What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

September 08, 2026 · 91 articles · 15 research themes · covering September 01, 2026 – September 08, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set, a dominant theme is the rapid expansion of advanced cardiac imaging—especially CMR/CT-based tissue characterization and functional strain mapping—into risk stratification for diverse cardiovascular conditions. Multiple studies emphasize that “subclinical” disease signals (e.g., CMR-derived edema, fibrosis surrogates like ECV, scar distribution, and multi-chamber strain patterns) can predict outcomes beyond conventional measures. This includes improved prognostication in settings such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (adding ECV to LGE), heart failure with mildly reduced EF (LGE/T1 mapping for SCD risk), Takotsubo syndrome (T2 edema mapping), and post-infarct or microvascular disease (stress perfusion CMR, IMH on T2W CMR, and INOCA tissue changes).

A second major thread is precision phenotyping of arrhythmia and structural substrate using imaging “substrate” frameworks. Studies integrate scar corridors and genotype, refine ablation targeting with MRI/CT scar-informed mapping, and explore how nuanced fibrosis detection (e.g., blood-nulled LGE in MVP/MAD) can reveal arrhythmogenic substrates that standard imaging may miss. Complementing this, several myocarditis/inflammation-focused papers and reviews highlight the move toward multimodal, noninvasive (or minimally invasive) approaches—such as multiparametric CMR for pediatric transplant rejection and imaging-guided strategies for cardiac sarcoidosis—while acknowledging when tissue confirmation remains necessary.

Finally, the digest reflects a broader shift toward implementation and methodology: real-world effectiveness protocols (e.g., mavacamten in HOCM), cost-effectiveness considerations for imaging choices, and a strong presence of AI/machine-learning work. AI is used both to improve clinical workflows (automated segmentation, keyframe detection, CPU-friendly cine segmentation) and to support diagnostic differentiation (e.g., AI for constrictive pericarditis). Together, these studies point to an increasingly integrated pipeline—imaging, computation, and clinical pathways—aimed at earlier detection, better risk prediction, and more tailored management.

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Cardiac Imaging for Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death Risk

Arrhythmic Risk Stratification According to LGE Corridors and Genetics in Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

This multicenter European study evaluated major ventricular arrhythmic events in consecutive patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent genetic testing, stratifying risk by cardiac MRI late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) “corridors” plus high-risk genotypes (HRGs). Patients with LGE corridors combined with HRGs had higher rates of major ventricular arrhythmic events than those without this combined high-risk phenotype. The findings support integrating LGE conduction-corridor imaging with genotype to improve arrhythmic risk stratification in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.

Ramos-López N, Mora-Ayestarán N, Ochoa JP et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Not So Innocent After All: Cardiomyopathy Induced by ‘Benign’ Premature Atrial Contractions.

This case report described a 36-year-old man with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction attributed to frequent monomorphic premature atrial contractions (PACs) with a 28% PAC burden. Cardiac MRI excluded ischemic, infiltrative, and inflammatory cardiomyopathies, electroanatomic mapping localized a single ectopic focus at the coronary sinus ostium, and radiofrequency catheter ablation was performed successfully. The case supports that “benign” PACs can induce cardiomyopathy and that targeted electrophysiology-guided ablation may be curative.

Aygün AA, Soysal AU, Durmaz EŞ et al. · Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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

This case report studied a 39-year-old man with recurrent ventricular extrasystoles who was found on multimodality imaging to have four synchronous intracardiac myxomas. Transesophageal echocardiography, CT, and cardiac MRI identified four highly mobile lesions in the left ventricle, mitro-aortic curtain, and left atrium, unmasking Carney complex (CNC). The clinical significance is that multiple concurrent myxomas should prompt evaluation for syndromic causes such as CNC rather than assuming sporadic solitary tumors.

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

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), using a development cohort (n=1417) and external validation cohort (n=438). The key finding was that CMR-based substrate assessment using LGE and T1 mapping improved SCD risk prediction compared with existing stratification approaches, enabling a better clinical risk algorithm. This is significant because it could refine preventive decision-making for SCD in HFmrEF using noninvasive CMR tissue characterization.

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 studied whether blood-nulled late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) CMR can reveal subtle basal myocardial scar in a 67-year-old woman with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and mitral annular disjunction (MAD). It found that conventional bright-blood LGE could obscure subendocardial fibrosis, whereas blood-nulled LGE increased visibility of the subtle basal inferolateral scar that matched an arrhythmogenic substrate suggested by Holter findings. The clinical significance is improved CMR sensitivity for detecting fibrosis in MVP/MAD, potentially enhancing CMR-based risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmias.

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

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CAR-T and Chemoimmunotherapy in Hematologic Malignancies

EuroNet-PHL-LP1: complete resection or low-dose chemotherapy for pediatric low-risk nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.

In the prospective phase 3 EuroNet-PHL-LP1 trial, children and adolescents (<18 years) with early-stage stage IA/IIA nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL) were assigned to active surveillance after complete lymph node resection or to low-intensity, anthracycline-free CVP (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisone) chemotherapy for unresectable disease. The study tested whether event-free survival with complete resection alone or with 3 cycles of CVP could match outcomes historically achieved with anthracycline-containing regimens. If successful, this would reduce treatment intensity (and anthracycline exposure) in pediatric low-risk nLPHL while maintaining disease control.

Shankar A, Landman-Parker J, Mascarin M et al. · Blood advances · (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 trial studied first-line mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients treated with CARiBOU (ACCRU-LY-1804), a regimen combining alternating VR-CAP and R-cytarabine with continuous acalabrutinib over six 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was complete metabolic response (CMR) rate, with secondary outcomes including safety, feasibility of stem cell collection, rates proceeding to ASCT, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). If effective and tolerable, this integrated chemoimmunotherapy plus BTK inhibition strategy could improve the depth and durability of response in newly diagnosed MCL and support more patients receiving consolidation with autologous stem cell transplant.

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

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Non-cardiac Clinical Topics (Oncology/Genetics/Occupational Safety/Other)

Comparative Discriminatory Ability of Body Mass Index, Percent Body Fat, Waist Circumference, and Waist-to-Height Ratio for Cardiometabolic Risk Among Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2024.

This cross-sectional analysis of 2412 Korean adults aged 40–64 years using KNHANES 2024 compared how well BMI, percent body fat (PBF), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) discriminate cardiometabolic risk defined by ≥2 of four abnormalities (elevated blood pressure, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C). The study identified which anthropometric measure had the strongest association and discriminatory performance for cardiometabolic risk in this population. The results can guide which simple body-size metric best flags elevated cardiometabolic risk for screening and prevention in Korean adults.

Park E · Biological research for nursing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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

This case report studied a 28-year-old man with a new systolic heart murmur and prior stage 3 Burkitt lymphoma in remission, ultimately diagnosed with an angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) of the pulmonary artery. Echocardiography suggested an indeterminate main pulmonary artery lesion, while cardiac MRI and PET-CT demonstrated a 1.9 cm hyperintense mass attached to the pulmonic valve and main pulmonary artery wall, leading to surgical resection. The significance is that AFH, though exceptionally rare and without established risk factors, can present as an asymptomatic murmur and requires advanced imaging to define the tumor’s location for operative planning.

Jafary Z, Rana S, Vaughan M et al. · JACC. Case 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 functionalized to create nucleic acid transport vehicles independent of viral evolutionary constraints. The key finding was that bottom-up, protein-assembly-based carriers can be engineered to transport genetic material, mimicking a core viral function without relying on natural viral capsids. The scientific significance is a new platform for programmable RNA delivery systems that could accelerate non-viral gene transfer design.

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

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

This case report studied a 30-year-old Indian man with cardiac-predominant fukutinopathy due to novel compound heterozygous FKTN variants identified by whole-exome sequencing. He had dilated cardiomyopathy, persistent QT prolongation, subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI, and hyperCKemia, with trans inheritance confirmed by parental Sanger sequencing. The clinical significance is that fukutinopathy can present primarily with cardiac disease without overt neuromuscular symptoms, so genetic testing of FKTN should be considered in unexplained cardiomyopathy with persistent QT prolongation and characteristic MRI findings.

Imayavaramban B, Kumar P, Chowdhury RR 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 an 18-year-old woman with primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) presenting with sudden cardiac arrest and Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy as the initial manifestation. Genetic testing identified a homozygous pathogenic SLC22A5 variant (c.43G>T; p.Gly15Trp), linking defective carnitine transport to the arrhythmic and cardiomyopathic phenotype. The report is clinically significant because it supports early genetic diagnosis of treatable fatty-acid-oxidation disorders in unexplained sudden death and stress-like cardiomyopathy.

Talasani N, Przybylski R, Delaney MA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (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 analysis studied how antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence support and monitoring practices were implemented across IeDEA sites for adults with HIV, using serial structured clinic surveys from 2017, 2020, and 2023 across 43 countries. The key finding was the observed evolution in clinic resources and routine adherence support/monitoring approaches over time, reflecting variable uptake and implementation of guideline-recommended strategies across sites. The results are significant for identifying gaps and targeting improvements in adherence support systems that can affect long-term HIV outcomes.

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

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

This case report studied diagnostic challenges in a 51-year-old woman with mosaic Turner syndrome whose clinical phenotype masked mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). The key finding was that overlapping features (including concentric left ventricular hypertrophy and mildly reduced systolic function) complicated recognition of MELAS, illustrating the risk of diagnostic anchoring to the more common genetic syndrome. The clinical significance is that careful evaluation for MELAS should be considered when Turner syndrome presentations are atypical or when multisystem findings suggest mitochondrial disease.

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

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

This preclinical study tested whether formoterol fumarate, a long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, attenuates atherosclerosis and cardiometabolic dysfunction in 8-week-old male ApoE-deficient (ApoE KO) mice using lipid profiling, biomarker assays, and vascular histology (e.g., Oil Red O). The abstract truncates the specific outcomes, but the experimental design compared two formoterol doses (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg/day) versus vehicle over 8 weeks. If confirmed, these results would support a potential anti-atherosclerotic and multi-organ protective role for β2-agonist therapy in cardiometabolic disease models.

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

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 (GBD 2023) mortality estimates across 51 jurisdictions and multiple statistical methods (e.g., Joinpoint regression, Moran’s I, slope index of inequality, concentration index), the abstract truncates the specific comparative results. The significance is that surveillance and equity monitoring for diabetes mortality may be sensitive to data-source selection, affecting policy and resource allocation.

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

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), aortic root, valves, and intervalvular fibrosa. The key finding was that such RA-related aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms are exceptionally rare and are described mainly in isolated case reports, with variable clinical presentation and imaging/pathology features across peri-annular and subvalvular fibrous structures. The significance is that clinicians should consider RA as a potential underlying cause when evaluating unusual LVOT/aortic root aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms, guiding appropriate imaging and management.

Alberti M, Cito V, Capozza P et al. · Vascular pharmacology · (2026) · 1 citations · 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 investigated the prognostic impact and molecular consequences of co-inactivation of SMARCA4, STK11, and KEAP1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The key finding was that SMARCA4/STK11/KEAP1 co-inactivation correlated with poor prognosis and was associated with upregulation of the TGF-β pathway. Clinically, identifying this multi-gene alteration pattern may help refine risk stratification and suggest pathway-targeted therapeutic strategies in LUAD.

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

Toxic and explosive risks in pharmacy: An underestimated reality.

This article reviewed toxic and explosive occupational hazards faced by pharmacists, focusing on compounding pharmacies handling carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic (CMR) agents such as chemotherapy drugs, anesthetic gases, antibiotics, and hormones. It highlights that secondary exposure can occur via fine-powder dispersion or volatile vapors even when standard protective gear is used, and that fire/explosion risks are heightened by flammable solvents including ethanol, acetone, and ethyl ether. The significance is improved occupational safety awareness and risk mitigation strategies for medication-safety teams working with hazardous pharmaceuticals and solvents.

Yap Larioui K, Khoukh K, Zekri S et al. · Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) · (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 described a combined diagnostic and therapeutic approach using AngioVac aspiration for an indeterminate right atrial mass in a woman with active primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. The key finding was that catheter-directed AngioVac aspiration achieved significant debulking and successful tissue retrieval when thrombus versus malignant involvement was unclear on TTE, TEE, and cardiac MRI and surgery was high risk. The significance is that AngioVac can serve as a minimally invasive alternative to biopsy or surgery for right atrial masses in malignancy when definitive diagnosis is needed with reduced procedural risk.

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

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Pulmonary Hypertension and RV/LV Remodeling

Association Between MRI-Derived Right-to-Left Ventricular Volume Ratio and Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This retrospective study assessed 188 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients stratified by MRI-derived right-to-left ventricular end-diastolic volume ratio (RV/LV; normal <1.27 vs elevated ≥1.27) and compared them with 81 age- and sex-matched controls to determine how RV dilation relates to left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. An elevated RV/LV ratio was associated with regional LV myocardial dysfunction patterns, and the analysis evaluated mediating pathways linking RV remodeling to LV impairment. Clinically, RV/LV ratio on cardiac MRI may serve as an imaging biomarker for downstream LV dysfunction in PAH, supporting more comprehensive risk assessment beyond the right ventricle.

Fang H, Li Y, Wang J et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Optimal Strain Combinations for Prognostic Prediction in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

This prospective study enrolled patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (June 2013–June 2024) and analyzed cardiac strain parameters including left ventricular global longitudinal strain, right ventricular GLS (including right ventricular free-wall longitudinal strain), and right atrial phasic strain to predict all-cause mortality. Using elastic net Cox regression and stepwise Cox regression with Akaike information criterion–based feature selection, the authors identified an optimal combination of strain features for prognostic prediction. These findings support using a tailored multi-chamber CMR/echo strain signature to improve risk stratification in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

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

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

This adult case report studied a 43-year-old physically active man with exercise-induced symptoms to evaluate an anomalous right coronary artery presenting as ventricular tachycardia. Exercise stress testing showed frequent ventricular ectopy progressing to nonsustained ventricular tachycardia during recovery, and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) identified the high-risk anomalous coronary anatomy. The report highlights that AAOCA can be unmasked in adulthood by exertion and that exercise testing plus CCTA can be crucial for identifying arrhythmia risk.

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

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 study evaluated whether an echocardiographic early-diastolic right ventricle–pulmonary artery pressure gradient (Echo-EaDPG), derived from early-diastolic peak pulmonary regurgitation velocity (ΔP = 4v^2), can guide cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of pulmonary regurgitation after right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction in pediatric patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot or related conditions. The key finding was that Echo-EaDPG can serve as a practical complementary hemodynamic marker to inform when and how CMR should be assessed for PR in follow-up settings where CMR is not routinely feasible. This provides a potentially scalable echocardiographic strategy to monitor RV remodeling risk driven by PR after RVOT reconstruction.

Kawamura J, Ueno K, Shimozono T et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (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 investigated sequential changes in right ventricular (RV) strain during pulmonary hypertension (PH) development in male Wistar rats using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (FT), with PH induced by monocrotaline and compared with vehicle controls. The key finding was that RV strain changed over time in parallel with histological vascular remodeling, and the temporal strain pattern correlated with the progression of PH. Scientifically, it supports CMR-FT RV strain as a sensitive, noninvasive marker for tracking PH progression and vascular remodeling dynamics.

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

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

This case report studied constrictive pericarditis as a rare cardiovascular manifestation of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) in a 57-year-old man with multisystem involvement. Multimodality imaging showed extensive cardiovascular disease with echocardiographic hemodynamic features of constrictive pericarditis, diffuse late gadolinium pericardial enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance, and circumferential periarterial infiltration on computed tomography. The report is significant because it demonstrates how advanced imaging can diagnose an exceptionally uncommon ECD complication that may otherwise be missed.

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

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Advanced Cardiac Imaging Methods, AI, and Image Segmentation

CPU-based fast cardiac cine MRI segmentation using lightweight CNNs and knowledge distillation.

This CPU-focused deep learning study developed lightweight convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for cardiac cine MRI segmentation by distilling a residual-encoder U-Net teacher (9.22M parameters) into smaller student models (MobileUNetV2, MobileUNetV3 with squeeze-and-excitation, and EfficientLiteUNet) to enable fast inference without GPUs, including deployment in web browsers. Knowledge distillation produced accurate segmentation while substantially reducing model size and computational requirements for CPU execution. This supports broader clinical deployment of automated cine segmentation in settings with limited hardware resources.

Feng X, Singulane CC, Patel AR et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This methodological paper studied the development of AFFUNet, an adaptive feature fusion Transformer U-Net with a joint loss function for medical image segmentation. The key contribution is an adaptive feature fusion strategy plus modified loss components designed to improve performance on difficult samples and boundary precision compared with standard approaches. The work is significant for improving segmentation accuracy needed for computer-aided diagnosis and treatment planning in clinical imaging workflows.

Pang M, Yang C, Luo Y · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (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 how anaesthesiologists perceive and use cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reports for perioperative risk evaluation. The key finding is not provided in the truncated abstract, but the primary endpoint was whether preexisting CMR findings are incorporated into perioperative decision-making. Understanding clinician uptake of CMR could improve perioperative risk stratification workflows and standardize how CMR results are communicated and acted upon.

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

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

This review studied the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing pericardial constriction (constrictive pericarditis) and differentiating it from clinical mimickers, especially restrictive cardiomyopathy. It reports that the most established evidence involves machine learning and deep learning applied to echocardiography, with newer approaches expanding across cardiac imaging modalities (specific performance results truncated). The significance is that AI could improve diagnostic accuracy in a condition where integrated multimodality imaging is often required and misdiagnosis has major clinical consequences.

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

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

This article reviewed how precision-guided heart failure interventions increasingly rely on advanced cardiac imaging and artificial intelligence across diverse heart failure phenotypes and treatment modalities. The key finding was that integrating imaging/AI into domains of anatomy, myocardial substrate, and physiology supports more tailored decisions for therapies such as transcatheter valve interventions, cardiac resynchronization/pacing, complex coronary interventions, invasive hemodynamic assessment, and implantable pressure sensors. Scientifically and clinically, the review frames advanced imaging plus AI as central to improving selection and targeting of interventions in precision heart failure care.

Albulushi A, Al-Farhan H · American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice · (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 study developed a self-supervised deep learning approach using deformable image registration to detect cardiac keyframes in cine CMR without relying solely on LV volume curves. The key finding was that the method could detect five keyframes in short-axis (SAX) and four-chamber (4CH) cine CMR across patients with various diseases by learning motion descriptors from registration-derived fields. Scientifically, improved keyframe detection can enable more accurate temporal/sub-phase analysis for automated CMR quantification and downstream modeling.

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 an unsupervised learning framework, ContiMorph, for cardiac motion tracking in image sequences using time-continuous diffeomorphism rather than relying on scaling-and-squaring (SS) integration. It introduced a frame-aware U-Net combined with a time-embedded transformer to learn temporally continuous intra-frame motion fields and then compose them across time. The significance is potentially more accurate and temporally consistent cardiac motion estimation for downstream functional assessment and cardiovascular disease diagnosis.

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

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

This single-center retrospective cohort study quantified intraoperative cardiac events during pediatric cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under anesthesia in children ≤18 years with congenital heart disease (CHD) from 2013–2025. The key finding was the incidence and identification of predictors of intraoperative cardiovascular instability using a recently proposed composite framework for perioperative instability. Clinically, it helps anesthesiologists and imaging teams anticipate risk and refine monitoring and peri-procedural management for pediatric cardiac MRI.

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

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Cardiac Imaging for Myocarditis, Inflammation, and Transplant Rejection

Pediatric Myocarditis: Contemporary Insights Into Viral and Immune-Mediated Pathobiology, Precision Diagnostics, Advanced Multimodality Imaging, Risk Stratification, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies.

This narrative review synthesized current evidence on pediatric myocarditis, emphasizing how viral triggers, immune-mediated mechanisms, and host genetic susceptibility contribute to heterogeneous disease biology and how precision diagnostics and advanced multimodality imaging can improve risk stratification. It highlights evolving approaches for detecting myocardial injury and inflammation (including imaging and biomarkers), stratifying patients for outcomes, and tailoring therapy as new therapeutic strategies emerge. The review underscores the clinical importance of moving from a one-size-fits-all “viral myocarditis” model toward precision, multimodal evaluation in children.

Fatima H, Rana MA, Asghar T et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance global T2 mapping in patients with Takotsubo syndrome.

This retrospective cohort study evaluated Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) patients who underwent cardiac MRI with tissue mapping within 30 days of admission, measuring global myocardial T2 as an edema marker and relating it to major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACE). Higher global T2 values were associated with increased MACE risk, and a time-dependent ROC-derived T2 threshold was used to define prognostic cutoffs. The work suggests CMR T2 mapping can refine early risk stratification in TTS beyond standard clinical assessment.

Kadoya Y, Lim J, Alaqaili M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This case report studied a 48-year-old man with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) triggered by psychosocial stress (financial and occupational strain) rather than the typical postmenopausal/physical triggers. Cardiac MRI showed dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction with four discrete apical thrombi, and he recovered fully with beta-blockade and anticoagulation. The significance is that TTS can present in men with severe complications despite a lower-risk trigger profile, supporting careful imaging and anticoagulation consideration in atypical presentations.

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

Depressed LV Contractility as a Sentinel of Fulminant Systemic Scleroderma.

This case report studied a 21-year-old man with rapidly progressive systemic scleroderma (SSc) presenting with depressed left ventricular (LV) contractility as a sentinel feature. Cardiac MRI showed diffuse gadolinium enhancement and endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated mast cell infiltration with early fibrosis, but despite guideline-directed therapy and subsequent cyclophosphamide, cardiac function deteriorated rapidly. The significance is that depressed LV contractility may be an early warning sign of fulminant cardiac involvement in systemic scleroderma, warranting urgent recognition and aggressive management.

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 case report studied a 49-year-old woman with diffuse systemic sclerosis presenting with rapidly progressive myocarditis and cardiogenic shock. Cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated diffuse biventricular myocardial inflammation and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed lymphocytic infiltration despite supportive therapies. The findings emphasize that fulminant myocarditis with shock can be an under-recognized, high-mortality cardiac manifestation of systemic sclerosis requiring urgent diagnosis and management.

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 multimodality imaging to diagnose clinically isolated active cardiac sarcoidosis in a 62-year-old woman with progressive exertional dyspnoea and ventricular ectopy but inactive pulmonary sequelae. Incremental diagnostic value was demonstrated by combining echocardiographic strain/structural abnormalities with coronary CT angiography to exclude obstructive coronary disease and by adding non-invasive tissue characterization and metabolic imaging to support active myocardial inflammation despite absent clinically active extracardiac disease. The report highlights how multimodality imaging can improve diagnostic confidence and guide management in a high-stakes scenario where conventional structural assessment may be insufficient.

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

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). The key finding was that CMR functional and tissue parameters differed between non-AVB, nonadvanced AVB, and advanced AVB groups, and the study linked these imaging findings to adverse clinical outcomes (including death, heart failure decompensation with readmission, and need for ICD/CRT). The significance is that CMR may provide a noninvasive tool to phenotype AVB severity and risk in acute myocarditis.

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 assessed whether multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can non-invasively detect acute cell-mediated graft rejection in pediatric heart transplant recipients, compared against endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) and right heart catheterization. The key finding was that multiparametric CMR had utility for identifying rejection and that textural features derived from parametric maps differed between rejection and non-rejection cases. Clinically, this supports CMR as a potential noninvasive adjunct to reduce reliance on EMB for monitoring rejection in children.

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 studied the diagnostic strategy for cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) in terms of whether endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) remains necessary within a multidisciplinary framework versus relying more on noninvasive imaging. It found that EMB’s historically “gold standard” role is limited by patchy disease, reduced sensitivity with false negatives, and procedural risks, prompting increased use of imaging-based approaches. The significance is that modern CS diagnosis often requires a tailored, multidisciplinary decision about when tissue confirmation is needed to balance diagnostic certainty against invasiveness.

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

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Cardiac Imaging for Heart Failure, Cardiomyopathies, and Structural Differentiation

Moderate aortic stenosis: diagnostic pitfalls and the role of multimodality imaging in risk stratification and clinical management.

This review article focused on diagnostic pitfalls in moderate aortic stenosis (AS) and summarized how multimodality imaging can improve risk stratification and management compared with reliance on conventional echocardiographic parameters. It highlights limitations of standard echo and the role of advanced techniques such as computed tomography aortic valve calcium scoring and other imaging approaches to better identify patients at higher risk of progression or adverse outcomes. The clinical significance is earlier and more accurate identification of “high-risk moderate AS” to guide closer monitoring and potential intervention strategies.

Santangelo G, Maloberti A, Tognola C et al. · Cardiovascular ultrasound · (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 study investigated obese patients to determine whether epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) combined with left ventricular strain is associated with left ventricular fibrosis. The authors evaluated LV strain using CMR feature tracking and assessed fibrotic remodeling (via CMR fibrosis measures) in relation to EAT. The results support a mechanistic imaging link between local epicardial fat effects, subclinical LV dysfunction, and fibrotic progression in obesity.

Yao Y, Liu L, Jiang H et al. · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (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 evaluated whether left atrial strain parameters derived from CMR can differentiate cardiac amyloidosis (CA) from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Using CVI42 software (tissue tracking module) on CMR data from 41 CA patients, 37 HCM patients, and 29 controls, the authors found diagnostic value of left atrial strain metrics for distinguishing CA from HCM despite overlapping LV hypertrophy phenotypes. The findings suggest that CMR-derived left atrial strain could improve noninvasive differential diagnosis between CA and HCM.

Jin Y, Shao X, Zhang Y et al. · Quantitative imaging in medicine and surgery · (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 evaluated left ventricular myocardial strain measured by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) in 30 patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) versus 10 matched healthy controls. The key finding was that CMR-FT strain detected subclinical myocardial dysfunction in ARD patients despite preserved conventional cardiac function, supporting greater sensitivity than standard measures. This is clinically significant because it may enable earlier identification of cardiac involvement and improved monitoring in ARDs.

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

[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 phenotype but ultimately PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy, using cardiac magnetic resonance and genetic testing. Cardiac MRI showed asymmetric hypertrophy with extensive late gadolinium enhancement and early adverse remodeling, and after primary prevention ICD implantation genetic testing identified a heterozygous PRKAG2 variant (truncated in abstract). Recognizing PRKAG2-related cardiomyopathy—often presenting with ventricular hypertrophy plus pre-excitation and supraventricular arrhythmias—can prevent misclassification and guide appropriate risk management.

Quadrini F, Rodio D, Maddaluna P 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 cardiac volumes, function, and arterial stiffness 5 years after severe preeclampsia in women, comparing 10 women with severe preeclampsia to 20 normotensive controls (10 lifestyle-matched and 10 physically active) using cardiac magnetic resonance. The abstract truncates the specific results, but the study design was powered to detect ~5% group differences in CMR-derived measures. Clinically, quantifying long-term cardiovascular remodeling after severe preeclampsia could improve identification of women at elevated future cardiovascular risk and inform prevention strategies.

Edvinsson C, Steding-Ehrenborg K, Venkateshvaran A et al. · Clinical physiology and functional imaging · (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 assessed the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) measured by accelerometry and CMR-derived left ventricular remodeling in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines. The key finding was the association between MVPA and multiple CMR remodeling metrics, including indexed end-diastolic LV mass (LVMi), LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi), mass:volume ratio, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The clinical significance is that activity level may modulate early anthracycline-related cardiac remodeling, informing survivorship risk reduction strategies.

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

Spatial phenotyping of epicardial adipose tissue from cardiac MRI.

This study developed a deep learning framework to spatially phenotype epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) distribution using cardiac MRI, aiming for chamber-resolved quantification. The key finding was that an asymmetric multi-modal CNN–Transformer model could automatically segment the four cardiac chambers and EAT and then enable whole-heart spatial statistical characterization of EAT distribution. Scientifically, this provides a more detailed, reproducible way to map EAT as a potential contributor to cardiovascular disease risk.

Feng F, Long T, Hasaballa AI 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 study evaluated whether cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) extracellular volume fraction (ECV)—a marker of diffuse interstitial fibrosis—adds prognostic value beyond late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 990 consecutive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. During a median 3.2-year follow-up, CMR-derived ECV (quantified alongside LGE) improved risk stratification for HCM-related events (including sudden cardiac death, heart failure, and HCM-related death). Clinically, integrating global ECV into CMR assessment could refine identification of higher-risk HCM patients for closer monitoring and potential escalation of therapy.

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 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, it found that CMR beyond NAC staging provided incremental prognostic value. The significance is that CMR-informed risk models may better identify patients needing 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 ↗

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

This narrative review summarized cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) beyond pulmonary hypertension, covering conduction, rhythm, and functional defects through to coronary artery disease and microvascular dysfunction. The key finding is that while clinically manifest cardiac disease occurs in roughly 15–35% of SSc patients, subclinical dysfunction is detected in about 70% when advanced screening tools are used, making cardiac involvement a frequently underestimated driver of morbidity and mortality. The significance is that it supports broader and earlier cardiac surveillance in SSc to detect occult disease and guide management.

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

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Pericardial Disease and Constriction

Epicardial Lipomatosis as a Cause of Constrictive Pericarditis.

This case report described two patients with constrictive pericarditis caused by epicardial lipomatosis, presenting with cardiovascular risk factors and initial suspicion of pericardial effusion. Multimodality imaging—transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging—demonstrated diffuse epicardial fat, leading to conservative management with optimization of heart failure therapy and dialysis strategy. The report emphasizes that epicardial lipomatosis is a rare but important, potentially missed cause of constrictive physiology that multimodality imaging can identify.

Raval PA, Odhiambo JO, Ombati K et al. · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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

This case report investigated refractory post-cardiotomy right ventricular failure in a 76-year-old woman and correlated autopsy findings with imaging to determine the cause of massive right ventricular lipomatous replacement. Despite preserved biventricular function preoperatively and extensive post-bypass support (including inhaled vasodilators, inotropes, temporary RV support, and venoarterial ECMO), the patient developed refractory RV failure, and the study emphasized the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing benign RV fat from arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Clinically, the work underscores the need for careful interpretation of intramyocardial fat and multimodal imaging when RV failure occurs after cardiac surgery.

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

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

This case report studied a 20-year-old man with constrictive tuberculous pericarditis and severe ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF <15%) who deteriorated despite empirical antituberculosis therapy and optimal heart failure treatment. Because of ongoing cardiogenic shock, the patient underwent ECMO-supported radical pericardiectomy with postoperative hemodynamic support. The report suggests that veno-arterial ECMO can be a lifesaving bridge to surgery in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis complicated by profound biventricular dysfunction.

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

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

This contemporary perspective article proposed an updated pathway-based framework for diagnosing and managing pericardial disease across clinical scenarios such as chest pain, hemodynamic collapse, and dyspnea. The key finding is that recent European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) consensus advances—improved clinical phenotyping, multimodal imaging, and targeted immunomodulatory therapies—can be operationalized through structured scenario-based pathways, though real-world implementation varies. Clinically, this helps standardize decision-making and treatment selection across the pericarditis/effusion/tamponade/effusive-constrictive spectrum.

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

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Targeted Therapy and Biology in Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The changing therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer.

This article reviews the evolving therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in the context of recent advances in SCLC biology and preclinical target discovery. It highlights that identifying SCLC-enriched/differential cell-surface proteins has enabled multiple targeted therapies with early evidence of efficacy, aiming to address the typical transient response to chemotherapy and refractory recurrence. These developments are clinically significant because they support a shift from largely cytotoxic, short-lived regimens toward mechanism-driven, potentially more durable treatments for an aggressive, heterogeneous metastatic cancer.

Ross JS, Hockemeyer KG, Redin E et al. · Lancet (London, England) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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Perioperative Mental Health After Surgery

Adult Post-operative Mental Health Outcomes Following Abdominal and Orthopedic Surgeries: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review mapped evidence on adult post-operative mental health outcomes after abdominal and orthopedic surgeries across human studies. It found a broad but under-characterized body of literature on how surgery affects mental health, using a Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA-ScR framework to systematically search PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, and gray literature. The work is significant for guiding future clinical research and improving perioperative mental health screening and interventions to optimize surgical outcomes.

Akwa GM, Tiemah NC, Chabeja A et al. · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Biomarkers in Cardio-Oncology and Mitral Valve Prolapse

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

This review studied circulating biomarkers in mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and evaluated 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, consistently predicting adverse outcomes and potentially informing timing of surgical intervention. The findings are important because biomarker-driven risk stratification could enable more individualized management beyond imaging alone.

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

Circulating Biomarkers in Cardio-Oncology: Prediction and Prognostication.

This review studied circulating biomarkers used for prediction and prognostication in cardio-oncology, focusing on cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity. It found that cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides remain the most studied biomarkers, with troponins showing consistently strong prognostic value while natriuretic peptides have more variable predictive performance. The significance is that it clarifies current clinical utility and limitations, informing how biomarkers might (or might not) guide therapy decisions during cancer treatment.

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

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Cardiac Imaging Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification (CMR/CT/Strain/Tissue)

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

This prospective multicenter registry studied whether Sense2 mapping—integrating cardiac MRI/CT-derived ventricular scar data into functional mapping—improves outcomes versus conventional ablation strategies in 166 patients with post-infarct ventricular tachycardia (VT). The key finding was that incorporating MRI/CT scar information to target focused regions can streamline functional mapping and ablation compared with conventional approaches, addressing concerns about prolonged procedure times. This is clinically significant because it may improve efficiency and outcomes in VT ablation, a setting where mapping burden and procedural duration are major limitations.

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

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

This retrospective analysis studied long-term all-cause mortality prediction from vasodilator stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients younger than 45 years with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) using a prospective multicenter French registry. The key finding is that stress CMR retains prognostic value for mortality in this younger cohort, extending evidence beyond previously studied populations. This is scientifically and clinically significant because it supports using stress CMR for risk stratification in younger patients where CAD evaluation strategies are often less standardized.

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 ↗

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

This study developed an AI-powered dual-sequence CT framework to detect left ventricular myocardial scar using coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcium (CAC), with CMR as the reference standard. Using a deep learning nnU-Net model with automated segmentation and American Heart Association 17-segment subdivision, it validated global and segmental scar prediction against CMR. The significance is that it could improve access to scar assessment when CMR is limited by cost, time, or expertise.

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

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

This single-center retrospective study evaluated 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 was that IMH defined as a hypointense core within edema on T2W imaging (expressed as a percentage of left ventricular mass) predicted the composite of all-cause death and heart failure hospitalization. This is clinically significant because it offers a potentially more artifact-tolerant and 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 ↗

Feasibility of left atrial and left ventricular strain assessment using CT feature tracking in patients with atrial fibrillation.

This prospective single-center study evaluated the feasibility of CT feature tracking (CT-FT) to measure left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) strain in 30 patients with atrial fibrillation, using 3T cardiac MRI as the reference standard. CT-FT-derived strain parameters (including LA reservoir strain and LV global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain) were assessed for feasibility and agreement with CMR. The significance is that CT-FT may enable strain assessment in AF patients when CMR is not available, supporting broader noninvasive cardiac functional characterization around radiofrequency ablation.

Lv L, Qin C, Ji A et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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

This clinical case report studied a 19-year-old woman with KCNH2-related congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) who had recurrent syncope triggered by abrupt auditory stimuli. Despite normal cardiac MRI and standard echocardiography, ambulatory monitoring showed self-terminating torsades de pointes up to 273 beats/min, and the report emphasized electromechanical window (EMW) negativity as a hidden marker of malignant susceptibility. The significance is that EMW negativity may improve risk stratification in congenital LQTS beyond genotype and QTc by identifying high-risk patients even when routine imaging appears normal.

Paterson T, Sanders R, Pooranachandran V · Clinical case reports · (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 evaluated whether a cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived left ventricular (LV) mass–to–left atrial (LA) strain ratio predicts cardiovascular outcomes in participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. The key finding was that the LV mass/LA strain imbalance (indexed end-diastolic LV mass divided by peak LA strain) identified early atrioventricular mechanical uncoupling and was associated with subsequent cardiovascular events. Clinically, this CMR biomarker could enable earlier risk stratification before overt structural atrial or ventricular disease becomes apparent.

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

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Clinical Trials, Registries, and Real-World Effectiveness (Non-oncology)

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 multicentre observational study protocol (PERSIA-HOCM) is designed to evaluate real-world safety, symptom improvement, and adherence to mavacamten in Iranian adults with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM). The key premise is that, despite randomized trials showing mavacamten’s efficacy as a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, prospective routine-practice data in non-Western populations are limited and needed. The study is significant because it will generate practical effectiveness and tolerability evidence to support broader clinical implementation of mavacamten.

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

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 protocol paper describes a prospective real-world evaluation of mavacamten in Iranian patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) under the PERSIA-HOCM study design. It emphasizes that the study will systematically assess safety, symptom changes, and treatment adherence in routine care, addressing the gap between trial efficacy and real-world outcomes. The significance lies in producing generalizable evidence for mavacamten’s performance in a specific non-Western population where prospective data are scarce.

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 case report studied extravascular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (EV-ICD) implantation in a 48-year-old man with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ejection fraction 14%) undergoing secondary prevention after out-of-hospital monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. Substernal tunneling caused pericardial puncture with pneumopericardium during the procedure, requiring lead repositioning and subsequent intraoperative defibrillation testing. The report highlights a specific procedural complication unique to the substernal EV-ICD route and underscores the need for vigilance for pericardial injury during EV-ICD placement.

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 studied pregnancy management in women with pre-existing cardiomyopathies, describing clinical courses across dilated, hypertrophic, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotypes. The key finding was that pregnancy was associated with phenotype-specific complications—particularly arrhythmia, rising left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and heart failure—and that management required tailored biomarker use plus pharmacological and device strategies across pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The clinical significance is that it provides practical guidance for risk profiling and multidisciplinary management in pregnant patients with cardiomyopathy.

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 studied home and self-care satellite hemodialysis patients to explain why allocation to lower dialysate sodium ([Na+]) in a randomized trial reduced interdialytic weight gain and BNP but did not reduce left ventricular mass index measured by cardiac magnetic resonance. The key finding is not included in the truncated abstract, but the analysis explicitly modeled a causal pathway linking dialysate [Na+] allocation to LVMI through intermediate physiological variables. Scientifically, clarifying the mechanism behind unchanged LVMI despite improved volume/biomarker surrogates can refine dialysis prescriptions to better target cardiac remodeling.

Marshall MR, Vandal AC, Chan CT et al. · Kidney medicine · (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 report studied the surgical repair of a rare submitral left ventricular aneurysm with a basal septal defect in a 44-year-old man, using multimodality imaging including cardiac MRI for diagnosis and operative planning. The key technical finding was a combined approach using edge-to-edge repair plus patch exclusion to address both the aneurysm and severe secondary mitral regurgitation while preserving ventricular geometry (details truncated). The significance is that this hybrid technique may offer a viable strategy for complex SLVA cases with high risks such as rupture, embolism, and severe MR.

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

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

This comprehensive review evaluated the cost-effectiveness of different imaging modalities used in coronary heart disease (CHD), focusing on myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with SPECT and PET. The key finding was that economic evaluations in nuclear cardiology emphasize careful selection of imaging modality based on clinical context and evolving technology, while summarizing the most relevant cost-effectiveness studies. The significance is that the review provides decision-relevant guidance for balancing diagnostic performance with healthcare costs in CHD imaging strategies.

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

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

This review studied patient selection for mitral transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (M-TEER) in secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) by integrating evidence from randomized trials, proportionality concepts, and multimodality imaging. It concluded that differences in echocardiographic selection and left-ventricular remodeling help explain divergent outcomes between MITRA-FR and COAPT, emphasizing that SMR severity should be interpreted relative to ventricular size and regurgitant context. The clinical significance is a structured framework to better identify SMR patients most likely to benefit from M-TEER despite heterogeneity in trial inclusion criteria.

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 assessed interobserver agreement in selecting transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR) device type, size, and position using 3D patient-specific anatomies reconstructed from cardiac magnetic resonance images. Six experienced observers independently evaluated 60 anatomies (pediatric and adult) for self-expanding versus balloon-expandable valves and surgical approach, and the study quantified agreement to determine how consistently clinicians choose TPVR parameters. The significance is that quantifying interobserver variability can guide standardization of imaging-based planning and potentially improve procedural consistency and outcomes.

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 ↗

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

This analysis studied cardiac safety outcomes of the gene transfer therapy delandistrogene moxeparvovec in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) clinical trials with up to 5 years of follow-up. Across trials (101, 102, ENDEAVOR, and EMBARK) that excluded patients with LVEF <40%, it evaluated adverse events, serial echocardiography, and biomarkers including troponin I to characterize cardiac risk over time. The significance is that longer-term safety characterization supports risk-benefit assessment and informs monitoring strategies for DMD patients receiving dystrophin gene therapy.

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

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

This longitudinal porcine experimental study examined the pathophysiologic consequences of early coarctation (COA) stenting using swine with surgical COA induced at 2 weeks, followed by stent implantation at 6 weeks and serial dilations to adult aortic diameters. The key finding (as reported in the abstract) was that early stent implantation produced measurable longitudinal cardiovascular changes compared with sham and COA controls, with terminal assessment at 20 weeks. The significance is that it informs the expected mid-term vascular and cardiovascular effects of early COA stent strategies and supports safer stent technology and timing decisions.

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 ↗

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Ischemia, MINOCA, and Microvascular Dysfunction

Inferior ST-segment elevation in anterior myocardial infarction: Coronary anatomy and CMR-defined injury distribution-A pilot study.

This pilot study investigated the anatomical basis and CMR-defined myocardial injury distribution underlying inferior ST-segment elevation (STE) occurring with first anterior STEMI in patients undergoing successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were classified by STE presence in all three inferior leads, and the study examined whether LAD wraparound anatomy and the spatial orientation of the electrical field contribute to concomitant inferior STE. The significance is improved mechanistic understanding of ECG patterns in anterior MI, potentially refining interpretation of inferior STE beyond anatomy alone.

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

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 hybrid PET/MR study enrolled 44 patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and 22 matched healthy controls to assess subclinical myocardial changes using T1 mapping and CMR feature tracking. The key finding was that INOCA patients showed tissue alterations on T1 mapping and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities detected by CMR-FT compared with healthy controls. This supports PET/MR with quantitative CMR metrics as a sensitive approach for detecting early myocardial injury in INOCA.

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 study evaluated an angiography-based index of microcirculatory resistance (angio-IMR) for assessing microvascular obstruction (MVO) and infarct size (IS) in 123 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, comparing recombinant staphylokinase (r-SAK) 5 mg IV bolus versus normal saline before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The key finding was that angio-IMR meaningfully related to CMR-detected MVO and infarct size and helped clarify how thrombolysis with r-SAK influences post-PCI microvascular injury compared with saline. Clinically, this supports angio-IMR as a catheter-based tool to quantify microvascular damage and potentially refine risk assessment after STEMI.

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 studied advanced cardiac imaging techniques for detecting myocardial ischemia in children with coronary artery abnormalities, including post–Kawasaki vasculopathy, transplant-related allograft vasculopathy, congenital coronary anomalies (e.g., anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery), and post-surgical coronary reimplantation complications. The abstract truncates the specific technique-by-technique findings, but the focus is on the diagnostic challenge of ischemia in children with atypical or absent symptoms and limitations of traditional screening such as resting ECG. Scientifically and clinically, it supports selecting appropriate advanced imaging modalities to detect ischemia early and reduce risk of ventricular dysfunction and sudden cardiac death in pediatric coronary disease.

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 studied the clinical role of myocardial viability testing for guiding revascularization decisions in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, focusing on evidence from contemporary revascularization strategies and guideline-directed medical therapy. It found that randomized data from the STICH trial and follow-up indicate CABG improves long-term survival largely independently of myocardial viability status. This challenges the traditional viability-first paradigm and supports using viability testing more selectively rather than as a stand-alone determinant of revascularization benefit.

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 examined whether ECG interpretation in anterior myocardial infarction (MI) is better explained by spatial proximity of leads or by vector orientation of ST-segment deviation when compared with CMR-defined injury. In 105 patients imaged by CMR 3–7 days after presentation, admission ECG localization methods (conventional categories and simplified ST-axis orientation) were tested against the actual myocardial injury distribution measured by LGE. The significance is that it can refine how clinicians localize infarct-related injury from ECG, improving interpretation accuracy for anterior MI.

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 a structured diagnostic protocol for myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) in MINOCA patients undergoing invasive coronary angiography (ICA) between December 2020 and June 2024. The key finding was the feasibility of a stepwise workup beyond initial ICA, using ad hoc optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify culprit lesions and thereby support final diagnosis assignment despite real-world constraints. Clinically, this supports implementing comprehensive MINOCA diagnostic pathways in practice to improve etiologic classification and downstream management.

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 from December 2008 to January 2022 for major cardiovascular events (MACE). The key finding was that stress perfusion CMR provided prognostic information for future cardiovascular mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) in this hypertension-only population. Scientifically and clinically, it supports using stress CMR as a risk-stratification tool to detect occult CAD-related risk in patients without known CAD.

Houssany-Pissot S, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · 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 valve pressure gradients predict outcomes in 103 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients who underwent CMR prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The key finding was that CS Flow (normalized to left ventricular mass) and supra-/sub-aortic valve peak pressure gradients measured by 4D flow CMR were associated with a composite endpoint including all-cause death, unplanned revascularization, recurrent MI, heart-failure rehospitalization, and stroke. This is significant because it suggests noninvasive 4D flow CMR metrics may improve post-AMI risk prediction beyond standard imaging.

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

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

This mechanistic review described how diabetic silent myocardial ischemia (DSMI) arises from coronary microvascular dysfunction and neurovascular signaling impairment in the setting of chronic hyperglycemia. The key finding is 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 blunts nociceptive signaling. Scientifically, it clarifies actionable pathways linking microvascular and neurocardiac dysfunction, supporting targeted therapeutic development for DSMI.

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

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Coronary Anatomy, Congenital Anomalies, and Exercise-Induced Risk

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

This case report studied a 37-year-old competitive endurance athlete with anomalous right coronary artery arising from the left sinus of Valsalva with an interarterial course and intramural segment, identified during pre-participation screening. Coronary computed tomography angiography demonstrated a high-risk anatomical configuration associated with exercise-related ischemia and sudden cardiac death risk. The finding highlights the importance of CT-based anatomical risk stratification in athletes with coronary artery anomalies.

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

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Generated automatically on September 08, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published September 01, 2026 – September 08, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.