What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

September 02, 2026 · 93 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 26, 2026 – September 02, 2026

Overview

This week’s digest is dominated by advances in cardiac MRI-driven risk stratification and mechanistic phenotyping—especially for inherited cardiomyopathies (notably hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and amyloidosis), myocarditis/transplant rejection, and heart failure. Multiple studies reinforce that “more than LGE” is increasingly the norm: quantitative tissue metrics (e.g., ECV and endogenous T1ρ), coupled remodeling indices (e.g., LV mass–LA strain ratio), and novel structural quantifiers (e.g., trabecular complexity) are being tested to refine prognosis and guide escalation beyond traditional clinical staging or single-parameter imaging.

A second major theme is the push toward scalable, automated, and clinically deployable imaging workflows using AI and quantitative methods. Papers span deep-learning cine acceleration for pediatric/congenital imaging, segmentation/radiomics for cardiac masses and myocarditis, robust cross-modal retrieval, and even patient-facing report generation with large language models. Importantly, several contributions also address real-world constraints—standardization (interobserver agreement, ROI interchangeability), generalizability/bias in datasets, and practical diagnostic pathways (e.g., structured MINOCA workups, scenario-based pericardial management).

Finally, there is continued momentum in linking imaging to physiology and outcomes across the cardiovascular spectrum: microvascular dysfunction in MINOCA and Takotsubo, hemodynamic prediction after AMI using 4D flow metrics, and right-heart/pulmonary hypertension monitoring via strain and flow energetics. Together, these studies illustrate a broader shift from descriptive imaging toward integrated, mechanism-informed decision support—where imaging biomarkers, computational tools, and clinical pathways are increasingly designed to work together.

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Cardiac MRI/CT AI & Deep Learning Methods

Spatial phenotyping of epicardial adipose tissue from cardiac MRI.

This study developed a deep learning framework to spatially phenotype epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) distribution across the heart using cardiac MRI in order to overcome limitations of prior segmentation methods. An asymmetric multi-modal CNN-Transformer network automatically segmented the four cardiac chambers and EAT, enabling chamber-resolved quantitative mapping using spatial statistical modeling (with results truncated in the abstract). The approach advances noninvasive, whole-heart characterization of EAT, which may improve understanding of EAT’s role in cardiovascular disease risk and mechanisms.

Feng F, Long T, Hasaballa AI et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Deformable image registration for self-supervised cardiac phase detection in cardiac magnetic resonance images of patients with various diseases.

This methodological study proposed a self-supervised deep learning approach using deformable image registration to detect cardiac keyframes for phase detection in cine CMR across patients with various diseases. The method derives dense deformable registration fields to compute motion descriptors and detects five keyframes in short-axis (SAX) and four-chamber (4CH) cine CMR, addressing limitations of methods that only infer end-systole and end-diastole from LV volume curves (results truncated). Improved keyframe detection can enhance automated CMR analysis pipelines for cardiac function assessment and downstream quantitative measurements.

Mueller SK, Koehler S, Kiekenap J et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Enhanced risk stratification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy through the integration of extracellular volume fraction on cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

This cohort study assessed whether CMR-derived extracellular volume fraction (ECV), a marker of diffuse interstitial fibrosis, adds prognostic value beyond late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Among 990 consecutive HCM patients undergoing CMR (2012–2024), the authors quantified LGE and global ECV and evaluated associations with a composite endpoint of sudden cardiac death events, heart failure events, and HCM-related death over a median 3.2-year follow-up (outcome details truncated). Integrating ECV into CMR risk models could improve stratification for HCM-related adverse events beyond LGE alone.

Lee HJ, Gwak SY, Lee S et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

ContiMorph: An unsupervised learning framework for cardiac motion tracking with time-continuous diffeomorphism.

This paper introduced ContiMorph, an unsupervised deep learning framework for cardiac motion tracking that targets time-continuous motion fields rather than relying on scaling-and-squaring (SS) integration. The method combines a frame-aware U-Net with a time-embedded transformer to learn temporally continuous intra-frame motion fields and then composes them to produce tracking across sequences. The scientific significance is that it may improve cardiac motion tracking accuracy by better exploiting temporal continuity in cardiac image sequences.

Jiang M, Ruan X, Zheng L et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Free-Breathing Dynamic, Regularized, Adaptive Cluster Optimization (DRACO) Cine Cardiac MRI in Atrial Fibrillation.

This prospective study evaluated a tailored free-breathing version of Dynamic Regularized Adaptive Cluster Optimization (DRACO) cine cardiac MRI in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), comparing performance in 20 AF patients versus 10 sinus rhythm controls. Using a 3.0 T bSSFP ECG-gated segmented cine approach with sorted golden-step and real-time components, it assessed DRACO’s ability to simultaneously handle cardiac and respiratory motion during free breathing. The work supports DRACO as a practical cine-MRI strategy for AF patients who cannot reliably perform breath-holds, potentially improving image quality and quantification.

Ming Z, Pogosyan A, Dong X et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

CardioMorphNet: Cardiac motion prediction using a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep network.

This study developed and evaluated CardioMorphNet, a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep network for 3D cardiac motion prediction from short-axis cine cardiac MRI in order to improve deformable registration. The key finding was that incorporating a recurrent variational autoencoder to model spatiotemporal dependencies and using cardiac shape guidance improved bi-ventricular segmentation and motion estimation compared with intensity-only registration approaches that can miss anatomical regions. Clinically, better cine CMR motion estimation can enhance assessment of cardiac function and detection of abnormalities.

Movahed RA, Rezaee A, Zakeri A et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Optimized Reduced Field of View and Fat Suppression Methods for Interleaved Multislice In Vivo Cardiac Diffusion Tensor Imaging.

This in vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) optimization study in 20 healthy volunteers evaluated reduced phase-encode (PE) field-of-view and fat-suppression strategies for interleaved multislice acquisition using motion-compensated spin-echo data. The authors compared four reduced-PE sequences—including a 2DRF pulse approach and flip-angle variants (180° or 90° in the PE direction) plus a proposed flip-back sequence—to improve signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and minimize artifacts. The significance is methodological: optimized reduced-FOV and fat suppression can make cDTI faster and more robust on cardiac MRI, improving feasibility for clinical and research hemodynamic microstructure mapping.

Luo Y, Ferreira PF, Wen K et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Evaluation of Third-Order Motion-Compensated Cardiac Diffusion Tensor Imaging Across Cardiac Phases Using an Ultra-High-Performance Clinical Scanner.

This prospective evaluation tested a third-order motion-compensated cardiac diffusion tensor imaging sequence (M3-MCSE) on a 3T clinical MRI scanner with ultra-high-performance gradients (200 mT/m) in 20 healthy subjects, comparing it across peak systole and diastasis against STEAM and second-order MCSE (M2-MCSE). The study found that M3-MCSE provided improved diffusion-tensor metrics and image quality across cardiac phases, and additional diastasis-trigger-delay sampling in five subjects demonstrated reduced motion-induced signal loss relative to less motion-compensated approaches. The clinical significance is that higher-order motion compensation can improve cDTI reliability across the cardiac cycle, enabling more accurate diffusion-based assessment of myocardial microstructure.

Wen K, Ferreira PF, Di Biase Oemick A et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

EFFNet: Efficient feature fusion network for left ventricular hypertrophy identification based on 12-lead electrocardiogram signals.

This study developed and tested an ECG-based deep learning model, EFFNet (efficient feature fusion network), for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) identification using 12-lead electrocardiogram signals. The key finding was that EFFNet’s feature fusion approach (combining CNN-derived morphological features, algorithm-derived amplitude features, and a mixture-of-experts module) improved LVH classification performance under 5-fold cross-validation. Scientifically and clinically, the model targets the low sensitivity of conventional LVH ECG criteria and may support more accurate, noninvasive LVH screening.

Yu R, Jia L, Pu Y et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Accelerated Cardiac MRI Using Deep Learning Cine Imaging: Validation in Pediatric Patients both with and without Congenital Heart Disease.

This prospective validation study evaluated deep learning (DL)-accelerated cine cardiac MRI in 50 pediatric patients (median age 16.1 years; 56% with congenital heart disease) with two-ventricle physiology, comparing DL cine imaging against conventional breath-held 2D bSSFP cine acquisitions at multiple acceleration levels. The key finding was that DL-accelerated cine imaging maintained diagnostic accuracy while reducing acquisition burden compared with conventional breath-held imaging. This is significant for pediatric and congenital heart disease imaging workflows where breath-holding and long scan times are challenging.

Kochav J, Ma J, Jambawalikar S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Toward Robust and Harmonious Adaptation for Cross-modal Retrieval.

This paper proposed a method for robust and harmonious adaptation in cross-modal retrieval (CMR) that addresses the query shift (QS) problem in real-world settings where the full target-domain query set is not available upfront. The key finding was improved cross-modal retrieval robustness under online query arrival conditions compared with general-to-customized approaches that assume complete target-domain data access. This is significant for deploying CMR systems reliably in practice, where distribution and query timing changes can otherwise degrade retrieval performance.

Li H, Liu Z, Yang M et al. · IEEE transactions on pattern analysis and machine intelligence · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Echo Chambers: Bias and Representation in Cardiac Imaging Datasets for Artificial Intelligence.

This review assessed bias and representation in publicly available cardiac imaging datasets for artificial intelligence across echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and cardiac computed tomography (CT). It found that ~80% of 38 datasets originated from high-income countries, fewer than two-thirds reported demographic information, and there were consistent performance gaps across racial and ethnic groups. Scientifically and clinically, these dataset imbalances can limit generalizability of cardiovascular AI and may worsen inequities in downstream diagnostic performance.

Gorijavolu R, Jaiswal N, Pratap JS et al. · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Artificial Intelligence-enhanced cardiac MRI reporting: expert validation and patient-centered outcomes.

This prospective study evaluated whether ChatGPT-4o can enhance accessibility and generate clinical recommendations from physician-dictated cardiac MRI (CMR) reports in 75 consecutive outpatients at two Italian tertiary centers. The key finding was that AI-generated patient-facing explanations and recommendations were validated for accuracy and safety and were well received by patients (with quantified performance metrics reported in the full text). This supports using large language models to improve patient comprehension of CMR results and potentially aid non-imaging clinicians’ decision-making.

Frontera A, Kotinas A, Musella A et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI Quantitative Tissue Characterization (T1/T2/ECV/T1ρ/LGE burden)

Assessment of late gadolinium enhancement peri-infarct zone in myocardial infarction with in vivo endogenous T1-rho mapping.

This retrospective cardiac MRI study evaluated endogenous T1-rho (T1ρ) mapping versus native T1 and T2 mapping for identifying late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-defined peri-infarct zones in 35 acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, 21 chronic MI patients, and 35 healthy controls. T1ρ mapping showed better diagnostic performance for delineating peri-infarct zones than native T1 or T2, with segment-level comparisons using a linear mixed-effects model. These findings suggest endogenous T1ρ mapping could improve CMR characterization of myocardial injury beyond conventional T1/T2 in both acute and chronic MI.

Li Y, An S, Xu S et al. · European journal of radiology open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI Hemodynamics & Flow (4D flow, pressure gradients, hemodynamic coupling)

Prognostic Value of Coronary Sinus Flow and Aortic Pressure Gradient Quantified by 4D Flow CMR in AMI.

This retrospective study investigated prognostic value in 103 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who underwent CMR before PCI, focusing on coronary sinus flow (CS Flow) and aortic pressure gradients derived from 4D flow CMR. The authors quantified CS Flow normalized to left ventricular mass and supra- and sub-aortic valve peak pressure gradients, then tested associations with a composite endpoint including death, unplanned revascularization, recurrent MI, heart failure rehospitalization, and stroke. The clinical significance is that 4D flow CMR hemodynamic metrics may help predict outcomes after AMI beyond conventional imaging and clinical variables.

Li Y, Wang S, Li G et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

5D Flow MRI Reveals Respiration-Driven Changes in Blood Flow Energetics in Congenital Heart Disease.

This 5D flow MRI study assessed respiration-driven changes in blood flow energetics in right-sided congenital heart disease by acquiring data across four respiratory states in 14 Fontan patients, 10 intracardiac shunt patients, and 9 controls. The key finding was that flow energetics metrics—mean kinetic energy (KEmean), total viscous energy loss (ELtotal), and the EL fraction (ELtotal/KEmean)—varied with the respiratory cycle, indicating that standard hemodynamic assessment may miss respiration-dependent inefficiency. Scientifically and clinically, the results support incorporating respiratory-state effects when using 5D flow MRI for hemodynamic monitoring and optimization in congenital heart disease.

Nallamothu T, Weiss EK, Baraboo J et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CMR for Arrhythmia Risk & Electrophysiology

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based arrhythmogenic substrate assessment improves sudden cardiac death risk stratification in heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction: a multicenter retrospective observational study.

This multicenter retrospective observational study assessed whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) markers—late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and T1 mapping—improve sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification in 1855 patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). In development (n=1417) and external validation (n=438) cohorts, a CMR-based arrhythmogenic substrate assessment improved SCD prediction and enabled an improved clinical risk stratification algorithm. The study supports incorporating CMR LGE/T1 mapping into SCD risk models for HFmrEF patients.

Wang W, Zhu R, Gao Y et al. · The Lancet regional health. Western Pacific · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Blood-nulled late gadolinium enhancement increases sensitivity for subtle basal myocardial scar in mitral valve prolapse with annular disjunction.

This case report described a 67-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and 3-mm mitral annular disjunction (MAD) undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) after Holter-documented frequent premature ventricular contractions and short runs. The authors report that blood-nulled late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging increases sensitivity for subtle basal inferolateral myocardial scar that can be obscured on conventional bright-blood LGE. This is scientifically and clinically important because it suggests an imaging modification that may improve arrhythmia risk stratification in MVP/MAD patients by better detecting low-contrast fibrosis.

Avakian A, Umair M · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Incidence and predictors of major arrhythmic events after acute myocarditis complicated by ventricular arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed recurrence rates and predictors of major arrhythmic events (MAEs) after discharge in patients with acute myocarditis complicated by sustained ventricular arrhythmias, synthesizing post-acute-phase outcomes from studies identified through searches up to December 2024. The key aim was to quantify how often major ventricular arrhythmic events recur and to identify clinical or electrophysiologic predictors that could guide implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) decision-making. The significance lies in improving risk stratification after myocarditis-associated ventricular arrhythmias, where current predictors are uncertain and ICD indications remain challenging.

M’Rabet S, Kaboré EG, Rav-Acha M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Novel insights on ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac amyloidosis: an updated narrative review.

This updated narrative review summarized mechanisms and clinical evidence for ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac amyloidosis, emphasizing differences between light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) subtypes. The review highlighted that advanced imaging such as cardiac MRI predicts all-cause mortality but does not reliably distinguish patients likely to experience shockable arrhythmic events versus those who die from progressive heart failure or electromechanical dissociation, complicating prophylactic ICD benefit. Scientifically and clinically, it underscores the need for better risk stratification tools beyond mortality-focused imaging to guide ICD therapy in cardiac amyloidosis.

Butturini C, Fortunato S, Setti M et al. · Revista espanola de cardiologia (English ed.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

From Scar to Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation With inHEART-Guided Targeting: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Stereotactic Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardia in a Single-Center Experience.

This single-center clinical evaluation studied stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation for ventricular tachycardia using inHEART-guided targeting, including the workflow for cardiac imaging integration and 3D substrate segmentation. The key finding was the reported clinical outcomes and dosimetric results for the initial 18 treated patients using contrast-enhanced cardiac CT (with late-enhancement imaging and optional cardiac MRI) processed in the inHEART MUSIC platform. The significance lies in demonstrating feasibility and early performance of a multimodality, automated targeting pipeline for stereotactic ventricular tachycardia ablation.

Brun T, Mignon P, Massabeau C et al. · Practical radiation oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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CMR for Cardiomyopathies & Inherited Heart Disease

Left ventricular myocardial strain analysis by feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases: A case-control study.

This case-control study evaluated left ventricular myocardial strain measured by cardiac MRI feature tracking (CMR-FT) in 30 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) versus 10 matched healthy controls. CMR-FT detected subclinical left ventricular dysfunction in ARD patients despite preserved conventional cardiac function. The results suggest CMR-FT strain can improve early detection of myocardial involvement in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.

ElMahdy EKA, Ibrahim AS, AbdulRahim SAA et al. · La Clinica terapeutica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Managing pregnancy in women with pre-existing cardiomyopathies: A case series.

This case series described pregnancy management and outcomes in women with pre-existing cardiomyopathies, covering dilated, hypertrophic, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotypes. Across cases, major complications included arrhythmias, worsening left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and heart failure, with management guided by biomarkers and pharmacologic/device strategies during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The report emphasizes phenotype-specific pre-conception risk assessment and tailored monitoring to reduce maternal and fetal complications.

Bruce C, Montanaro C, Wander G et al. · Case reports in women’s health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

[Ventricular hypertrophy and pre-excitation: a diagnostic clue to PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy].

This case report studied a 44-year-old man with suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy features and a maternal family history, focusing on PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed asymmetric ventricular hypertrophy with extensive late gadolinium enhancement and early adverse remodeling, consistent with a phenotype that can overlap hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy, and genetic testing identified a heterozygous PRKAG2 variant (truncated in abstract). Clinically, recognizing PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy—especially when pre-excitation and ventricular hypertrophy coexist—can prevent misclassification and supports appropriate risk management such as primary-prevention defibrillator implantation.

Quadrini F, Rodio D, Maddaluna P et al. · Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Incremental prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance beyond biomarker staging in transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis.

This multicentre retrospective study assessed whether adding cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) parameters to National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) serum biomarker staging improves prognostic prediction in 266 patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA). Using Cox regression for time to death, the authors evaluated the incremental prognostic value of CMR-derived predictors beyond NAC stage and their utility for identifying patients needing advanced heart failure therapies and emerging disease-modifying treatments. The results are significant because they support a more refined, imaging-informed risk model for ATTR-CA that could guide treatment escalation beyond biomarker staging alone.

Chiou T, Minga I, Subashchandran V et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Left atrial reservoir strain for predicting progression to end-stage in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This study analyzed 925 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to determine whether left atrial reservoir strain predicts progression to end-stage HCM, with a CMR subcohort of 491 patients. Over a median 6.5-year follow-up, it identified prognostic factors for progression to end-stage disease defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% without reversible causes, focusing on left atrial reservoir strain as a marker of disease progression. If validated, left atrial reservoir strain could improve risk prediction and guide earlier intervention in HCM patients before irreversible functional decline.

Kwak S, Jeong MH, Park CS et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Prognostic Value of MRI-Based Left Ventricular Trabecular Complexity for Sudden Cardiac Death in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

This prospective study evaluated whether MRI-derived left ventricular trabecular complexity quantified by fractal dimension (FD) predicts sudden cardiac death in 835 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The key finding was that higher LV trabecular complexity on 3T SSFP cine CMR was associated with increased SCD risk and showed relationships with HCM sarcomere genetic variants. This supports using automated/quantitative CMR trabecular metrics for earlier risk stratification and potentially guiding preventive strategies in HCM.

Zhang J, Yu M, Pu L et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Unmasking subclinical cardiomyopathy: The role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing when screening genotype-positive phenotype negative relatives.

This single-centre case series studied whether cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can detect subclinical cardiomyopathy in gene-positive, phenotype-negative relatives from families with likely/definite pathogenic cardiomyopathy variants. The key finding was that CPET provided additional sensitivity beyond conventional screening (ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and cardiac MRI) by identifying functional abnormalities in some G+P- relatives. Clinically, CPET may improve cascade testing effectiveness by uncovering early disease when standard imaging and ECG-based phenotyping appear normal.

Abela M, Scicluna J, Debattista J et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A novel convolution-transformer model for differentiating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from Phenocopies using cardiac MRI.

This study developed a novel convolution-transformer deep learning model using cardiac MRI to differentiate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from HCM phenocopies (hypertensive heart disease and cardiac amyloidosis) and from normal controls. The key finding was that the model enabled accurate, automated classification among HCM, normal hearts, and phenocopies despite radiologic overlap. Scientifically and clinically, this could improve noninvasive diagnostic decision-making for inherited cardiomyopathy by reducing misclassification with common mimics.

Guo X, Zhou S, Shen Y et al. · Magnetic resonance imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Incremental prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a large contemporary cohort.

This large contemporary cohort study assessed the incremental prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) among 3,035 patients undergoing cardiac MRI. Higher %LGE was independently associated with the primary endpoint (hazard ratio ~1.05 per 1% increase; p<0.001), including cardiovascular death and appropriate ICD discharges. The finding strengthens risk stratification in HCM by showing that LGE burden adds prognostic information beyond standard clinical and CMR variables.

Keen SK, Shah S, Sheashaa H et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Safety of withdrawal of pharmacological treatment after recovery from HER2 therapy-related cardiac dysfunction: the HER-SAFE trial.

The HER-SAFE trial randomized breast cancer survivors with recovered anti-HER2 therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) to withdrawal versus continuation of heart failure therapy (HFT) in an open-label multicenter design. The study’s central question was whether stopping HFT after recovery is safe compared with continuing treatment, with eligibility based on recovered left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥50%) and normalized biomarkers. If withdrawal is non-inferior, it would reduce unnecessary long-term cardiotoxicity management in this population while maintaining cardiac safety.

Dowsing B, Dehbi HM, Andres MS et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CMR for Heart Failure Phenotyping & Risk Stratification

Integrated left ventricular mass and left atrial function for prediction of cardiovascular outcomes: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis.

This cohort study within the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis investigated whether a cardiac magnetic resonance–derived integrated metric—left ventricular mass-to-left atrial (LA) strain ratio—predicts cardiovascular outcomes. The key finding is not visible in the truncated abstract, but the study rationale was that LV mass and LA strain are physiologically coupled and that their imbalance may indicate early atrioventricular mechanical uncoupling and atrial myopathy. Scientifically, it supports using CMR-derived coupled remodeling markers to predict events before overt structural disease.

Salameh E, Hoballah M, Ebrahimihoor E et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Precision-guided heart failure interventions: The expanding role of advanced cardiac imaging and artificial intelligence.

This narrative review studied how advanced cardiac imaging and artificial intelligence are expanding precision-guided heart failure interventions beyond pharmacotherapy. The key finding is that modern heart failure care increasingly integrates anatomy, myocardial substrate, and physiology using advanced imaging across therapies such as transcatheter valve interventions, cardiac resynchronization/pacing, complex coronary interventions, invasive hemodynamics, implantable pressure sensors, and advanced heart failure treatments. The clinical significance is that AI-enabled imaging workflows may improve patient selection and tailoring of interventions to specific heart failure phenotypes.

Albulushi A, Al-Farhan H · American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Left Ventricular Remodeling in Childhood Cancer Survivors Treated With Anthracyclines: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study examined how moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), derived from accelerometry, relates to anthracycline-associated left ventricular (LV) remodeling in childhood cancer survivors (≥2-year survivors treated with anthracyclines). MVPA was assessed against cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) measures including indexed LV end-diastolic mass (LVMi), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi), mass:volume ratio, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF), with the study reporting associations between activity and remodeling parameters (details truncated in the abstract). These findings support using objective activity measurement alongside CMR remodeling metrics to help characterize cardiovascular risk and potential protective factors in pediatric cancer survivorship after anthracycline exposure.

Narayan HK, Chen S, Wong FL et al. · Pediatric blood & cancer · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Diastolic dysfunction persists 3 months after surgical revascularization in a large animal model of hibernating myocardium.

This large-animal (juvenile swine) study investigated whether diastolic dysfunction persists after surgical revascularization in a model of hibernating myocardium created by constricting the left anterior descending artery to induce chronic ischemia without infarction. The key finding was that diastolic dysfunction remained evident 3 months after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), indicating incomplete diastolic recovery despite revascularization. This is significant for understanding why patients with chronic ischemia may develop persistent heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) physiology even after revascularization.

Potel KN, Shao A, McLaughlin N et al. · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Noninvasive Diagnosis of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Using the Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index.

This retrospective multicenter study evaluated noninvasive diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using the left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI) and compared three imaging modalities for LACI assessment in 1,680 patients from two academic hospitals/registries (Amsterdam UMC and ASPIRE). It tested LACI as a surrogate of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction against the reference standard of diagnostic right heart catheterization. The clinical significance is that LACI-based imaging could reduce reliance on invasive catheterization for HFpEF diagnosis.

Janssen-Telders C, Ābele J, Meijboom LJ et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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CMR for Myocarditis & Inflammatory Myocardial Disease

Feasibility of cardiac magnetic resonance for assessing atrioventricular block in acute myocarditis.

This retrospective single-center study evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can assess atrioventricular block (AVB) severity in patients with acute myocarditis (AM), comparing non-AVB, nonadvanced AVB, and advanced AVB groups. Among 105 AM patients, CMR functional and tissue parameters were analyzed to identify differences across AVB categories and to relate imaging findings to adverse clinical outcomes (details truncated in the abstract). If validated, CMR-based assessment could improve risk stratification and management decisions in acute myocarditis patients with AVB.

Liao R, Qian Z, Yin F et al. · Clinical radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Non-invasive detection of acute cell-mediated graft rejection in paediatric heart transplant recipients: The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

This prospective study tested whether multiparametric, contrast-enhanced cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can non-invasively detect acute cell-mediated graft rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients, using endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and right heart catheterization as reference standards. In 15 enrolled children, CMR was used to distinguish rejection versus non-rejection and to compare textural features of parametric maps between groups (specific performance metrics truncated). A reliable noninvasive CMR approach could reduce reliance on EMB in pediatric transplant surveillance and improve safety and timeliness of rejection detection.

Gesuete V, Ragni L, Niro F et al. · International journal of cardiology. Congenital heart disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Stratification of children with myocarditis using radiomics signatures in LGE cardiovascular MRI.

This study investigated whether radiomics signatures extracted from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular MRI can stratify pediatric myocarditis patients. Using radiomic feature quantification of LGE texture and location (with non-negative matrix factorization and attention to resampling variability via a digital phantom), the authors identified signatures that distinguish pediatric myocarditis subgroups beyond qualitative LGE assessment. The significance is improved, more objective CMR-based risk stratification to support prognosis and management in children with myocarditis.

Laube AP, Huellebrand M, Ter-Minassian L et al. · Computer methods and programs in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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CMR for Ischemia/MINOCA/Microvascular Dysfunction

Angiography-Based Index of Microcirculatory Resistance in Assessing the MVO and Infarct Size in STEMI Patients.

This randomized study of 123 STEMI patients tested whether an angiography-based index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) can assess microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct size (IS), and whether thrombolysis with 5 mg intravenous recombinant staphylokinase (r-SAK) versus normal saline (NS) alters angio-IMR. Angio-IMR measured in the infarct-related artery correlated with CMR-detected MVO and infarct size, and the r-SAK arm showed differences in post-PCI angio-IMR consistent with thrombolysis effects on microvascular injury. The approach could provide a practical angiography-derived surrogate for CMR endpoints to guide prognosis after STEMI.

Wu T, Zhang X, Li C et al. · Clinical cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Viability testing for guiding revascularization in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

This review article summarized evidence on myocardial viability testing to guide revascularization decisions in ischemic cardiomyopathy, focusing on whether viability predicts benefit from contemporary revascularization plus guideline-directed medical therapy. It highlights that trials such as STICH and extended follow-up showed CABG improves long-term survival independently of viability status, challenging the traditional viability-guided paradigm (details truncated). Clinically, this supports more selective or redefined roles for viability testing when deciding on revascularization in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Li KY, Dhingra NK, Patel R et al. · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Spatial proximity or vector orientation? Re-evaluating ECG interpretation in anterior myocardial infarction using cardiac magnetic resonance.

In a prospective study of 105 patients with anterior myocardial infarction (MI), investigators compared ECG-based infarct localization methods (conventional categories and simplified ST-axis orientation) against CMR-defined myocardial injury distribution measured 3–7 days after presentation. The key finding was that ECG interpretation based on spatial proximity versus vector orientation needed re-evaluation when directly validated against CMR late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) injury patterns. This matters clinically because it informs how accurately routine ECG can estimate infarct location/extent compared with CMR, potentially affecting early risk assessment and downstream management.

Aslanger EK, Aggül B, İnan D et al. · Journal of electrocardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Feasibility and Yield of a Diagnostic Protocol for Myocardial Infarction With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries.

This prospective multicenter cohort study evaluated the feasibility and diagnostic yield of a structured MINOCA (myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries) diagnostic protocol beyond initial invasive coronary angiography (ICA) in MINOCA patients. The protocol used a stepwise approach with ad hoc optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify culprit lesions after ICA, addressing real-world constraints that limit comprehensive workups. The clinical significance is that it provides evidence for a practical, resource-aware pathway to reach final diagnoses in MINOCA, potentially improving targeted treatment.

Nishimiya K, Yosofi B, Dimitriu-Leen AC et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Long-term prognostic value of stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance in patients with hypertension without known coronary artery disease.

This longitudinal study assessed the long-term prognostic value of vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in consecutive patients with hypertension without known coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients were followed for major cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiovascular death or non-fatal MI), and Cox regression was used to determine prognostic associations of stress CMR findings. The significance is that it supports whether stress perfusion CMR can function as a screening risk stratifier for future events in hypertensive patients without known CAD.

Houssany-Pissot S, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Microvascular dysfunction and neurovascular signalling impairment in diabetic silent myocardial ischemia.

This study examined the mechanisms of diabetic silent myocardial ischemia (DSMI) in the context of coronary microvascular dysfunction and neurocardiac (neurovascular) signaling impairment driven by chronic hyperglycemia. It found that oxidative stress, advanced glycation end-product (AGE) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction reduce nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and impair coronary flow reserve and capillary integrity, while diabetic peripheral/autonomic neuropathy attenuates nociceptive signaling. These linked microvascular and neurovascular defects help explain DSMI’s symptom-free presentation and support targeted strategies to restore endothelial/mitochondrial function and neurovascular signaling to prevent life-threatening events.

Rajasekaran HK · Microvascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Early quantitative stress-perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance reveals perfusion abnormalities consistent with coronary microvascular dysfunction in MINOCA patients with otherwise normal cardiac magnetic resonance findings.

This study assessed early quantitative stress-perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (Q-CMR) in MINOCA patients with otherwise normal conventional CMR findings to estimate the prevalence of perfusion abnormalities consistent with coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). The key finding was that among 23 consecutive MINOCA patients with normal rest conventional CMR, Q-CMR identified quantitative stress perfusion abnormalities consistent with CMD, compared against age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Clinically, this supports Q-CMR as a sensitive tool to detect microvascular disease in MINOCA when standard CMR appears normal.

Sahar R, Lenell J, Lindahl B et al. · Scientific reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Intravenous dexrazoxane for haemorrhagic myocardial infarction: the SHIELD-MI study.

The SHIELD-MI phase IIa study investigated whether intravenous dexrazoxane (DXZ) given around primary PCI reduces intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH)-related injury in 50 reperfused STEMI patients, with a blinded CMR core laboratory. Patients received DXZ 250 mg before PCI and at 4, 8, and 12 hours thereafter versus matched placebo comparators selected from 78 placebo-treated patients. If effective, DXZ would provide a targeted therapy for IMH after STEMI, potentially improving CMR-based outcomes and reducing downstream adverse events.

Vora KP, Bhatt K, Doshi S et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Stent Retriever Thrombectomy in Patients With Myocardial Infarction The Open-label, Multicenter NATURE Superiority trial.

The NATURE superiority trial evaluated stent-retriever thrombectomy plus conventional PCI versus conventional PCI alone in 156 randomized patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and large thrombus burden (TIMI thrombus grade ≥3). The primary focus was infarct size, comparing whether adding thrombectomy reduces myocardial injury. If positive, this would establish an evidence-based strategy for high-risk STEMI patients with heavy thrombus burden to improve clinical outcomes.

Valgimigli M, Frigoli E, Landi A et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Myocardial Edema, Blood Flow, and Contractility in Takotsubo Syndrome: Comparative Evaluation with CMR and PET.

This retrospective study examined Takotsubo syndrome patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and positron emission tomography (PET) within 30 days of admission and within 7 days of each other, assessing myocardial edema (CMR T2) alongside stress myocardial blood flow (MBF), myocardial flow reserve (MFR), and coronary vascular resistance (CVR). The key finding was the comparative analysis of how CMR-derived edema relates to PET-derived measures of coronary microcirculatory function and LV contractility across regional and global territories. This is significant because it links transient myocardial injury and microvascular dysfunction in Takotsubo syndrome using multimodality imaging, potentially improving mechanistic interpretation and risk stratification.

Kadoya Y, Alaqaili M, Chong AY et al. · Journal of nuclear cardiology : official publication of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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CMR for Valvular Heart Disease & Structural Interventions

An integrative approach to patient selection for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in secondary mitral regurgitation.

This review synthesized evidence and proposed a structured patient-selection framework for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). It explains that differing outcomes in MITRA-FR versus COAPT are largely attributable to echocardiographic selection and left-ventricular remodeling, implying that SMR severity should be interpreted relative to ventricular size and regurgitant context (details truncated). The integrative approach aims to better identify patients most likely to benefit from M-TEER, improving clinical decision-making in SMR.

Brusosa M, Flores-Umanzor E, Horlick E · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

One Anatomy, Multiple Valve Choices: Interobserver Agreement in Selecting Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve.

This study evaluated interobserver agreement among six experienced observers selecting transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPVR) device type, size, and position using 60 3D patient-specific anatomies reconstructed from cardiac magnetic resonance images (pediatric and adult). Observers independently assessed self-expanding versus balloon-expandable valves and surgical approach options, and agreement was quantified (Coh statistic reported in the abstract). The findings are clinically significant because they quantify how reliably TPVR planning can be standardized from 3D CMR anatomy when choosing among valve and positioning strategies.

Pérez-Cualtán CE, Cabrales J, Garay F et al. · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Advances in artificial intelligence for the evaluation of mitral regurgitation.

This review summarized advances in artificial intelligence (AI) for evaluating mitral regurgitation (MR) across the diagnostic pathway, from pre-imaging screening to advanced multimodality imaging. It found that AI tools such as digital stethoscopes and deep learning–based electrocardiographic models can enable scalable detection and risk stratification but currently function mainly as enrichment tools rather than standalone diagnostic tests. The synthesis highlights where AI is clinically ready versus where validation and integration are still needed to reduce interobserver variability in MR assessment.

Sanchez AA, Sadeghpour A, Asch FM · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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CMR for Thrombus/Embolism & Cardiac Masses

Successful repair of a rare submitral aneurysm with basal septal defect: a technique combining edge-to-edge repair and patch exclusion.

This case report studied a 44-year-old man with syncope and acute heart failure due to a rare submitral left ventricular aneurysm with a basal septal defect, using multimodality imaging including cardiac magnetic resonance. The authors reported successful surgical repair using a technique combining edge-to-edge mitral repair with patch exclusion of the aneurysm, addressing severe mitral regurgitation from anterior leaflet tethering and a thick mural thrombus. Clinically, the approach provides a practical operative strategy for a high-mortality condition where both aneurysm exclusion and mitral valve competence must be achieved while preserving ventricular geometry.

Sawant G, Aironi B, Agarwal A et al. · Indian journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

AngioVac aspiration as a combined diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for an indeterminate right atrial mass in a patient with malignancy.

This case report studied a woman with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma who had an indeterminate right atrial mass discovered during evaluation for bacteremia. After transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac MRI suggested thrombus versus malignant involvement and surgery was high risk, catheter-directed aspiration with the AngioVac system achieved significant debulking and successful tissue retrieval. The report supports AngioVac aspiration as a combined diagnostic–therapeutic option when distinguishing thrombus from tumor is critical but surgical biopsy is prohibitive.

Abumuhfouz M, Sena A, Suleiman S et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac lipoma of the right atrial appendage: Multimodality imaging of a rare tumor at an uncommon site.

This case report described a 60-year-old woman in whom a rare right atrial appendage (RAA) lipoma was incidentally discovered during computed tomography pulmonary angiography for acute pulmonary embolism. Cardiac MRI confirmed imaging features consistent with a benign lipoma, and multimodality imaging characterized its fat-containing, mobile location in the RAA. Although not directly causing the embolic event, the report emphasizes the diagnostic value of multimodality imaging for uncommon cardiac tumor locations.

Kosum P, Tumkosit M, Jarutasnangkul L et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

CardioRadNet: Cardiac mass diagnosis through integrated segmentation and radiomic analysis.

This study evaluated CardioRadNet, an integrated deep-learning segmentation plus radiomics classification framework to diagnose cardiac masses on contrast-free T1-weighted cardiac MRI. In 127 pathologically confirmed cases (62 malignant, 65 benign), the key finding was that the combined segmentation-and-radiomics approach enabled differentiation of benign versus malignant cardiac masses without requiring contrast enhancement and reduced reliance on manual delineation. The clinical significance is more scalable, automated characterization of rare cardiac masses to support appropriate treatment planning.

Ferretti M, Pagliaccia M, Baggiano A et al. · Computer methods and programs in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Isolated Myocardial Metastases in a Neuroendocrine Tumor: 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings.

This case report described a 58-year-old man with a well-differentiated grade 1 terminal ileum neuroendocrine tumor (Ki-67 1%) in whom staging with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT revealed two incidental myocardial foci. Cardiac MRI showed corresponding heterogeneous myocardial signal changes, supporting isolated myocardial metastases at initial presentation. The significance is diagnostic: somatostatin receptor-based PET/CT can detect rare cardiac involvement early, with cardiac MRI providing complementary confirmation.

Baltacioglu MH, Sahin Oguz P · Clinical nuclear medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Meta-analysis of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of left ventricular thrombus following acute myocardial infarction.

This meta-analysis evaluated diagnostic performance of common imaging modalities for detecting left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using studies published up to May 2025. Across 14 included studies, the authors compared modalities (including delayed enhancement cardiac MRI) to determine which imaging approach best identifies post-AMI LVT. Clinically, more accurate early LVT diagnosis can better target anticoagulation and reduce embolic risk after AMI.

Low CJ, Leow AS, Teo YN et al. · Journal of thrombosis and thrombolysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Right atrial thrombus and pulmonary embolism one year after ventricular septal defect patch repair: successful surgical management of a complicated case.

This case report studied a 17-year-old male who developed a massive right atrial thrombus with pulmonary embolism one year after surgical ventricular septal defect (VSD) patch repair, without any known hypercoagulable disorder or prior antithrombotic therapy. The key finding was that successful surgical management resolved the complicated thromboembolic presentation despite the absence of pre-existing coagulation risk factors. Clinically, it highlights the need to consider in-situ right-heart thrombus and PE as late complications after VSD patch repair and to evaluate preventive/monitoring strategies in similar post-surgical patients.

Elshaer OA, Gomaa M, Abdelfattah ME et al. · Journal of cardiothoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Pericardial Disease (Imaging, AI, and Management Frameworks)

When rare meets rarer: constrictive pericarditis in Erdheim-Chester disease-a case report.

This case report described a 57-year-old man with multisystem Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) who developed exceptionally rare constrictive pericarditis. Multimodality imaging showed marked pericardial thickening with constrictive physiology on echocardiography, diffuse late gadolinium pericardial enhancement on cardiac MRI, and circumferential periarterial infiltration on computed tomography. The report highlights that ECD can present with clinically significant constrictive pericarditis and that CMR LGE can be pivotal for diagnosis.

Dimova-Mileva M, Kanchev I, Marinova E et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The role of artificial intelligence in the diagnosis of pericardial constriction.

This review studied the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing pericardial constriction (constrictive pericarditis) and distinguishing it from restrictive cardiomyopathy and other mimickers. The key finding from the review is that most established AI evidence uses machine learning/deep learning applied to echocardiography, particularly for differentiating constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy, with newer multimodal approaches developing. The scientific significance is that AI could improve diagnostic accuracy in a condition where integrated multimodality interpretation is often required.

Lipat K, Booth T, Sengupta PP · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multidisciplinary approach in cardiac sarcoidosis: to biopsy or not?

This narrative review evaluated the contemporary diagnostic strategy for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), focusing on whether endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains necessary within a multidisciplinary framework. It emphasizes that EMB has limited sensitivity with false negatives and procedural risks, contributing to increased reliance on noninvasive imaging despite EMB’s historical role as a diagnostic gold standard (key recommendations truncated). The review supports a modern, imaging-centered diagnostic pathway while clarifying when tissue confirmation may still be warranted.

Pericao A, Sharma R · Current opinion in pulmonary medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Pathway for the Diagnosis and Management of Pericardial Disease: Contemporary Perspective.

This contemporary perspective article synthesizes current consensus guidance for pericardial disease management and proposes an updated pathway-based framework. It structures diagnosis and treatment around five key clinical scenarios (including chest pain, hemodynamic collapse, and dyspnea, among others) and emphasizes multimodal imaging and targeted immunomodulatory therapies. The significance is that it aims to improve real-world implementation by translating guideline recommendations into scenario-driven clinical workflows for diverse pericardial phenotypes.

Sivalokanathan S, Herzog E, Haider SW et al. · Critical pathways in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Pulmonary Hypertension & Right-Heart Disease

Optimal Strain Combinations for Prognostic Prediction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This prospective study in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (recruited June 2013 to June 2024) analyzed multiple cardiac strain parameters—including left ventricular global longitudinal strain, right ventricular GLS, right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain, and right atrial phasic strain—for prognostic prediction of all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint. Using elastic net Cox regression and stepwise Cox regression with Akaike information criterion, the study identified an optimal combination of strain features that improved survival prediction. Clinically, selecting the best strain combination from CMR/echo-derived metrics may enhance risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Guo J, Leng S, He J et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Sequential Changes in Right Ventricular Straein During the Development of Pulmonary Hypertension Assessed With Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking: An Animal Study.

This animal study used cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) to measure sequential right ventricular (RV) strain changes during pulmonary hypertension development in Wistar rats after monocrotaline injection. RV strain progressively changed across 1–4 weeks of PH induction and these imaging changes correlated with histological vascular remodeling assessed after each MRI time point. The findings support CMR-FT RV strain as a sensitive, noninvasive marker of early pulmonary vascular disease progression.

Kim NY, Im DJ, Hong YJ et al. · Korean journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Impact of Systemic-to-Pulmonary Artery Shunt Embolization on Right Heart Hemodynamics in Patients with Bronchiectasis.

This study investigated whether embolization of systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts (SPS) improves right heart hemodynamics in patients with bronchiectasis-associated SPS. In 20 enrolled patients, stroke volume, cardiac index, cardiac output, pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and shunt oxygen saturation were measured by right heart catheterization before and within 24–48 hours after SPS embolization, with cardiac MR performed in those who tolerated it. Demonstrating early hemodynamic improvement after SPS embolization would support SPS embolization as a targeted intervention to reduce right-sided strain in this population.

Wu H, Jiang F, Guo L et al. · Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Artificial intelligence for right ventricular assessment: current evidence and future directions.

This review studied the evidence for using artificial intelligence to assess right ventricular (RV) structure and function across echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and computed tomography. It found that AI-based automated RV segmentation and chamber quantification can achieve accuracy approaching interobserver variability, reducing interpreter dependence. The scientific significance is that AI may improve reproducibility of RV measurements for risk stratification in pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, and congenital heart disease.

Tan X, Fowler J, Li M et al. · Current opinion in cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Congenital Heart Disease & Pediatric Cardiac Imaging/Interventions

Pathophysiologic Consequences of Early Coarctation Stenting in a Longitudinal Porcine Model.

This longitudinal porcine model study examined pathophysiologic consequences of early coarctation stenting (COA stent) versus controls, using 18 swine divided into sham, coarctation controls (CC), and coarctation stents (CS). After surgical COA induction at 2 weeks, stent implantation occurred at 6 weeks with serial dilations at 12 and 20 weeks, and animals were terminally studied at 20 weeks to characterize cardiovascular changes. The scientific significance is that it provides preclinical evidence on how early stent intervention alters longitudinal cardiovascular physiology, informing the design and timing of pediatric coarctation treatment strategies.

Gober LM, Stellon MA, Culver MA et al. · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Intraoperative Cardiac Events During Pediatric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Under Anesthesia: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated intraoperative cardiovascular instability events in children (≤18 years) with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under anesthesia. Using a recently proposed composite framework for intraoperative cardiovascular instability, it quantified the incidence of cardiac events and assessed predictors across the 2013–2025 single-center experience. Defining event rates and risk factors in this non-surgical but physiologically vulnerable setting can improve peri-anesthesia monitoring and risk stratification for pediatric cardiac MRI.

Wingert T, Liang J, Feldman K et al. · Paediatric anaesthesia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multicenter comparison of hybrid and Norwood procedures in patients with Fontan circulation.

This multicenter registry study compared hybrid stage 1 palliation (HS1P) versus the Norwood operation in patients with single-ventricle physiology who later underwent Fontan completion, using the Fontan Outcomes Registry with Clinical Examinations and propensity score matching. HS1P and Norwood were evaluated for a composite outcome including death, transplant listing, protein-losing enteropathy, plastic bronchitis, atrial/ventricular tachyarrhythmia, and pulmonary artery reintervention, with additional cardiac magnetic resonance comparisons and subgroup analysis by shunt type (Sano vs Blalock–Taussig). The findings are intended to inform surgical strategy selection for stage 1 palliation by quantifying outcome differences between HS1P and Norwood in Fontan candidates.

Kobayashi K, Schiff M, Seese L et al. · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Agreement between single and multiple ROI strategies for hepatic T1 and ECV mapping in tetralogy of Fallot and Fontan circulation.

This prospective agreement study evaluated hepatic native T1 and extracellular volume (ECV) quantification in outpatients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and Fontan circulation, comparing a single wide region-of-interest (ROI) versus multiple small ROIs on cardiac MRI. The key finding was the level of agreement between the two ROI strategies for hepatic native T1 and ECV measurements. Clinically, establishing interchangeability (or lack thereof) of ROI selection methods can improve standardization of hepatic congestion/fibrosis assessment in Fontan and repaired TOF patients.

Innocenzi AM, Fernandes FP, Secco JCP et al. · Abdominal radiology (New York) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Non-CMR Cardiovascular Risk/Outcomes (Epidemiology, surveillance, general imaging)

The additive value of coronary calcium in identifying cardiovascular risk in ageing people with HIV.

This retrospective cohort study assessed whether coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) add predictive value for cardiovascular risk in 779 ageing people with HIV who underwent CACS scanning. CACS predicted adverse outcomes such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), death, and heart failure better than Q-risk scores. The results support using coronary calcium imaging to refine cardiovascular risk stratification in people with HIV.

Varadarajan M, Byrne R, Al-Hussaini A et al. · AIDS (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

[Interarterial anomalous right coronary artery in a competitive athlete: case report].

This case report studied a 37-year-old competitive endurance athlete undergoing pre-participation screening for congenital coronary anomalies, specifically anomalous right coronary artery origin from the left sinus of Valsalva with an interarterial course and intramural segment. Coronary computed tomography angiography identified high-risk anatomy associated with ischemia and sudden cardiac death risk that is modulated by exercise-related hemodynamic stress. The finding highlights the importance of CT-based anatomical risk stratification in athletes to guide management and eligibility decisions.

Lodi E, Tardini L, Poli ML et al. · Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac volumes, function, and arterial stiffness five years after severe preeclampsia: A comparison with sedentary and active controls.

This study investigated cardiovascular outcomes 5 years after severe preeclampsia in women, comparing 10 women with severe preeclampsia to 20 normotensive-pregnancy controls (10 lifestyle-matched and 10 physically active) using cardiac magnetic resonance. The key finding was not fully visible in the truncated abstract, but the study was designed to detect ~5% group differences in cardiac volumes/function and to assess arterial stiffness by CMR-based measures. Scientifically, it aims to clarify long-term mechanisms linking severe preeclampsia to later cardiovascular disease and to identify whether physical activity modifies subclinical cardiac remodeling.

Edvinsson C, Steding-Ehrenborg K, Venkateshvaran A et al. · Clinical physiology and functional imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Lower- Versus Conventional-Sodium Dialysate and Left Ventricular Mass in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: Causal Analyses of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

This causal analysis studied home and self-care satellite hemodialysis patients to explain why a randomized trial of lower dialysate sodium ([Na+]) reduced interdialytic weight gain and BNP but did not reduce left ventricular mass index (LVMI) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. The key finding is not provided in the truncated abstract, but the analysis explicitly modeled a causal pathway from dialysate [Na+] allocation through intermediate physiological variables to LVMI. Clinically, determining the mechanism behind the discordant LVMI result can refine dialysate strategies and improve cardiovascular risk reduction in hemodialysis.

Marshall MR, Vandal AC, Chan CT et al. · Kidney medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A cross-sectional online survey evaluating how anaesthesiologists view cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging reports as a tool for perioperative risk evaluation.

This cross-sectional online survey studied anaesthesiologists’ perceptions and use of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reports for perioperative risk evaluation. The key finding is not shown in the truncated abstract, but the study’s primary endpoint was whether and how preexisting CMR findings are incorporated into perioperative decision-making. Scientifically and clinically, it informs how CMR information is translated into practice and identifies barriers to effective perioperative risk stratification.

Fischer K, Harms R, Fini JN et al. · BJA open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Data-source choice in diabetes mortality surveillance and equity monitoring in the United States, 1999-2023.

This study examined whether the choice of data source changes conclusions about diabetes mortality trends, high-burden jurisdictions, and income-related inequality in the United States from 1999–2023. Using CDC WONDER versus Global Burden of Disease 2023 data across 51 jurisdictions, it compared crude and age-standardised mortality rates and quantified discrepancies with concordance, Joinpoint regression, mixed-effects models, Moran’s I, and inequality metrics. The key results are truncated, but the study’s significance is to ensure surveillance equity and trend interpretation are robust to data-source selection.

Li WJ, Tao SS, Wang P et al. · Diabetes research and clinical practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Subclinical Origins of Cardiometabolic Risk in Indian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study measured subclinical cardiometabolic risk in apparently healthy Indian adolescents by assessing associations between body fat, hepatic fat, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Using MRI proton density fat fraction (PDFF) on a 3.0T GE Signa Architect and whole-body fat by DXA, the key finding was that a substantial proportion of adolescents had at least one cardiometabolic risk factor and that hepatic fat and adiposity measures were associated with cardiometabolic risk markers. The significance is early identification of cardiometabolic risk in youth before overt disease develops.

Hegde SG, Kankara SR, Raj JM et al. · Indian pediatrics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hypothermia on trauma center arrival has a much greater impact on outcomes at the extremes of age.

This retrospective cohort study used the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database (2020–2023) to examine how arrival hypothermia severity affected outcomes across age extremes, categorizing patients by arrival temperature (normothermia 36–38°C, mild 35–35.9°C, severe <35°C, and hyperthermia). The key finding was that the impact of hypothermia on outcomes was disproportionately greater at the extremes of age (pediatric and geriatric patients) compared with other age groups. Clinically, the results support age-tailored urgency and thresholds for temperature management in trauma resuscitation.

Crosier CJ, Rempson CM, Green A et al. · The journal of trauma and acute care surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Comparative study of robotic-assisted and uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery: Insights from the introduction of Versius CMR surgical robot-Propensity score-matched analysis.

This propensity score–matched comparative study evaluated early outcomes after introduction of the Versius CMR surgical robotic system for thoracic surgery versus uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), comparing 124 robotic cases (92 anatomical lung resections and 32 thymectomies) performed by three surgeons without prior robotic experience to 229 uniportal VATS cases by the same surgeons. The key finding was that early clinical outcomes could be benchmarked between robotic-assisted and uniportal VATS approaches after matching, providing a structured assessment of the learning/implementation impact of Versius in real-world practice. The significance is practical for surgical adoption: it informs whether robotic-assisted thoracic surgery with Versius achieves comparable early outcomes to established uniportal VATS during system rollout.

Bakr L, Bakr S, Chaubey M et al. · Surgery · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

A scoping review of photon-counting detector computed tomography in cardiovascular imaging.

This scoping review synthesized evidence on photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) for cardiovascular imaging across coronary, myocardial, structural/valvular, pulmonary-cardiopulmonary function, and aortic/visceral/peripheral vascular domains. The key finding was that, despite heterogeneity across 59 included studies, PCD-CT showed high diagnostic performance in coronary imaging (e.g., reported per-patient specificity around 98% in one routine-practice cohort) while overall conclusions varied by protocol and endpoint. Scientifically, the review clarifies where PCD-CT is most promising and highlights the need for standardized studies to translate its multi-energy, high-resolution capabilities into routine cardiovascular care.

Alis D, Önal MO, Orman M et al. · Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multimodal Detection of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease.

This review article addressed multimodal detection of subclinical cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD), motivated by the high prevalence of unrecognized early CVD driven by inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular calcification, uremic toxins, and microvascular dysfunction. The key finding was the emphasis that combining imaging modalities (including echocardiography and coronary CT angiography, among others) can enable earlier identification of subclinical disease before overt clinical events. Clinically, earlier multimodal screening in CKD could narrow the mortality gap by enabling timely intervention to prevent progression.

Baek I, Parwani P, Gaznabi S et al. · Cardiorenal medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Sport Type Alone Does Not Reliably Predict Distinct Cardiac Phenotypes in Athletes.

This study tested whether sport-type classification frameworks (ESC and AHA/ACC) predict distinct cardiac remodeling phenotypes defined by cardiac MRI in 1,024 elite athletes and controls. The key finding was that sport type alone did not reliably predict CMR-determined remodeling phenotypes (i.e., classification frameworks had limited discriminatory performance). This implies that athlete risk assessment and phenotype characterization should rely more on CMR metrics than on sport category alone.

van Diepen MA, Prakken NHJ, van der Zwaard S et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Pooled two-cohort MRI body composition phenotyping with open-source deep learning.

This study evaluated an open-source, nnU-Net-based MRI body-composition pipeline (MRSegmentator) for pooled two-cohort phenotyping in 45,851 adults from the German National Cohort (3T multi-centre Siemens) and UK Biobank. The key finding was that MRSegmentator enabled scalable quantification of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT), gluteofemoral adipose tissue (GFAT), trunk musculature, and liver fat-fraction–related masks across differing acquisition protocols. Scientifically, it provides a reproducible method to derive regional fat/muscle phenotypes from MRI without radiation, supporting large-cohort metabolic risk research.

Mertens CJ, Häntze H, Ziegelmayer S et al. · Communications medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Non-cardiac/Translational & Non-imaging Clinical Topics (oncology, infectious, neuro, etc.)

Phenotypic overlap masking MELAS in Turner syndrome: a diagnostic challenge.

This case report presented a 51-year-old woman with mosaic Turner syndrome whose cardiac phenotype (concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and mildly reduced ejection fraction) overlapped with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), creating a diagnostic challenge. The overlapping features masked MELAS and complicated appropriate genetic/clinical attribution of symptoms. The case underscores the need for careful differential diagnosis and appropriate genetic evaluation when Turner syndrome manifestations obscure mitochondrial disease.

Shinozaki T, Sumiyoshi H, Ueshima D et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

SMARCA4, STK11, and KEAP1 co-inactivation associates with poor prognosis and upregulation of the TGF-β pathway in lung adenocarcinoma.

This translational oncology study investigated the clinical impact of co-inactivation of SMARCA4, STK11, and KEAP1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and linked these alterations to pathway changes, particularly TGF-β signaling. The authors report that SMARCA4, STK11, and KEAP1 co-inactivation is associated with poor prognosis and increased upregulation of the TGF-β pathway (full quantitative details truncated). These findings suggest that multigenic loss involving SMARCA4/STK11/KEAP1 may identify a high-risk LUAD subgroup with actionable pathway biology relevant to therapy selection.

Costa EA, Mello BP, Wohlhieter C et al. · Translational oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Outcomes From the Multicenter ACCRU-LY-1804/CARiBOU TRIAL (Cytarabine, Acalabrutinib and Rituximab Integrated With Bortezomib-Based Outpatient Therapy) in 1st Line Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

This phase 2 multicenter ACCRU-LY-1804/CARiBOU trial studied first-line mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients receiving a multitarget regimen combining cytarabine/cyclophosphamide-like VR-CAP and R-cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib and integrated bortezomib-based outpatient therapy. The key reported outcome was complete metabolic response (CMR) rate as the primary endpoint, with secondary measures including safety, feasibility of stem cell collection, proportion proceeding to ASCT, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). If effective and feasible, this outpatient-integrated chemoimmunotherapy plus BTK inhibition strategy could improve depth and durability of response in treatment-naïve MCL.

Smith SD, Sundaram S, Giri S et al. · American journal of hematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Size-resolved microelectrical effects of fine aerosol on nocturnal ozone: Evidence from field observations and statistical modeling.

This field study investigated how fine aerosol electrical properties—specifically particle charge-to-mass ratio (CMR)—relate to nocturnal ozone (O3) enhancement in Xi’an during 2023–2025. Using generalized additive models (GAM), partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and an interfacial contribution model, it found that aerosol electrical characteristics were associated with nocturnal O3 variations alongside meteorological transport. These results suggest that particulate charge properties may be an underappreciated driver of stable-nighttime O3 chemistry, improving mechanistic understanding and forecasting.

Wang Y, Zhang L, Li J et al. · Environmental research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion associated with probable sparganosis.

This case report studied sparganosis presenting as hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion in a 25-year-old man after ingesting undercooked frog meat. Despite extensive negative microbiologic and imaging workup (including cultures, cytology, CT, cardiac MRI, PET/CT, and next-generation sequencing), eosinophilia, eosinophils in pericardial fluid, markedly elevated IgE, and ELISA serology supported probable Spirometra sparganosis. The clinical significance is that helminth infection should be considered in unexplained hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion, even when serosal involvement is rare.

Zhu Y, Wang D, Wu Y et al. · International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Reversible alterations of brain acetate metabolism associated with alcohol consumption.

This study examined reversible changes in brain acetate metabolism associated with alcohol consumption by comparing light drinkers, at-risk heavy drinkers, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients in long-term recovery and AUD treatment-seekers during medically supervised detoxification. The key finding was that brain acetate metabolism measures shifted with drinking status and abstinence, consistent with altered capacity for brain acetate oxidation and reversible metabolic effects around detoxification (~1 week abstinence). Scientifically, this links alcohol-related metabolic adaptation to acetate pathways and may inform biomarker development for AUD-related brain changes.

Kumaragamage C, Jiang L, Angarita GA et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Intraoperative study of afferent and efferent connections in the upper lumbar spinal cord - Part 1: Cremasteric reflex.

This intraoperative neurophysiology study evaluated the feasibility and recording parameters of the cremasteric reflex (CMR) in males under general anesthesia during upper lumbar spinal surgery. In 15 male patients, ipsilateral upper medial thigh electrical stimulation produced cremasteric reflex responses in 23 of 30 muscles (76% recordability), establishing practical stimulation/recording conditions for intraoperative monitoring. The significance is that CMR can be reliably elicited and measured intraoperatively, supporting neurophysiological assessment of relevant spinal cord pathways during surgery.

de Melo DLM, Oliveira DRDCAB, Madureira PLDS et al. · Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Survival of patients with complete metabolic response on [18F]FDG PET/CT after chemotherapy prior to transplantation for colorectal liver metastases.

This study evaluated 45 patients with colorectal liver metastases undergoing transplantation who achieved complete metabolic response (CMR; MTV=0) on pre-transplant [18F]FDG PET/CT after chemotherapy, comparing disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and post-relapse survival (PRS) against patients with low or high metabolic tumor volume (MTV). Patients with CMR (MTV 0) were stratified into MTV 0, MTV low, and MTV high groups based on PET-derived MTV, and outcomes were analyzed across these metabolic categories. Clinically, the work supports using [18F]FDG PET/CT metabolic tumor volume to refine selection and prognostication for colorectal liver metastasis patients considered for liver transplantation.

Stern NM, Dueland S, Line PD et al. · Scandinavian journal of surgery : SJS : official organ for the Finnish Surgical Society and the Scandinavian Surgical Society · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma achieving complete remission with epcoritamab after pseudoprogression.

This case report describes a 58-year-old man with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who achieved complete remission after treatment with the bispecific antibody epcoritamab following pseudoprogression. After prior therapies including lisocabtagene maraleucel, he developed pelvic lymphadenopathy 26 months post-infusion that was confirmed as relapse, and epcoritamab was given as seventh-line therapy. The clinical significance is that pseudoprogression can occur with bispecific antibody therapy, and careful interpretation with histology and follow-up may prevent premature discontinuation.

Takahara A, Yagi Y, Kanemasa Y et al. · Journal of clinical and experimental hematopathology : JCEH · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Generated automatically on September 02, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 26, 2026 – September 02, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.