What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

September 06, 2026 · 91 articles · 15 research themes · covering August 30, 2026 – September 06, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s papers, a dominant theme is the move from qualitative imaging interpretation toward quantitative, standardized, and often AI-assisted cardiac phenotyping. Multiple studies leverage CMR-derived texture/radiomics (e.g., LGE radiomics in pediatric myocarditis) and advanced segmentation/motion frameworks (Transformer/UNet variants, deformable registration, cine keyframe localization, and continuous motion tracking) to extract reproducible biomarkers from complex cardiac datasets. In parallel, several prognostic studies show that adding “tissue” or “substrate” information—such as ECV for diffuse fibrosis in HCM, LGE/T1 mapping in HFmrEF for SCD risk, and strain-based composite metrics in PAH—improves outcome prediction beyond conventional clinical variables.

A second major cluster centers on imaging-guided diagnosis and risk stratification in inflammatory, immune, and rare cardiac conditions. Reviews and studies address cardiac sarcoidosis (including when EMB may be unnecessary), systemic sclerosis cardiac involvement (from subclinical dysfunction to fulminant myocarditis), and transplant rejection detection using CMR parametric map texture features. Case reports further illustrate diagnostic value of multimodality imaging for uncommon etiologies—ranging from metabolic/genetic disorders (e.g., primary carnitine deficiency, PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy, KCNH2 LQTS risk refinement) to rare tumors/masses and unusual pericardial disease presentations.

Finally, ischemia and post-infarction injury remain prominent, with work spanning microvascular dysfunction (INOCA with PET/MRI and CMR mapping, angio-IMR as a surrogate for microvascular obstruction), stress CMR prognostication in younger or pre-CAD populations, and CMR markers of reperfusion injury (e.g., intramyocardial hemorrhage on T2W imaging). Together, these studies reinforce a broader direction: integrating advanced imaging biomarkers with practical clinical pathways—whether for valvular intervention selection, perioperative risk, or electrophysiology substrate targeting—to improve earlier detection, refine patient selection, and ultimately guide more personalized care.

---

Imaging Pathways for Valvular Disease (MR/TPVR/MVP)

Circulating Biomarkers Related to Mitral Valve Prolapse: Current Evidence and Mechanistic Perspective.

This review evaluated circulating biomarkers in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP), focusing on mechanistic links to myocardial stress, fibrosis/extracellular matrix remodeling, inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. It reports that natriuretic peptides are the most validated circulating biomarkers in MVP, with consistent prediction of adverse outcomes and potential to complement risk stratification for timing of interventions such as surgery. Clinically, this supports incorporating natriuretic peptide–based prognostication alongside imaging to move toward more individualized MVP management.

Maries L, Songsangjinda T, Shah DJ · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This case-based report described successful surgical repair of a rare submitral left ventricular aneurysm (SLVA) with a basal septal defect in a 44-year-old male, using multi-modality imaging (including cardiac MRI) to define a large aneurysm with thick mural thrombus and severe secondary mitral regurgitation. The key finding was that combining edge-to-edge mitral repair with patch exclusion of the aneurysm achieved effective treatment of both the aneurysm and valvular pathology while addressing the complex submitral/basal septal anatomy. The report provides a practical operative technique for a high-risk condition where rupture, embolism, and severe MR drive morbidity and mortality.

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

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

This review synthesized evidence to propose an integrative patient-selection framework for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). It explains that differences in trial outcomes (e.g., MITRA-FR vs COAPT) likely reflect echocardiographic selection and left-ventricular remodeling, implying that SMR severity should be interpreted relative to ventricular size and regurgitant context. The significance is a structured, multimodality approach to identify patients most likely to benefit from M-TEER and avoid ineffective treatment.

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 clinicians selecting transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPVR) device type, size, and position using 3D patient-specific anatomies reconstructed from cardiac magnetic resonance in 60 pediatric and adult cases. Key findings were that agreement varied by valve choice (self-expanding vs balloon-expandable vs surgical approach) and by anatomical-derived planning parameters, motivating a structured framework for quantifying concordance (reported using Coh statistics, truncated in the abstract). Clinically, the results highlight how patient anatomy and planning variability can affect TPVR procedural selection and support more standardized device-planning workflows.

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 studied advances in artificial intelligence (AI) for evaluating mitral regurgitation (MR) across the diagnostic pathway, from pre-imaging screening to advanced multimodality imaging. It reports that AI tools such as digital stethoscopes and deep learning ECG models can support scalable upstream detection and population-level risk stratification, but currently function more as enrichment tools than standalone diagnostics, with echocardiography-related details truncated. The clinical significance is that AI may reduce interobserver variability and time burden in MR assessment, while highlighting the need for further validation for autonomous diagnostic use.

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

Mitral Regurgitation Assessment Using a Novel Automated Three-Dimensional Color-Flow Quantification: Comparison with Two-Dimensional Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance.

This retrospective study compared a novel automated three-dimensional color-flow quantification tool (3D Auto CFQ) for mitral regurgitation (MR) against two-dimensional proximal isovelocity surface area (2D PISA) and cardiac MRI in 185 consecutive MR patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The 3D Auto CFQ method produced MR severity and regurgitant volume estimates that aligned more closely with reference measures than conventional 2D PISA, addressing limitations from geometric assumptions and single-frame analysis. The findings suggest that automated 3D TEE color-flow quantification could improve accuracy and reproducibility of MR grading in routine clinical practice.

Kim K, Lee SH, Lee HJ et al. · Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

---

Therapeutic/Interventional Guidance Using Imaging

Integration of Functional Mapping and Image-Guided Structural Information in Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation - Sense2 Mapping.

This prospective multicenter registry studied whether integrating cardiac MRI/CT-derived ventricular scar information into functional mapping improves outcomes in 166 post-infarct ventricular tachycardia (VT) patients undergoing ablation using the Sense2 mapping workflow. The key finding is that MRI/CT-guided targeting of focused regions within the functional mapping process can reduce protracted mapping/procedure time while maintaining efficacy compared with conventional ablation strategies (details truncated in the abstract). Scientifically and clinically, this supports image-guided substrate localization as a way to streamline VT ablation planning and potentially improve procedural efficiency in post-infarct VT.

Papageorgiou N, Bangash F, Ladopoulou D et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Prospective evaluation of real-world safety, symptoms improvement and adherence to mavacamten among Iranian patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (PERSIA-HOCM): protocol of a multicentre observational study.

This multicentre observational study protocol (PERSIA-HOCM) will evaluate real-world safety, symptom improvement, and adherence to mavacamten in Iranian adults with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The key finding is not yet available because the publication describes the study design rather than results (abstract truncated). The clinical significance is that it will generate prospective, non–trial-setting evidence for mavacamten’s effectiveness and tolerability in a non-Western population.

Ghaseminejad-Raeini A, Karimi MA, Shirinezhad A et al. · BMJ open · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Transient Pneumopericardium During Implantation of an Extravascular Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.

This JACC Case Reports report describes a 48-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 14%) who underwent extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) implantation for secondary prevention after out-of-hospital monomorphic VT. During substernal tunneling, the procedure was complicated by pericardial puncture leading to pneumopericardium, which required lead repositioning and subsequent intraoperative defibrillation testing. The clinical significance is that pneumopericardium/pericardial injury should be anticipated as a specific EV-ICD complication related to the substernal route.

Ollitrault P, Pellissier A, Ferchaud V et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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, focusing on dilated, hypertrophic, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotypes. Across cases, major complications included arrhythmias, rising left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (in relevant phenotypes), and heart failure, with management spanning biomarkers plus pharmacologic and device strategies during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The report emphasizes phenotype- and genetics-informed pre-conception planning to reduce maternal and fetal risk in cardiomyopathy pregnancies.

Bruce C, Montanaro C, Wander G et al. · Case reports in women’s health · (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 used data from a randomized clinical trial in home and self-care satellite hemodialysis patients to explain why allocation to 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 study modeled causal pathways between dialysate [Na+] allocation and LVMI through intermediate physiological variables to quantify where the expected effect may have been attenuated. Scientifically, it helps refine mechanistic understanding of how dialysate sodium influences cardiac remodeling and may guide future interventions targeting LV hypertrophy in hemodialysis.

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

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

This narrative review discussed precision-guided heart failure interventions and emphasized how advanced cardiac imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly used to tailor therapy to anatomy, myocardial substrate, and physiology. The key finding was that integrating advanced imaging (e.g., for phenotyping and procedural planning) with AI-enabled analytics is expanding the precision of interventions beyond standard pharmacotherapy, including transcatheter valve therapies, CRT/pacing strategies, complex coronary interventions, and invasive hemodynamic assessment. The review frames AI and imaging as central tools for improving patient selection and outcomes in heterogeneous heart failure populations.

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

Cardiac Safety Outcomes in Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec Clinical Trials for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy with Up to 5 Years of Follow-up.

This analysis assessed cardiac safety outcomes of the gene transfer therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec (delandistrogene moxeparvovec delivering functional dystrophin) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients across four clinical trials with up to 5 years of follow-up (trials 101, 102, ENDEAVOR, and EMBARK; excluding LVEF <40%). The key finding was that cardiac adverse events and serial echocardiography findings were monitored longitudinally with troponin I assessed regularly, providing the basis for evaluating myocardial injury and cardiac tolerability over time (full results truncated). Scientifically and clinically, these data inform the long-term cardiac risk profile of dystrophin gene therapy in DMD and support ongoing benefit–risk assessment for patients eligible for advanced heart failure therapies.

Veerapandiyan A, Bourke J, Soslow JH et al. · Cardiology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This study enrolled bronchiectasis patients with systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunts (SPS) and assessed right heart hemodynamics by right heart catheterization (and cardiac MR in those who tolerated it) before and within 24–48 hours after SPS embolization. After embolization, key hemodynamic parameters—including stroke volume, cardiac output/index, and pulmonary pressures—improved, indicating reduced shunt-related circulatory burden. The results support SPS embolization as a hemodynamically beneficial intervention in bronchiectasis-associated vascular abnormalities.

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

---

Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Public Health, and Health Economics

Circulating Biomarkers in Cardio-Oncology: Prediction and Prognostication.

This review summarized evidence for circulating biomarkers used in cardio-oncology across populations receiving cancer therapy, emphasizing prediction and prognostication of cancer therapy–related cardiovascular toxicity. It finds that cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides are the most studied biomarkers, with troponins showing consistently strong prognostic value while natriuretic peptides have more variable predictive performance for cardiotoxicity. The significance is that biomarker selection and interpretation remain critical because biomarker-guided therapeutic strategies have limitations and inconsistent results.

Kim J, Lee B, White A et al. · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Creating bottom-up RNA transfer vehicles from synthetic protein assemblies.

This Nature study investigated whether AI-designed synthetic protein assemblies can be engineered into nucleic acid transport vehicles independent of viral evolutionary constraints. By functionalizing designed protein architectures, the authors created bottom-up RNA transfer vehicles capable of nucleic acid delivery without relying on natural viral capsid evolution. Scientifically, it advances programmable, non-viral gene delivery platforms built from generative protein design rather than virus-derived structures.

Schuhmacher MK, Gruber C, Lang CMR et al. · Nature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Evolution of ART Medication Adherence Support and Monitoring Across IeDEA Sites: Results From Three Waves of Consortium-Wide Site Assessment Surveys, 2017, 2020 and 2023.

This consortium-wide implementation study examined how medication adherence support and monitoring for adults with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) evolved across IeDEA sites over three survey waves (2017, 2020, 2023). The key finding was that clinic-reported resources and routine adherence support/monitoring practices changed over time across 43 countries, reflecting variable implementation of guideline-recommended strategies. The scientific and public-health significance is that it documents real-world adoption trends that can inform targeted interventions to strengthen adherence monitoring.

Brazier E, Odhiambo F, Edwards JK et al. · Journal of the International AIDS Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This study compared cardiac volumes, function, and arterial stiffness measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) five years after severe preeclampsia in 10 women with severe preeclampsia versus 20 normotensive pregnancy controls, including lifestyle-matched and physically active subgroups. The investigators assessed whether prior severe preeclampsia is associated with persistent cardiovascular remodeling and whether physical activity modifies these long-term effects. The findings are intended to clarify mechanisms linking preeclampsia to later cardiovascular disease and to support identification of women at ongoing risk.

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

Formoterol fumarate attenuates atherosclerosis and improves cardiometabolic dysfunction in ApoE-deficient mice.

This study tested whether formoterol fumarate (FF), a long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, attenuates atherosclerosis and multi-organ cardiometabolic dysfunction in 8-week-old male ApoE-deficient (ApoE KO) mice treated for 8 weeks with FF (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg/day) versus vehicle. FF improved cardiometabolic dysfunction and reduced atherosclerotic burden and related vascular/hepatic/heart injury biomarkers compared with vehicle-treated ApoE KO mice. These findings suggest a potential anti-atherosclerotic, cardiometabolic protective role for β2-adrenergic stimulation that warrants mechanistic follow-up and translational evaluation in cardiometabolic disease models.

Juvenal H, Gu W, Zhao Z et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 assessed how practicing anaesthesiologists perceive and use pre-existing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings for perioperative cardiovascular risk evaluation. The key finding was that incorporation of CMR results into perioperative decision-making varied, with survey responses indicating differences in perceived utility/understanding and factors associated with whether CMR findings were used. The study highlights an evidence-to-practice gap for CMR reporting in perioperative care and supports efforts to standardize CMR report content and clinician interpretation to improve 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 compared diabetes mortality surveillance conclusions across US jurisdictions from two data sources—CDC WONDER versus Global Burden of Disease 2023 (GBD 2023)—from 1999–2023, focusing on trends, high-burden classification, and income-related inequality. The key finding was that the choice of data source materially affected estimates of crude/age-standardized mortality rates, the identification of high-burden jurisdictions, and measures of spatial and socioeconomic inequality. These results indicate that policy and equity monitoring for diabetes mortality in the United States can change depending on surveillance dataset selection, emphasizing the need for transparent, harmonized reporting.

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

Cost-effectiveness of imaging modalities in coronary heart disease: A comprehensive review.

This comprehensive review evaluated the cost-effectiveness of imaging modalities used in coronary heart disease (CHD), with emphasis on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) using SPECT and PET. The authors synthesize economic evaluation evidence to inform how to select nuclear cardiology imaging strategies under rising healthcare costs and evolving technologies. Scientifically and clinically, the review supports more rational, value-based imaging decisions in CHD care pathways.

Milan E, Giubbini R, Vitola J et al. · Seminars in nuclear medicine · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Toxic and explosive risks in pharmacy: An underestimated reality.

This article examined occupational toxic and explosive risks faced by pharmacists, particularly in compounding pharmacies handling carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) substances such as chemotherapy drugs, anesthetic gases, antibiotics, and hormones. The key finding was that indirect exposure can occur through fine powder dispersion or volatile vapors even when standard protective gear is used, and that explosive/fire risks are also present with volatile solvents like ethanol, acetone, and ethyl ether. The clinical and public-health significance is that medication safety for pharmacists requires stronger risk recognition and control measures beyond routine PPE.

Yap Larioui K, Khoukh K, Zekri S et al. · Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 trial studied first-line treatment outcomes in previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) using the CARiBOU regimen (alternating VR-CAP and R-cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib) in six 21-day cycles. It targeted a complete metabolic response (CMR) primary endpoint and assessed safety, feasibility of stem cell collection, proportion proceeding to ASCT, and progression-free and overall survival, but the specific efficacy/safety results are truncated in the abstract. The scientific significance is that CARiBOU integrates BTK inhibition (acalabrutinib) with chemoimmunotherapy to pursue durable responses in 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 observational and modeling study investigated nocturnal ozone (O3) enhancement mechanisms in Xi’an during 2023–2025, focusing on how particle electrical properties relate to O3 variations under stable nocturnal conditions. It found associations between particle charge-to-mass ratio (CMR) and nocturnal O3 using generalized additive models (GAM), partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and a simplified interfacial contribution model, with quantitative details truncated in the abstract. The work is significant because it suggests particulate electrical properties may contribute to nocturnal O3 chemistry beyond meteorological transport alone.

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

---

Cardiac Imaging in Congenital/Structural Heart Disease (Peds/CHD)

Value of the Newly Designed Major and Minor Checklists in Diagnosis of Congenital Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Malformation: New Era of Fetal Cardiac MRI.

This study evaluated a newly designed major/minor checklist system for interpreting fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (FCMRI) in fetuses with suspected congenital cardiovascular disease, using postnatal echocardiography as the reference standard. The key finding is that structured checklist-based FCMRI interpretation improves diagnostic reliability/utility compared with less structured approaches (specific performance metrics are truncated in the abstract). This is significant because it provides a standardized “new era” framework to enhance prenatal diagnosis when fetal echocardiography is limited (e.g., maternal obesity, uterine fibroids, oligohydramnios, malposition, or late gestational acoustic shadowing).

Hassan HGEMA, Ragheb SR, Elyasaki AM et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Early-Diastolic Right Ventricle-Pulmonary Artery Pressure Gradient by Doppler Echocardiography to Guide Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Assessment of Pulmonary Regurgitation after Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Reconstruction.

This retrospective echocardiography-to-CMR guidance study evaluated whether an early-diastolic right ventricle–pulmonary artery pressure gradient (Echo-EaDPG) can guide CMR assessment of pulmonary regurgitation (PR) after right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) reconstruction in pediatric patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot or related conditions. The key finding was that the Echo-EaDPG derived from early-diastolic peak PR velocity correlated with PR severity sufficiently to serve as a practical complementary hemodynamic marker when CMR is not routinely feasible. Clinically, it supports a feasible follow-up strategy to monitor RV remodeling drivers using Doppler measurements.

Kawamura J, Ueno K, Shimozono T et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This preclinical study investigated early coarctation (COA) stenting in a longitudinal porcine model, comparing sham, COA controls, and COA stents with serial balloon dilations to adult aortic diameters. It found successful stent implantation and assessed mid-to-longitudinal cardiovascular consequences at terminal follow-up at 20 weeks, with detailed results truncated in the abstract. Scientifically, the model is designed to define how early intravascular stent therapy alters longitudinal cardiovascular remodeling, informing safer pediatric COA interventions.

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 cardiac events in pediatric patients (≤18 years) with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under anesthesia. It aimed to quantify the incidence and predictors of intraoperative cardiovascular instability using a recently proposed composite framework, but the specific incidence and predictor results are truncated in the abstract. The study is significant for improving peri-anesthesia monitoring and risk stratification during non-surgical cardiac MRI procedures in children with CHD.

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

---

Ischemia, Microvascular Dysfunction, and Stress Imaging

Vasodilator stress perfusion CMR for outcome prediction in patients under 45 years with suspected CAD.

This retrospective analysis of a prospective multicenter registry studied long-term all-cause mortality prediction using vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients younger than 45 years with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) across three French centers. The key finding is that stress CMR retains prognostic value for mortality in this younger cohort (primary endpoint and results are truncated in the abstract). Scientifically, it extends established stress CMR risk stratification to a previously under-studied age group, supporting broader use of vasodilator stress CMR for early CAD evaluation.

Vesvrotte ER, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

13N-ammonia positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries: focus on feature tracking and T1 mapping.

This prospective CMR/positron emission tomography study evaluated 13N-ammonia PET/MRI in 44 patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) versus 22 matched healthy controls, emphasizing CMR feature tracking and T1 mapping. The key finding was that INOCA patients showed subclinical myocardial tissue and functional abnormalities—detectable by T1 mapping and LV wall-motion abnormalities on CMR feature tracking—compared with healthy controls. Clinically, it suggests a multimodal imaging approach to identify early myocardial injury in INOCA where conventional anatomic imaging may appear normal.

Wen R, Xie Q, Meng X et al. · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This randomized clinical study evaluated whether an angiography-based index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) can assess microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct size (IS) in 123 STEMI patients undergoing PCI, comparing recombinant staphylokinase (r-SAK) versus normal saline (NS) given before PCI. The key finding was that angio-IMR was associated with CMR-detected MVO and infarct size, and the relationship differed by thrombolysis strategy (r-SAK vs NS). Clinically, it suggests angio-IMR could be a practical angiography-derived surrogate for microvascular injury and infarct burden in STEMI, potentially enabling earlier risk stratification.

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

Advanced Cardiac Imaging Techniques for Detection of Myocardial Ischemia in Children with Coronary Artery Abnormalities.

This review article focused on advanced cardiac imaging techniques to detect myocardial ischemia in children with coronary artery abnormalities due to non-atherosclerotic etiologies such as Kawasaki disease vasculopathy, coronary anomalies (e.g., anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery), transplant-related allograft vasculopathy, and post-surgical coronary reimplantation. The key finding was that ischemia detection in this pediatric population requires multimodality imaging strategies beyond routine screening (e.g., integrating stress/perfusion and anatomic/functional assessments) because symptoms are often absent or atypical. Clinically, the review supports tailored imaging pathways to improve diagnosis and risk management in children with coronary artery abnormalities.

Jin JB, Williams JL, Wang SM et al. · Cardiology and therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Viability testing for guiding revascularization in ischemic cardiomyopathy.

This review summarized evidence on myocardial viability testing to guide revascularization decisions in ischemic cardiomyopathy, focusing on whether viability predicts benefit from contemporary revascularization strategies. It highlights that trials such as STICH and follow-up show CABG improves long-term survival largely independent of viability status, challenging the traditional viability-guided paradigm. The clinical significance is that viability testing may have a more limited or context-dependent role when deciding on revascularization in the era of guideline-directed medical therapy.

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.

This prospective study investigated how ECG interpretation methods for anterior myocardial infarction (MI)—anatomical lead proximity versus vector orientation of ST-segment deviation—match myocardial injury distribution on cardiac magnetic resonance in 105 patients scanned 3–7 days after presentation. The key finding was that CMR-defined injury distribution was used to re-evaluate the validity of these ECG localization approaches, with results indicating that one ECG framework better aligns with imaging-defined injury patterns (full comparative outcomes truncated). Clinically, refining ECG-to-infarct localization interpretation could improve early assessment of infarct extent and potentially risk stratification when CMR is not available.

Aslanger EK, Aggül B, İnan D et al. · Journal of electrocardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · 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 enrolled between December 2020 and June 2024. The key finding was that a stepwise approach using ad hoc optical coherence tomography (OCT) for culprit lesion identification was implemented to reach a final diagnosis despite real-world constraints (full yield metrics truncated). Clinically, the study supports practical diagnostic pathways for MINOCA that can improve etiologic classification when comprehensive testing is limited.

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 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), followed for major cardiovascular events (MACE) including cardiovascular death or non-fatal MI. The key finding was that stress perfusion CMR findings provided prognostic information over extended follow-up using Cox regression (specific hazard ratios truncated). Scientifically and clinically, stress CMR could serve as a noninvasive screening tool to stratify cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients before known CAD develops.

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 mechanistic article studied diabetic silent myocardial ischemia (DSMI) in the context of diabetic coronary microvascular dysfunction and neurocardiac signaling impairment. It found that chronic hyperglycemia drives oxidative stress, advanced glycation end-product (AGE) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial and smooth-muscle cells, reducing nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and impairing coronary flow reserve and capillary integrity, while diabetic peripheral/autonomic neuropathy attenuates nociceptive signaling. The findings are clinically significant because they explain why DSMI can occur without symptoms yet remains life-threatening, supporting targeted strategies against microvascular and neurovascular dysfunction.

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

---

Cardiac MRI/CT AI for Segmentation, Motion, and Quantification

AI-Powered Detection of Left Ventricular Myocardial Scar from Dual-Sequence CT: Global and Segmental Prediction Validated by CMR​.

This retrospective study developed an AI deep learning (nnU-Net) framework to detect myocardial scar from dual-sequence computed tomography (CT) using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcium (CAC) inputs, with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as the reference standard. The key finding is that the model can predict myocardial scar both globally and by American Heart Association 17-segment subdivisions, with validation against CMR (specific performance values are truncated in the abstract). Clinically, this could reduce reliance on CMR by enabling automated scar detection from CT in patients where CMR access is limited.

Lu R, Yang T, Li M et al. · Journal of imaging informatics in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

AFFUNet: adaptive feature fusion Transformer U-Net with joint loss function for medical image segmentation.

This methods paper studied AFFUNet, an adaptive feature fusion Transformer U-Net with a joint loss function for medical image segmentation. The key finding was that adaptively weighting feature fusion and using a joint loss improved segmentation performance, particularly for difficult samples and boundary precision, compared with baseline Transformer U-Net variants. The scientific significance is that the architecture targets common failure modes in clinical segmentation pipelines by improving robustness and edge accuracy.

Pang M, Yang C, Luo Y · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Spatial phenotyping of epicardial adipose tissue from cardiac MRI.

This study developed and evaluated a deep learning framework to spatially phenotype epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) from cardiac MRI in a whole-heart, chamber-resolved setting. Using an asymmetric multi-modal CNN-Transformer network to segment the four chambers and EAT, the method enabled automated quantitative characterization of EAT distribution across the heart. This provides a scalable imaging analysis tool to better map EAT heterogeneity, which may improve understanding and risk assessment of cardiovascular disease driven by EAT.

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 work proposed a self-supervised deep learning method using deformable image registration to detect cardiac cine keyframes beyond end-systole and end-diastole in short-axis (SAX) and four-chamber (4CH) CMR across patients with various cardiac diseases. The approach derives dense deformable registration fields to compute motion descriptors and detect five keyframes in SAX and four keyframes in 4CH. This improves automated temporal localization of myocardial motion, which can enhance downstream CMR analyses such as phase-specific assessment and disease characterization.

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

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

This paper studied ContiMorph, an unsupervised learning framework for cardiac motion tracking that targets time-continuous motion fields without relying on scaling-and-squaring (SS) integration, using cardiac image sequences. The key finding was that ContiMorph combines a frame-aware U-Net with a time-embedded transformer to learn temporally continuous intra-frame motion fields and then composes them to obtain continuous tracking across time (full quantitative results truncated). Scientifically, this approach aims to improve cardiac motion tracking accuracy by better exploiting temporal continuity, which can benefit downstream functional assessment and disease diagnosis.

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

Agreement between ventricular stroke volumes and great vessel flow using cine and phase-contrast MRI in healthy subjects.

This imaging study evaluated agreement between ventricular stroke volumes and great vessel forward flow measured by cine and phase-contrast MRI in 15 healthy volunteers. It assessed LV-SV and RV-SV from short-axis cine images and ascending aorta (Ao) and pulmonary artery (PA) flows from phase-contrast MRI, finding negative additive bias for several RV-related pairings (RV-PA, RV-Ao, and RV-LV) with Bland-Altman results truncated. Scientifically, the findings inform how reliably CMR-derived stroke volume and great-vessel flow can be used to infer valvular regurgitation in clinical practice.

Kawaguchi A, Kawaguchi W, Hayashi M et al. · Radiological physics and technology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This prospective study evaluated a free-breathing adaptation of Dynamic Regularized Adaptive Cluster Optimization (DRACO) cine cardiac MRI in 30 participants (10 sinus rhythm and 20 with atrial fibrillation [AF]) using 3.0T balanced SSFP cine with ECG-gated segmented acquisition and real-time imaging. The tailored DRACO approach enabled high-quality, quantifiable cine imaging while simultaneously handling cardiac and respiratory motion in AF. Clinically, this supports more reliable cine CMR acquisition in patients with arrhythmias who cannot reliably perform breath-holds.

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

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

This narrative review synthesized current evidence on artificial intelligence (AI) for right ventricular (RV) structural and functional assessment across echocardiography, cardiac MRI (CMR), and computed tomography (CT). Overall, AI-based automated RV segmentation and quantification have demonstrated accuracy approaching interobserver variability and may reduce interpreter dependence. The review positions AI as a practical pathway to improve RV risk stratification in pulmonary hypertension, valvular disease, and congenital heart disease where RV assessment is currently inconsistent.

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

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

This study proposed CardioMorphNet, a shape-guided Bayesian recurrent deep network for 3D cardiac motion prediction using short-axis (SAX) cine CMR images, designed to overcome intensity-based registration losses that may miss anatomical regions. By using a recurrent variational autoencoder to model spatiotemporal dependencies across the cardiac cycle and incorporating posterior models for bi-ventricular segmentation, the method improves deformable registration and motion estimation. Scientifically, it advances anatomy-aware CMR motion modeling, which can support more robust cardiac function assessment and downstream detection of abnormalities.

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

---

Post-Infarction Injury Markers & Ventricular Remodeling

Quantitative intramyocardial hemorrhage assessment by conventional T2-weighted imaging improves risk stratification in reperfused STEMI.

This single-center retrospective study assessed whether quantitative intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) measured on conventional T2-weighted (T2W) CMR improves risk stratification in 453 reperfused ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. The key finding is that IMH defined as a hypointense core within edema on T2W imaging—quantified as a percentage of left ventricular mass—predicts a composite of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization. The significance is that T2W-based IMH quantification may offer a more artifact-tolerant, practical alternative to T2* mapping for prognostic assessment after reperfusion.

Li Z, Chen Z, Zhang M et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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

This retrospective study investigated whether 4D flow CMR–derived coronary sinus flow (CS Flow) and aortic pressure gradients (supra- and sub-aortic peak pressure gradients) predict outcomes in 103 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients scanned before PCI. The key finding was that these hemodynamic metrics were evaluated against a composite endpoint (death, unplanned revascularization, recurrent MI, heart failure rehospitalization, and stroke) after univariable screening and stratified modeling (details truncated). Clinically, if validated, 4D flow CMR measures could improve early post-AMI risk stratification and guide management decisions beyond conventional imaging.

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

---

Cardiac Tumors, Masses, and Rare Lesions

Four Synchronous Myxomas Unmasking Carney Complex: When to Think About Carney Complex?

This case report describes a 39-year-old man with multiple intracardiac masses discovered during evaluation for recurrent ventricular extrasystoles, ultimately diagnosed as four synchronous myxomas. Multimodality imaging (transthoracic/ transesophageal echocardiography, CT, and CMR) identified four highly mobile lesions involving the left ventricle, mitro-aortic curtain, and left atrium, prompting consideration of Carney complex (CNC) when multiple lesions are present. The significance is diagnostic: synchronous myxomas should trigger evaluation for underlying syndromic disease such as CNC.

Ballan G, Genovese D, Bortolato A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma: An Exceptionally Rare Pulmonary Artery Tumor Presenting as an Asymptomatic Heart Murmur.

This case report studied an exceptionally rare primary pulmonary artery tumor, angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH), in a 28-year-old man with prior stage 3 Burkitt lymphoma in remission. Transthoracic echocardiography followed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and PET-CT demonstrated a 1.9 cm hyperintense mass attached to the pulmonic valve and main pulmonary artery wall, and the patient underwent surgical resection of the main pulmonary artery and pulmonic valve. The findings emphasize that AFH should be considered in indeterminate main pulmonary artery lesions presenting as a new heart murmur, even in patients without established risk factors.

Jafary Z, Rana S, Vaughan M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This case report evaluated a 37-year-old competitive endurance athlete found on pre-participation screening to have an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the left sinus of Valsalva with an interarterial course and intramural segment. Coronary computed tomography angiography demonstrated high-risk anatomical features associated with ischemia and sudden cardiac death risk under exercise. The report reinforces that dynamic risk in athletes can be identified by CT-based coronary anatomy assessment and should inform sports eligibility and management decisions.

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

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

This radiology case report studied a woman with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma who developed an indeterminate right atrial mass during evaluation for bacteremia. It found that transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and cardiac MRI suggested thrombus versus malignant involvement, and because surgical biopsy was high risk, catheter-directed AngioVac aspiration achieved significant debulking and successful tissue retrieval. Clinically, the report supports AngioVac as a combined diagnostic and therapeutic approach when right atrial masses in malignancy are difficult to classify and surgery 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 small, mobile fat-containing mass in the right atrial appendage (RAA) was incidentally discovered on CT pulmonary angiography during evaluation for acute pulmonary embolism. Cardiac MRI confirmed imaging features consistent with a cardiac lipoma at an uncommon RAA site, and the tumor was not directly implicated in the embolic event. The report highlights the value of multimodality imaging to distinguish rare benign cardiac tumors from clinically urgent causes of cardiopulmonary symptoms.

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

---

CMR Biomarkers for Fibrosis, Inflammation, and Tissue Injury

Psychosocial Stress-Induced Takotsubo Syndrome in a Male Patient: Breaking the Stereotype.

This case report studied Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in a 48-year-old man with psychosocial stress from financial and occupational strain. Cardiac magnetic resonance identified dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and four discrete apical thrombi, and the patient recovered fully with β-blockade plus anticoagulation. The report highlights that severe TTS complications can occur in men and with psychosocial triggers, supporting careful imaging and anticoagulation consideration beyond the classic postmenopausal/physical-trigger stereotype.

Beesley H, Soroa M, Lerakis S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Association of epicardial fat tissue combined with left ventricular strain with left ventricular fibrosis in obese patients: a cardiac magnetic resonance study.

This cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study investigated the association between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), left ventricular (LV) strain measured by CMR feature tracking, and LV fibrosis in obese patients. The key finding was that EAT-related changes co-occurred with altered LV strain and were linked to greater LV fibrotic remodeling, supporting a mechanistic pathway from local adiposity to subclinical myocardial injury. Scientifically, it supports using CMR-derived strain alongside fibrosis assessment to detect early obesity-related cardiac dysfunction.

Yao Y, Liu L, Jiang H et al. · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 (CMR) feature tracking to assess sequential right ventricular (RV) strain alongside histological vascular remodeling in male Wistar rats after pulmonary hypertension (PH) induction with monocrotaline (groups assessed at 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks vs vehicle controls). RV strain changed over time during PH development and correlated with the degree of histological pulmonary vascular remodeling. These findings support CMR feature tracking as a sensitive, time-resolved biomarker of RV mechanical dysfunction during early PH progression.

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

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 assessed left ventricular myocardial strain using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) in 30 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) versus 10 matched healthy controls. Patients with ARDs showed altered LV strain consistent with subclinical myocardial dysfunction despite preserved conventional cardiac function. The results suggest CMR-FT strain metrics may improve early detection of cardiac involvement in ARDs.

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

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

This study examined the clinical impact of co-inactivation of the tumor suppressor genes SMARCA4, STK11, and KEAP1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and assessed associated pathway changes, focusing on TGF-β signaling. The authors report that SMARCA4, STK11, and KEAP1 co-inactivation is associated with poor prognosis and upregulation of the TGF-β pathway. These findings support the use of multi-gene alteration patterns to refine prognosis and suggest TGF-β pathway involvement as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in LUAD.

Costa EA, Mello BP, Wohlhieter C et al. · Translational oncology · (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 studied whether “blood-nulled” late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR improves detection of subtle basal myocardial scar in a 67-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral annular disjunction (MAD) who had frequent premature ventricular contractions on 24-hour Holter monitoring. The key finding was that blood-nulled LGE increased sensitivity for a small (3-mm) posterior MAD–associated basal inferolateral subendocardial fibrosis that can be obscured on conventional bright-blood LGE. The clinical significance is improved CMR visualization of arrhythmogenic fibrosis in MVP/MAD, potentially strengthening CMR-based risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmias.

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

Cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with acute myocardial infarction: The added clinical value.

This review article summarized how cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) adds clinical value in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by characterizing myocardial injury beyond ejection fraction and ventricular volumes. It highlights CMR’s ability to quantify infarct size, ischemic area at risk, microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial hemorrhage, and interstitial remodeling using techniques such as late gadolinium enhancement and parametric mapping (native T1, T2, T2*, and extracellular volume). The clinical significance is that these CMR biomarkers can better predict adverse left ventricular remodeling and long-term outcomes after AMI.

Alberti M, Faggioni L, Cioni D et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗

---

Case Reports of Genetic/Metabolic Cardiac Disorders

Hidden in Plain Sight: Electromechanical Window Negativity in Congenital Long QT Syndrome.

This clinical case report studied electromechanical window (EMW) negativity as a risk marker in a 19-year-old woman with KCNH2-related congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS). Despite normal cardiac magnetic resonance and standard echocardiography, ambulatory monitoring showed self-terminating torsades de pointes up to 273 beats/min triggered by abrupt auditory stimuli, and EMW negativity was present within routine echocardiographic imaging. The report suggests EMW negativity can refine arrhythmic risk stratification in genotype-defined congenital LQTS when QTc/genotype alone may miss high-risk individuals.

Paterson T, Sanders R, Pooranachandran V · Clinical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac-Predominant Fukutinopathy Caused by Novel Compound Heterozygous FKTN Variants: A Diagnostic and Genetic Odyssey.

This JACC case report studied cardiac-predominant fukutinopathy in a 30-year-old Indian man with dilated cardiomyopathy, persistent QT prolongation, subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance, and hyperCKemia. Whole-exome sequencing identified compound heterozygous FKTN variants (c.1112A>G [p.Tyr371Cys] likely pathogenic and c.1224G>T [p.Lys408Asn] of uncertain significance), with parental Sanger sequencing confirming trans inheritance. The genetic diagnosis enabled genotype-directed evaluation, illustrating that FKTN-related dystroglycanopathy can present primarily as cardiac disease without overt neuromuscular findings.

Imayavaramban B, Kumar P, Chowdhury RR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Exercise-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia Unmasking High-Risk Anomalous Right Coronary Artery in an Adult.

This JACC case report studied exercise-induced ventricular tachycardia in a 43-year-old physically active man with an anomalous right coronary artery (AAOCA) presenting in adulthood. Exercise stress testing provoked frequent ventricular ectopy progressing to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia during recovery, and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) showed an anomalous right coronary artery arising from the left sino–aortic region. The case reinforces that high-risk AAOCA may be unmasked by exertion and recovery arrhythmias, supporting CCTA evaluation when exercise triggers ventricular arrhythmias.

Eisa A, Rashwan R, Aldarab’ah FM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Takotsubo-Like Cardiomyopathy as the Initial Presentation of Primary Carnitine Deficiency.

This case report studied primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) in an 18-year-old woman who presented with ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest and a Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy phenotype. Genetic testing identified a homozygous pathogenic SLC22A5 variant (c.43G>T; p.Gly15Trp), confirming autosomal recessive PCD. The finding is clinically significant because it highlights a rare but treatable cause of sudden cardiac death where early diagnosis of SLC22A5-related fatty-acid oxidation failure can change management.

Talasani N, Przybylski R, Delaney MA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This case report evaluated 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 authors emphasized that phenotypic overlap can mask MELAS and lead to diagnostic anchoring and potential mismanagement. Clinically, the case underscores the need to consider mitochondrial disease in Turner patients with atypical multisystem features and to pursue appropriate genetic/mitochondrial evaluation when presentation is not fully explained.

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

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

This report described a 44-year-old man with suspected hypertrophic cardiomyopathy who had ventricular hypertrophy and pre-excitation, prompting evaluation for PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed asymmetric hypertrophy with extensive late gadolinium enhancement and early adverse remodeling, and genetic testing confirmed a PRKAG2-related etiology after primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement. The case illustrates how PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy can mimic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and may require genetic confirmation to guide appropriate risk management.

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

---

Imaging-Guided Diagnosis in Inflammatory/Immune Cardiac Disease

Depressed LV Contractility as a Sentinel of Fulminant Systemic Scleroderma.

This JACC case report studied depressed left ventricular (LV) contractility as a sentinel presentation of fulminant cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) in a 21-year-old man. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed diffuse gadolinium enhancement and endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated mast cell infiltration with early fibrosis, but despite guideline-directed medical therapy and subsequent cyclophosphamide, the patient rapidly deteriorated and died. The case underscores that early myocardial dysfunction in SSc may signal aggressive cardiac scleroderma requiring urgent recognition and escalation.

Luo M, Branch T, Vasoya D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Rapidly Progressive Myocarditis and Cardiogenic Shock: The Failing Heart in Systemic Sclerosis.

This JACC case report studied rapidly progressive myocarditis leading to cardiogenic shock in a 49-year-old woman with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc). Cardiac magnetic resonance showed diffuse biventricular myocardial inflammation and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed lymphocytic infiltration, while echocardiography demonstrated severe biventricular systolic dysfunction and ECG showed sinus tachycardia with right bundle branch block. The case emphasizes that SSc can present with fulminant myocarditis and shock, supporting early cardiac evaluation and biopsy-confirmed diagnosis when biomarkers and imaging indicate inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

Mohammad F, Alhajri N, Al-Matrooshi N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Active clinically isolated cardiac sarcoidosis with inactive pulmonary sequelae: incremental diagnostic value of multimodality imaging: a case report.

This case report studied active clinically isolated cardiac sarcoidosis in a 62-year-old woman with inactive pulmonary sequelae, using multimodality imaging to add value beyond conventional structural assessment. The key finding was that combined echocardiographic strain abnormalities with metabolic and tissue characterization findings supported the diagnosis despite lack of clinically active extracardiac disease. The significance is that multimodality imaging can improve diagnostic confidence in cardiac sarcoidosis when extracardiac inflammation is absent.

Briceño Loaiza L, Celi Loaiza X · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Rheumatoid arthritis and multisite cardiac aneurysms involving the LVOT, valves, and intervalvular Fibrosa: A case-based systematic review.

This case-based systematic review examined rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–associated aneurysmal or pseudoaneurysmal cardiac involvement affecting the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), valves, and intervalvular fibrosa, compiling reported clinical, imaging, pathological, and therapeutic features. The key finding was that such RA-related aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms are exceptionally rare and largely described in isolated case reports, with variable imaging and management approaches. Clinically, the synthesis helps clinicians recognize and differentiate these uncommon RA complications and informs diagnostic and treatment considerations for peri-annular/subvalvular disease.

Alberti M, Cito V, Capozza P et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · 1 citations · 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 assessed whether multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can non-invasively detect acute cell-mediated graft rejection in 15 paediatric heart transplant recipients, using endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and right heart catheterization as reference standards. The study compared CMR parametric map texture features between rejection and non-rejection cases to identify imaging signatures of rejection. If validated, this could reduce reliance on EMB by enabling earlier and less invasive detection of acute rejection in children after heart transplantation.

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

Multidisciplinary approach in cardiac sarcoidosis: to biopsy or not?

This review discussed the 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, while noninvasive imaging is increasingly relied upon due to patchy myocardial involvement. The clinical significance is guidance on when tissue diagnosis may be avoided or prioritized, improving diagnostic yield and patient safety in suspected CS.

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

Heart involvements in systemic sclerosis beyond pulmonary hypertension: From conduction, rhythm and function defects to coronary artery disease.

This review examined cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients beyond pulmonary arterial hypertension, covering conduction, rhythm, myocardial function, and coronary artery disease manifestations. It found that clinically overt cardiac disease occurs in roughly 15–35% of SSc patients while subclinical dysfunction is detected in ~70% when advanced screening is used, with sudden cardiac death incidence noted but truncated in the abstract. The work highlights the need for systematic cardiac screening and risk stratification in SSc to reduce morbidity and mortality from non–pulmonary-hypertension heart disease.

Barile R, Rotondo C, Giancaspro G et al. · La Revue de medecine interne · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion associated with probable sparganosis.

This case report described a 25-year-old man who developed hemorrhagic eosinophilic pericardial effusion after ingesting undercooked frog meat, with diagnostic workup including cardiac MRI, PET/CT, and next-generation sequencing. The clinical picture strongly suggested sparganosis (Spirometra plerocercoid larvae) with marked eosinophilia and elevated IgE, while extensive testing did not identify an alternative cause. Scientifically and clinically, it underscores that sparganosis can present with serosal involvement such as hemorrhagic pericarditis and may require broad infectious evaluation when eosinophilic effusion is present.

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 ↗

---

Cardiac Imaging for Specific Cardiomyopathies (HCM/CA/Arrhythmogenic)

Optimal Strain Combinations for Prognostic Prediction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This Circulation: Heart Failure study analyzed prognostic myocardial strain combinations in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prospectively recruited from June 2013 to June 2024. Using elastic net Cox regression and stepwise Cox regression with AIC, the authors evaluated left ventricular global longitudinal strain, right ventricular GLS (including right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain), and right atrial phasic strain to identify optimal combinations predicting all-cause mortality and a composite endpoint. The work aims to improve risk prediction in PAH by determining which specific strain parameters and combinations best forecast adverse outcomes.

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

Refractory Postcardiotomy Right Ventricular Failure Revealing Massive Right Ventricular Lipomatous Replacement: Autopsy-Imaging Correlation.

This JACC case report studied refractory post-cardiotomy right ventricular (RV) failure and its relationship to massive RV lipomatous replacement in a 76-year-old woman after elective mitral valve repair. Despite preserved biventricular function preoperatively and no abnormal fat on standard cardiac magnetic resonance sequences, the patient developed refractory RV failure after cardiopulmonary bypass requiring advanced support including venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and autopsy-imaging correlation was performed to clarify the etiology of the RV fat. The report highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing benign lipomatous replacement from arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and the clinical importance of correlating imaging with pathology when RV failure is unexplained.

Landín P, Plateros S, Campelos P et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

The value of CMR-derived left atrial strain parameters in differential diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

This retrospective CMR study assessed whether left atrial strain parameters derived from CMR tissue tracking can differentiate cardiac amyloidosis (CA) from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in 37 HCM patients, 41 CA patients, and 29 normal controls. The key finding was that specific CMR-derived left atrial strain metrics provided diagnostic discrimination between CA and HCM beyond structural overlap of LV hypertrophy. The clinical significance is improved noninvasive differential diagnosis of CA versus HCM using quantitative atrial mechanics.

Jin Y, Shao X, Zhang Y et al. · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This study analyzed 990 consecutive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) between 2012 and 2024 to test whether extracellular volume fraction (ECV) adds prognostic value beyond late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Global ECV and LGE were quantified, and ECV provided incremental prognostic information for HCM-related events (including sudden cardiac death, heart failure events, and HCM-related death) over a median 3.2-year follow-up. This supports integrating CMR-derived ECV (diffuse interstitial fibrosis) into risk stratification to better identify HCM patients at higher risk.

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

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

This multicentre retrospective study evaluated 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). The key finding was that CMR predictors provided incremental prognostic value beyond NAC staging for time to death using Cox regression (specific CMR variables and effect sizes are truncated in the abstract). Scientifically and clinically, integrating CMR into ATTR-CA staging could better identify high-risk patients and guide evaluation for advanced heart failure therapies and emerging disease-modifying treatments.

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 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients undergoing serial echocardiography (with a CMR subcohort of 491) to identify predictors of progression to end-stage HCM, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% without reversible causes, using left atrial reservoir strain on echocardiography. Patients with impaired left atrial reservoir strain had a higher risk of progressing to end-stage HCM during a median 6.5-year follow-up. The findings suggest that left atrial reservoir strain can improve risk stratification for future systolic deterioration in HCM and may help guide earlier preventive management.

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 835 hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients using cardiac MRI steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine to quantify left ventricular trabecular complexity via fractal dimension (FD) for sudden cardiac death (SCD) prediction and examined relationships with sarcomere variants. Higher LV trabecular complexity (greater FD) was associated with increased SCD risk, and the MRI metric showed prognostic value beyond conventional clinical factors. The work supports FD-based trabecular complexity as a potentially scalable imaging biomarker for identifying HCM patients who may benefit from intensified preventive strategies.

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

---

Pericardial Disease & Constriction

ECMO-Supported Pericardiectomy in Constrictive Tuberculous Pericarditis With Severe Ventricular Dysfunction.

This case report studied constrictive tuberculous pericarditis with severe biventricular systolic dysfunction in a 20-year-old man, focusing on the role of radical pericardiectomy after deterioration despite therapy. The patient underwent ECMO-supported pericardiectomy after persistent decline, with postoperative cardiogenic shock requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The report is significant because it suggests that aggressive surgical management plus temporary mechanical circulatory support may be lifesaving in TB-related constriction when ventricular function is profoundly depressed.

Elmorshidy M, Helal A, El-Din M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 constrictive pericarditis, evaluated using multimodality imaging including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance with late gadolinium enhancement, and computed tomography. Imaging showed marked pericardial thickening with hemodynamic features of constriction, diffuse late gadolinium pericardial enhancement, and circumferential periarterial infiltration. The report highlights that although ECD cardiovascular involvement is often subclinical, constrictive pericarditis can occur and multimodality imaging is crucial for diagnosis and management.

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

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

This review evaluated the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing pericardial constriction (constrictive pericarditis) and distinguishing it from restrictive cardiomyopathy and other mimickers. The key finding was that the most established AI evidence uses machine learning/deep learning applied to echocardiography, with emerging approaches expanding to other imaging modalities and diagnostic workflows. Scientifically and clinically, it suggests AI could improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce uncertainty in a condition where multimodal integration is often required.

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

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

This contemporary perspective studied how to diagnose and manage pericardial disease across clinical scenarios (e.g., acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and effusive-constrictive pericarditis) using guideline-informed, pathway-based care. It reports that recent European Society of Cardiology and American College of Cardiology consensus efforts improve phenotyping, multimodal imaging, and targeted immunomodulatory therapy, but real-world implementation remains variable. Clinically, the proposed structured pathway aims to standardize decision-making and treatment urgency across heterogeneous pericardial presentations.

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

---

CMR Risk Stratification & Prognostic Modeling (Noninvasive Substrate)

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 evaluated 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), using development (n=1417) and external validation (n=438) cohorts. CMR-based arrhythmogenic substrate assessment enhanced prediction of SCD beyond standard clinical approaches. The study supports incorporating CMR LGE and T1 mapping into risk algorithms to better identify HFmrEF patients at higher SCD risk.

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

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

This study used cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis to test whether an integrated metric—LV mass-to-LA strain ratio (indexed end-diastolic LV mass divided by peak LA strain)—predicts cardiovascular outcomes and early atrioventricular mechanical uncoupling. The key finding was that the LV mass-to-LA strain ratio identified early mechanical imbalance and was associated with subsequent cardiovascular events across the cohort. This supports a CMR-derived, physiology-informed risk marker that may detect atrioventricular uncoupling before overt structural disease.

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

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

This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), measured by accelerometry, and left ventricular remodeling in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines, using CMR-derived measures including indexed end-diastolic LV mass (LVMi), LVED volume (LVEDVi), mass:volume ratio, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The key finding was that MVPA was associated with differences in CMR indices of LV remodeling, suggesting that activity level relates to the degree of anthracycline-related cardiac structural changes. These results support the potential role of physical activity as a modifiable factor in mitigating or monitoring cardiotoxic remodeling risk in pediatric cancer survivors.

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

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

This retrospective single-centre study evaluated cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) functional and tissue parameters in 105 acute myocarditis patients stratified by atrioventricular block (AVB) status (non-AVB, nonadvanced AVB, advanced AVB). CMR-derived measures differed between groups, indicating that AVB severity in acute myocarditis is associated with distinct myocardial characteristics captured by CMR. Clinically, this suggests CMR could help risk-stratify acute myocarditis patients with AVB and potentially guide management beyond standard clinical assessment.

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

---

Cardiac MRI Radiomics & Texture Signatures

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

This study investigated whether radiomics signatures derived from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiovascular MRI can stratify pediatric myocarditis patients, using radiomic feature extraction and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to quantify LGE texture and location. The key finding was that radiomic features of LGE—after accounting for variability via resampling strategies informed by a digital phantom—can be combined into signatures that meaningfully separate pediatric myocarditis cases beyond qualitative LGE assessment. These results suggest that LGE radiomics could improve risk stratification and support more standardized, data-driven interpretation of pediatric myocarditis on CMR.

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

---

---

Generated automatically on September 06, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published August 30, 2026 – September 06, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.