (SEB) improves segmentation accuracy for cardiac structures. Scientifically, it demonstrates that boundary-relevant information in CMR is strongly represented in high-frequency components and can be leveraged for more precise automated segmentation.
He S, Xiong H, Wang W et al. · iScience · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Understanding the cardiology training landscape in Asia-Pacific region.
This cross-sectional survey studied cardiology training and credentialing pathways across the Asia-Pacific region using a 42-item online questionnaire completed by credentialed cardiologist representatives from 23 regions. It found that all regions require specialist qualification to practise cardiology, with 69.6% reporting a single training pathway and substantial variation in pathway structure across regions. The results are significant for curriculum and credentialing harmonization efforts by identifying where training models are similar versus where targeted development is needed.
Cader FA, Lee WYS, Widodo WA et al. · Postgraduate medical journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Insights into Metabolically Healthy Obesity-A Narrative Review.
This narrative review examined the clinical validity and cardiometabolic risk implications of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) across studies published mainly from 2020–2025. It concludes that conventional MHO definitions based on metabolic parameters may miss residual cardiovascular risk, meaning “metabolically healthy” obesity does not eliminate future cardiovascular risk. The review is significant because it argues for improved risk stratification beyond metabolic biomarkers to better identify patients with obesity who remain at elevated cardiovascular risk.
Roșca OR, Tudoran C · Journal of clinical medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Role of the Extracellular Volume of the Infarction Zone and the Remote Myocardium in Predicting Systolic Dysfunction After the First Myocardial Infarction.
This prospective study evaluated whether cardiac MRI–derived extracellular volume (ECV) of the infarction zone and remote myocardium predicts systolic dysfunction and adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling at 24 weeks after first myocardial infarction (MI) and revascularization. In 154 patients, ECV measured by cardiac MRI at 7–10 days and again after 24 weeks was assessed alongside LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and injury patterns to determine prognostic value. The findings are clinically important because ECV-based CMR biomarkers could improve early prediction of post-MI remodeling and guide follow-up intensity after the first MI.
Oleynikov V, Salyamova L, Vdovkin A et al. · Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Characteristic MR Signal of Velopharyngeal-Related Muscles on Cine-MRI in Patients with Oral Cancers and Preserved Swallowing Function: An Exploratory Feasibility Study.
This exploratory feasibility study investigated characteristic cine-MRI signal patterns in velopharyngeal-related muscles during water deglutition in 19 post-operative oral cancer patients with preserved swallowing function. The key finding is that velopharyngeal-related muscular MR signal fluctuations can be visualized and potentially used to detect deglutition anomalies in surgical oral cancer cases. Scientifically, it supports cine-MRI as a noninvasive imaging approach to assess swallowing-related muscle performance and may help monitor quality-of-life–relevant complications such as velopharyngeal insufficiency.
Nishimura S, Oda M, Hayakawa M et al. · Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Non-Contrast cardiac magnetic resonance for left atrial appendage occlusion Planning: A comparative study with cardiac CTA.
This comparative clinical study assessed non-contrast cardiac MRI (CMR) for left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) planning by comparing landing zone measurements and predicted optimal fluoroscopic projection angles (OPAs) against cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in 32 atrial fibrillation patients. The key finding is that non-contrast CMR can be used for LAAO sizing and OPA prediction with measurement agreement evaluated relative to CCTA/DSA and implanted device size. Clinically, this is significant because it offers a radiation- and contrast-sparing alternative for procedural planning in patients where CCTA is limited.
Wang Q, Bao J, Li M et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Placental Histopathology and Transplacental Transfer of RSV-specific Neutralizing Antibodies The Silver Study.
This prospective observational cross-sectional study (The Silver Study) examined whether placental histopathology influences transplacental transfer of RSV-specific neutralizing antibodies in mothers and infants. It measured cord–maternal ratios (CMRs) for RSV-A and RSV-B neutralizing antibodies across extremely preterm (24–32 weeks), moderately preterm (33–36 weeks), and term (37–42 weeks) groups and related these to placental histological characteristics. The significance is that it clarifies determinants of passive RSV immunity in early life, informing how gestational age and placental pathology may affect infant protection.
Phijffer EWEM, Willemsen J, Wildenbeest JG et al. · The Pediatric infectious disease journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Updates on Imaging Modalities for the Diagnosis of Aortic Stenosis.
This review summarized current and emerging imaging modalities for diagnosing and grading aortic stenosis (AS), focusing on limitations of standard transthoracic echocardiography in low-flow/low-gradient scenarios. It reports that advanced echocardiographic approaches (including 3D imaging and stress echocardiography) and Doppler-derived indices (such as mean gradient-to-effective orifice area ratio) can improve severity assessment and risk stratification. The clinical significance is that more robust imaging strategies can reduce misclassification of AS severity and better guide management decisions in complex hemodynamic presentations.
Itani H, Moumneh MB, Zayed A et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
[A semi-supervised MRI image segmentation dual-network model for regions with ambiguous boundaries and heterogeneous regions].
This methods paper proposed HVASS, a region-guided dual-network semi-supervised MRI segmentation model designed for tumor subregions with ambiguous boundaries and heterogeneous appearance under extremely low labeling rates. The key finding is that HVASS uses dual-network collaborative learning with prediction inconsistency to automatically identify high-confidence ambiguity zones and low-confidence stable regions for targeted learning. Scientifically, it advances semi-supervised segmentation reliability for complex cardiac and glioma boundary delineation when labeled data are scarce.
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 ↗
Cardiac imaging biomarkers for cardiovascular risk prediction
The additive value of coronary calcium in identifying cardiovascular risk in ageing people with HIV.
This study of 779 people with HIV (median age 55) evaluated whether coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) add prognostic value for cardiovascular outcomes beyond existing risk tools such as Q-risk scores. Coronary calcium more strongly predicted adverse outcomes including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), death, and heart failure than Q-risk scores. The results support using CACS to improve cardiovascular risk stratification in ageing people with HIV.
Varadarajan M, Byrne R, Al-Hussaini A et al. · AIDS (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic Value of Strain Imaging Measurements in Patients with Non-ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Scoping Review.
This PRISMA-ScR–guided scoping review summarized evidence (search through October 25, 2025) on prognostic value of myocardial strain imaging in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), focusing on left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and related strain parameters. It concluded that strain imaging may provide prognostic information beyond left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), though the role and consistency across NICM subtypes remain incompletely defined. The review identifies gaps to guide future standardized studies of strain-based risk stratification in NICM.
Mohammed D, Saeed H, Rayyan A et al. · Cardiology in review · (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. Greater ischemia and/or more severe anatomic CAD burden were associated with worse 1-year health status after adjustment in proportional odds models. These results support incorporating both functional ischemia and anatomic CAD severity when counseling patients about expected quality-of-life outcomes under invasive versus conservative strategies.
Phillips LM, Jones PG, Shaw LJ et al. · American heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Ventricular Remodeling in Mitral Valve Prolapse: More Than Volume Overload.
This multicenter prospective study evaluated left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) beyond the degree of mitral regurgitation (MR) volume load, testing whether an MVP cardiomyopathy substrate contributes to remodeling. Using cardiac MRI, 24-hour Holter monitoring, and assessment for cardiomyopathy-associated genetic variants, the investigators found determinants of disproportionate LV remodeling in MVP that extend beyond MR severity. Scientifically, the results support a model in which arrhythmia burden and/or genetic substrate may drive MVP-related myocardial remodeling, informing risk assessment and follow-up strategies.
Pype LL, Marchenko O, Van Laer SL et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial fibrosis, edema, and tissue characterization (CMR)
Left Ventricular Fibrosis on T1 Mapping is Associated with Increased Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
Using baseline cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) T1 mapping to derive left ventricular extracellular volume fraction (LV-ECV), this prospective MESA cohort study followed 1,261 participants free of atrial fibrillation for incident AF. Greater LV-ECV (reflecting diffuse myocardial fibrosis) was independently associated with a higher risk of developing incident atrial fibrillation. Clinically, LV fibrosis quantification by T1 mapping/ECV may help identify patients at elevated AF risk before arrhythmia onset.
Ebrahimihoor E, Salameh E, Aronis KN et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A contrast-enhanced CMR-based risk score integrating microvascular obstruction and intramyocardial hemorrhage extent for prognostic evaluation.
In a retrospective multicenter analysis of 568 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), investigators developed a contrast-enhanced CMR risk score integrating microvascular obstruction (MVO) extent on late gadolinium enhancement with intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) extent assessed by T2* mapping and T2-weighted imaging. The combined MVO+IMH CMR score improved prognostic evaluation for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) compared with established CMR and clinical scores (including Eitel, Glasgow, and GRACE). This approach could refine post-STEMI risk stratification by capturing both microvascular injury and hemorrhage on CMR.
Gu XY, Yin TX, Yu LY et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
MRI-guided multipolar functional substrate mapping identifies intramural conduction corridors: The TRAMPOLINE VT study.
The TRAMPOLINE VT study evaluated, in 18 patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation, how electrode spacing, multipolar signal annotation, and functional mapping influence identification of intramural conduction delay using co-registered MRI scar models. Multipolar functional substrate mapping after a single sensed extra-stimulus (SE) and catheter-specific annotation (Octaray short-spline vs long-spline in bipolar mapping; multipolar mapping in a subset) improved detection/characterization of conduction corridors compared with approaches relying on endocardial signals alone. This work advances MRI-guided, multipolar functional mapping strategies that may better target intramural VT substrate during ablation.
Maclean E, Tonko J, Creta A et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT for structural heart disease assessment (valves and cardiomyopathy)
Safety and Efficacy of HarmonyTM Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Implantation - Clinical and Hemodynamic Assessment in a Single-Center Japanese Cohort.
This prospective single-center Japanese cohort study evaluated the safety and efficacy of Harmony™ transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) in 55 Japanese adults with pulmonary regurgitation (PR) and an enlarged native right ventricular outflow tract. Baseline and 3-month echocardiography and cardiac MRI were used to assess procedural success and hemodynamic outcomes, demonstrating feasibility and clinical/hemodynamic performance in a non-US population. The findings extend evidence for Harmony™ TPVI to Japanese adults, supporting broader generalizability of TPVI outcomes across regions.
Kogure T, Yagishita D, Kawamoto T et al. · Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital heart disease and pediatric long-term outcomes
Natural history of children after tetralogy of Fallot repair.
This single-center retrospective cohort study followed 95 children with tetralogy of Fallot repaired between 2000 and 2015 (with follow-up through age 18) using serial ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. It characterized the contemporary “natural history” of repaired TOF, reporting long-term outcomes over a median follow-up of 15.7 years. These data update expectations for modern post-repair surveillance and can inform long-term follow-up strategies in pediatric congenital heart disease.
Bitterman Y, Bulic A, Mueller B et al. · Pediatric research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Children with Surgically Corrected Congenital Heart Disease: Exercise Testing Profiles and Biventricular Function.
This prospective study evaluated cardiorespiratory fitness in children with surgically corrected biventricular congenital heart disease using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and cardiac imaging to relate exercise limitation to underlying biventricular function. It profiled CPET abnormalities (expressed as % predicted for age/sex) and assessed how biventricular function contributes to impaired maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O₂max). The findings can help clinicians interpret exercise testing patterns and target rehabilitation or medical management in pediatric CHD.
Haas SD, van der Hulst AE, Widyanti AP et al. · American heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI methods, segmentation, and AI for image analysis
Completely free-breathing cardiac MRI using deep learning reconstruction reduces sedation and scan time in children.
This comparative pediatric study (150 children using highly accelerated single cardiac cycle 1RR free-breathing cine with deep learning reconstruction versus 150 children undergoing conventional segmented breath-hold cine) assessed scan duration and anesthesia requirements. Free-breathing deep learning CMR reduced total scan time and decreased the need for sedation/anesthesia compared with breath-hold imaging. The technique can improve feasibility and safety of cardiac MRI in young or medically fragile children by minimizing anesthesia exposure.
Gupta A, Long W, Young S et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI-guided interventional procedures and procedural planning
Volumetric real-time MRI for the guidance of cardiac catheterization at 0.55T.
This study proposed and evaluated volumetric real-time interventional cardiovascular MRI (iCMR) at 0.55T for guiding cardiac catheterization, specifically right-heart catheterization (RHC). The volumetric approach enables flexible real-time re-slicing and 3D visualization to better track devices as they move out of plane, reducing the operational burden of updating imaging planes. If validated clinically, this technique could improve the safety and efficiency of MRI-guided invasive hemodynamic assessment for pulmonary hypertension and heart failure.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Giant cell myocarditis: from immune pathogenesis to contemporary management.
This review examined the immune pathogenesis and contemporary management of giant cell myocarditis (GCM), a rare inflammatory cardiomyopathy affecting predominantly middle-aged adults. It reports that GCM is largely T cell–mediated autoimmune disease 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 mechanistic insights support rapid recognition and early immunosuppressive strategies to reduce malignant arrhythmias and death or need for heart transplantation.
Vosko I, Wallner M · Heart failure reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiometabolic risk, obesity phenotypes, and pharmacologic modifiers
Distinct relationships of compartment-specific fat distribution profiles with cardiovascular ageing and future cardiovascular events.
This UK Biobank study examined imaging-defined obesity phenotypes (abdominal visceral adipose tissue [VAT], abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue [ASAT], and pericardial adipose tissue [PAT]) in participants without prior cardiovascular disease, relating them to machine-learning–derived “biological heart age” from 56 cardiac MRI phenotypes and to incident CVD events. Compartment-specific fat distribution profiles showed distinct associations with cardiovascular ageing and future cardiovascular events, providing information beyond standard anthropometric measures. These findings support using depot-specific MRI phenotyping to improve risk stratification and mechanistic understanding of how obesity drives cardiac ageing.
Maldonado-Garcia C, Salih AM, Neubauer S et al. · Heart (British Cardiac Society) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammatory and autoimmune cardiovascular disease mechanisms and management
From ANCA-mediated vascular injury to coronary microvascular and myocardial involvement in granulomatosis with polyangiitis: an immunocardiology perspective.
This immunocardiology-focused review synthesized evidence linking ANCA-mediated vascular injury in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) to coronary microvascular dysfunction and myocardial involvement. It argues that cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in GPA arise from a combination of conventional risk factors, treatment-related metabolic effects, renal dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and disease-specific vascular injury. The review supports a mechanistic framework for better cardiovascular risk assessment and targeted monitoring in GPA patients.
Lucki M, Grygiel-Górniak B, Lucka E et al. · Rheumatology international · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Management of pericarditis: recent advances.
This narrative review summarized recent advances in pericarditis management, focusing on mechanism-based, risk-stratified, and imaging-supported approaches. It highlighted that while diagnosis remains clinical (typical chest pain, pericardial rub, ECG changes, and effusion), inflammatory biomarkers and multimodality imaging—especially cardiac MRI—are increasingly used to improve diagnostic confidence and guide therapy. The review’s significance is practical: it consolidates evolving evidence for clinicians managing acute idiopathic or presumed viral pericarditis and related presentations.
Imazio M · Polish archives of internal medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rare cardiac tumors and unusual cardiac presentations (case reports)
Pericardial Hemangioma: An 8-Year Diagnostic Odyssey of Recurrent Pleural Effusion.
This case report described a 54-year-old woman with an 8-year history of recurrent pleural/pericardial effusions initially misdiagnosed as amyloidosis, ultimately found to have pericardial hemangioma. Cardiac MRI showed a transverse pericardial sinus mass with characteristic T2 hyperintensity and centripetal enhancement, which was confirmed histologically after surgical excision. The report emphasizes CMR imaging features that can prevent prolonged diagnostic delay for rare pericardial tumors that mimic inflammatory or infiltrative disease.
Castillo M, Ibáñez A, Cuevas O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-cardiac clinical research and other biomedical topics
Model-informed optimal dose selection of golcadomide in combination with R-CHOP in patients with previously untreated aggressive B-cell lymphoma.
In an ongoing Phase 1b study (CC-220-DLBCL-001; NCT04884035), this model-informed drug development analysis used clinical safety/efficacy plus pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data to select an optimal dose of golcadomide (0.2 vs 0.4 mg) combined with R-CHOP in previously untreated aggressive B-cell lymphoma. The integrated analyses supported dose selection aligned with FDA Project Optimus by characterizing exposure–response and tolerability across the two golcadomide dose levels. This work advances rational dosing for golcadomide as a CELMoD™ agent in combination immunochemotherapy.
Zheng X, Yu Z, Kaplan M et al. · British journal of clinical pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Risk factors for hypothermia on trauma center arrival in injured children.
This retrospective cohort study of injured children (<18 years) using the 2021–2023 Trauma Quality Improvement Program dataset investigated predictors of hypothermia at trauma center arrival and factors associated with missing temperature documentation. Arrival hypothermia (including mild and moderate/severe ranges) was associated with identifiable risk factors, and the study also characterized patterns of inconsistent temperature recording. The findings can improve early recognition and documentation of hypothermia in pediatric trauma care to reduce downstream morbidity.
Rempson CM, Crosier CJ, Pracht EE et al. · The journal of trauma and acute care surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on August 27, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 20, 2026 – August 27, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.