What's New in Cardiac MRI? — September 13, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 57 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
September 13, 2026 · 57 articles · 13 research themes · covering September 06, 2026 – September 13, 2026
Overview
This week’s papers strongly converge on a precision-imaging theme: cardiac MRI (and, increasingly, cardiac CT and PET) is being used not just to “see” disease, but to quantify tissue injury, fibrosis, edema, and remodeling—and then translate those measurements into prognosis, phenotyping, and treatment monitoring. Reviews and studies in myocarditis, Takotsubo syndrome, cardiomyopathies, and amyloidosis emphasize heterogeneity (different mechanisms and phenotypes) and the need for tailored diagnostics rather than one-size-fits-all assumptions.
A second dominant thread is risk stratification for arrhythmias and structural complications using multimodal substrates. Work combining CMR fibrosis patterns with high-risk genotypes in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, CMR/strain approaches in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and imaging-guided strategies for malignant mitral valve prolapse all point toward earlier identification of patients at higher risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Complementing this, multiple case reports highlight diagnostic pitfalls—conditions that mimic MI, myocarditis, or benign lesions—where advanced imaging (especially CMR) and sometimes tissue diagnosis prevent misclassification.
Finally, the digest reflects a parallel push toward implementation: guideline/position statements on appropriate CMR/CCT use, large registries describing real-world outcomes (e.g., cardiac sarcoidosis), and computational advances (deep learning segmentation, k-space motion estimation, and confidence-aware few-shot segmentation). Together, these studies suggest cardiology is moving toward more standardized imaging pathways and more scalable AI-enabled workflows, while still stressing methodological rigor and validation before routine clinical adoption.
Clinical Registries, Guidelines/Position Statements, and Large-Scale Outcomes
The changing therapeutic landscape of small-cell lung cancer.
This article reviews small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) biology and emerging therapies, focusing on preclinical advances and how they are translating into targeted approaches for patients with SCLC. It highlights that identifying SCLC-enriched/differential cell-surface proteins has enabled multiple targeted therapies with preliminary evidence of efficacy. These developments are clinically significant because they may help address the major problem of transient chemotherapy response and refractory recurrence in SCLC by expanding beyond standard cytotoxic regimens.
Ross JS, Hockemeyer KG, Redin E et al. · Lancet (London, England) · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Life-threatening Ventricular Arrhythmias in Cardiac Sarcoidosis with Implantable Devices: Incidence and Predictors in a UK Cohort.
This UK cohort study evaluated consecutive cardiac sarcoidosis patients who received a cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) between 2006 and 2024, stratifying them by the 2014 Heart Rhythm Society ICD indication categories (Class I, Class IIa, or Neither). It reports the incidence and predictors of device-detected sustained ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) across these guideline-based ICD indication groups. The scientific and clinical significance is that better prediction of sustained VA in CIED patients with cardiac sarcoidosis could refine ICD decision-making and reduce sudden cardiac death risk.
Ahmed R, Paray NB, Azzu A et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Management and Outcomes of Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Insights From the Nationwide MYSTICS Registry.
This nationwide multicenter retrospective registry studied management and outcomes of cardiac sarcoidosis in 1852 newly diagnosed patients in Japan (2012–2021), stratified by definite, probable, presumed systemic, and presumed isolated sarcoidosis criteria. The key finding was that real-world treatment patterns and clinical outcomes—including recurrence—differed across these diagnostic groups, highlighting heterogeneity in how cardiac sarcoidosis is managed and progresses. These findings are clinically significant because they provide large-scale evidence to refine risk stratification and follow-up strategies for a rare, diagnostically uncertain disease.
Izumi C, Yoshikawa Y, Komuro I et al. · Circulation. Heart failure · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Current indications for cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computed tomography: a position statement from the Cardiovascular Imaging Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology.
This position statement from the Cardiovascular Imaging Association of the Spanish Society of Cardiology reviewed current clinical indications for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) across patients with cardiovascular disease. It concludes that CMR and CCT are essential for anatomical and functional assessment, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic planning, but that access and implementation remain uneven across healthcare settings. The statement is significant because it standardizes guidance to improve appropriate use and broaden availability of these advanced imaging modalities in routine cardiology.
Antonio Parada-Barcia J, Rodríguez-Pérez Á, Eiros-Bachiller R et al. · Revista espanola de cardiologia (English ed.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
EuroNet-PHL-LP1: complete resection or low-dose chemotherapy for pediatric low-risk nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
In the EuroNet-PHL-LP1 phase 3 trial, investigators studied children and adolescents (<18 years) with early-stage nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL; stage IA/IIA) to test whether complete resection alone or low-intensity, anthracycline-free CVP (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisone) could replace standard approaches. The key finding was that patients could be managed with active surveillance after complete resection or with 3 cycles of CVP for unresectable disease, aiming to maintain favorable event-free survival while reducing treatment intensity. This is clinically important because it supports less toxic therapy strategies for pediatric low-risk nLPHL.
Shankar A, Landman-Parker J, Mascarin M et al. · Blood advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Amyloidosis (ATTR/AL) Imaging, PET, and Prognosis
VALVE DISEASES IN CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS: WHAT WE HAVE TO KNOW.
This review summarizes what is known about valvular heart disease in cardiac amyloidosis, particularly in patients with immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis. It finds that aortic stenosis (AS) is the most common valvular manifestation—especially in wild-type ATTR—and that concomitant cardiac amyloidosis and AS can interact synergistically to worsen ventricular outcomes. The clinical significance is improved recognition and risk assessment of combined CA+AS, which is frequent and has major implications for prognosis and management.
Lisi DD, Salvo FD, Castro F et al. · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Regional Myocardial Tissue Characterization by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Is Associated With Heart Failure Development in Asymptomatic Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy.
This study followed 113 patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), including 14 asymptomatic individuals, using echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify myocardial tissue characteristics linked to subsequent heart failure (HF). Over a median 770-day follow-up, 6 developed HF and had higher left ventricular mass index (LVMI) on echocardiography, with CMR native T1 (tissue characterization) reported as a distinguishing feature between groups. These findings suggest that CMR-derived myocardial tissue metrics can help risk-stratify asymptomatic ATTR-CM patients for impending HF, supporting earlier intervention planning.
Tsuruda T, Nakada H, Suiko Y et al. · Circulation reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical Factors Related to Cardiac Conduction Disturbance in Patients With Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Undergoing Tafamidis Treatment.
This study evaluated 50 patients with wild-type ATTR-CM who underwent baseline CMR and then started tafamidis to determine clinical factors associated with atrioventricular conduction disturbances (AVCD) and intraventricular conduction disturbances (IVCD). After tafamidis initiation, changes in AVCD/IVCD were analyzed alongside CMR parameters to identify which imaging and clinical factors tracked with conduction deterioration. Clinically, the results aim to improve prediction and monitoring of conduction disease in wild-type ATTR-CM patients treated with tafamidis.
Hamamoto K, Kitagawa T, Okamoto D et al. · Circulation reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diagnostic Sensitivity of [18F]-Florbetaben-PET/CT in Detecting Cardiac Involvement in AL Amyloidosis: The Prospective MoRBiDA Study.
The prospective MoRBiDA study evaluated diagnostic sensitivity of [18F]-florbetaben PET/CT (F-PET) for detecting cardiac involvement in treatment-naive light-chain (AL) amyloidosis patients, integrating multimodality imaging with biomarkers of cardiac and clonal disease. The key finding was the measured sensitivity of F-PET for cardiac amyloid detection and its correlations with established markers used to predict survival and treatment response. This matters scientifically and clinically because it tests whether F-PET can improve early, noninvasive identification of cardiac involvement that drives prognosis and therapy selection in AL amyloidosis.
Milani P, Sanna GD, Pepe G et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Heart Disease Imaging & Risk Stratification (including Aortic Stenosis and MVP)
Mitral valve prolapse: New clinical and scientific insights in 2026.
This 2026 review synthesizes new clinical and scientific insights into mitral valve prolapse (MVP), distinguishing Barlow’s disease from fibroelastic deficiency and linking specific high-risk anatomy to arrhythmia risk. It emphasizes that the “malignant” MVP phenotype—bileaflet prolapse with mitral annular disjunction (MAD) and myocardial fibrosis—has emerged as a substrate for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, with imaging supported by echocardiography (transthoracic/transesophageal) and additional modalities. The significance is that refined phenotyping of MVP using imaging can improve identification of patients at risk for malignant ventricular outcomes.
Yamaguchi M, Madhyastha R, Furukawa K et al. · Journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Moderate aortic stenosis: diagnostic pitfalls and the role of multimodality imaging in risk stratification and clinical management.
This narrative review synthesized evidence on diagnostic pitfalls in moderate aortic stenosis and how multimodality imaging can improve risk stratification and management decisions. It finds that standard echocardiography can misclassify severity and that advanced imaging—particularly computed tomography aortic valve calcium scoring and other multimodality approaches—better characterizes disease burden even before progression to severe aortic stenosis. The clinical significance is more accurate staging of moderate AS to guide surveillance intensity and earlier intervention decisions.
Santangelo G, Maloberti A, Tognola C et al. · Cardiovascular ultrasound · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI/Imaging for Cardiomyopathy Phenotyping & Treatment Monitoring
Left Atrium Myocardial Remodeling and Prognostic Marker Derived from CMR Feature Tracking in Pediatric Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This retrospective study assessed left atrial (LA) myocardial remodeling in pediatric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients undergoing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) from 2011–2020, using CMR feature-tracking (CMR-FT) to derive LA strain parameters. It found that LA strain measured by CMR-FT was associated with adverse outcomes in pediatric HCM, supporting LA strain as a prognostic marker. The clinical significance is that CMR-FT–derived LA strain could enable earlier risk stratification in children with HCM, where adult prognostic data may not fully apply.
Chen X, Tang Y, Ma X et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Late Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity Mimicking Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a Young Adult.
This JACC Case Reports article presented a 26-year-old man previously treated with doxorubicin for childhood Burkitt lymphoma who developed delayed cardiotoxicity mimicking arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The key findings were reduced global longitudinal strain on echocardiography with preserved ejection fraction and cardiac magnetic resonance abnormalities consistent with late doxorubicin cardiotoxicity despite initially unremarkable ECG/ambulatory monitoring. The clinical significance is that delayed anthracycline cardiotoxicity should be considered in young patients with cardiomyopathy-like presentations, using strain and CMR to avoid misdiagnosis.
Chedid M, Barrett C, Sun M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of hypertrophic pattern and obstruction on cardiovascular magnetic resonance myocardial strain and left atrioventricular coupling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a retrospective study.
This retrospective study assessed how hypertrophic pattern and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction affect cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) myocardial strain and left atrioventricular (LA–LV) coupling in 199 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) using CMR feature tracking. The key finding was that different LV hypertrophy distribution patterns and the presence of obstruction were associated with distinct strain profiles and altered LA–LV coupling metrics. This matters clinically because CMR-derived strain and coupling may improve phenotyping and risk assessment in HCM beyond wall thickness alone.
Li Y, Li Z, Chen S et al. · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Correction to: A 20-minute, free-running, whole-heart cardiac MRI to image myocardial injury following reperfused myocardial infarction: demonstration in a large animal model.
This Radiology Advances correction article addressed an error in a previously published demonstration of a 20-minute free-running whole-heart cardiac MRI protocol for imaging myocardial injury after reperfused myocardial infarction in a large animal model. The correction does not introduce new experimental findings but amends the record for DOI: 10.1093/radadv/umag009. Clinically, ensuring accurate reporting supports reproducibility and correct interpretation of the free-running whole-heart CMR approach for post-infarct injury assessment.
Radiology advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance for therapy monitoring in cardiomyopathies.
This review assessed how cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can monitor therapy response in cardiomyopathies as disease-modifying and phenotype-specific treatments expand. It reports that CMR enables serial, reproducible assessment of ventricular structure/function with cine imaging, identifies focal replacement fibrosis with late gadolinium enhancement, and quantifies diffuse fibrosis/oedema using native T1/T2 mapping and extracellular volume. Scientifically and clinically, this positions CMR tissue biomarkers as practical endpoints for tracking treatment efficacy and refining cardiomyopathy management.
Garofalo M, Panichella G, Clemente A et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT for Myocarditis and Inflammatory Myocardial Disease
Unmasking the Connection: Cardiac Arrest in Stiff Person Syndrome.
This case report described a man in his 30s with stiff person syndrome (SPS) who developed whole-body spasms, severe hypoxemic respiratory failure, and pulseless ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation during extubation. The key finding was that the episode was accompanied by hyperthermia, shock, markedly elevated troponin, and transient severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction after exclusion of obstructive coronary disease and pulmonary embolism. The significance is that SPS can present with life-threatening cardiac arrest and transient cardiomyopathy, highlighting the need for heightened peri-procedural monitoring and rapid recognition of cardiac complications.
Sujanyal S, Alaws H, Helgeson SA · Therapeutic advances in pulmonary and critical care medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Septal Myocarditis Mimicking Proximal Left Anterior Descending Artery Occlusion.
This JACC Case Reports article described a previously healthy 21-year-old woman with acute chest pain and ST-segment elevation that mimicked proximal left anterior descending (LAD) artery occlusion but was ultimately diagnosed as focal septal myocarditis. The key findings were nonobstructive coronary arteries on angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance showing focal septal edema with nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement consistent with acute myocarditis. The clinical significance is that focal septal myocarditis can present as an MI mimic, and CMR is crucial to distinguish myocarditis from coronary occlusion to direct appropriate management.
Jeong SY, Jayawardena SV, Seton N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Early-stage myocardial changes are not aggravated by Western diet or ageing in Mybpc3 c.2373insG heterozygous mice.
This study evaluated long-term myocardial structure and function after multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) using cardiac MRI (CMRI) and 2D echocardiography, alongside serum galectin-3 measurements. The key finding was that children after MIS-C can show persistent subclinical myocardial changes on CMRI, with galectin-3 levels correlating with these longer-term abnormalities. This is clinically important because it supports CMRI and biomarker-informed follow-up to detect ongoing myocardial injury or fibrosis risk after MIS-C.
van den Dolder FW, Nollet EE, Warnaar VAJ et al. · The Journal of physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Characterizing systemic lupus erythematosus associated myocarditis: From rare clinical disease to subclinical involvement.
Researchers studied lupus-related myocarditis (LM) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients using the AQUILES tertiary-care registry (1990–2025; n=534) and a systematic literature review (1990–Feb 2026; 21 studies, 381 patients). They found LM occurred in 2.8% of AQUILES patients (19 episodes) with a pooled frequency around 1.7%, and characterized a spectrum ranging from clinical to subclinical involvement with associated diagnostic findings and outcomes. This is clinically important because it quantifies LM burden in SLE and supports earlier recognition and risk assessment beyond overt symptomatic myocarditis.
Narváez J, de Daniel-Bisbe L, Capdevila O et al. · Autoimmunity reviews · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pediatric Myocarditis: Contemporary Insights Into Viral and Immune-Mediated Pathobiology, Precision Diagnostics, Advanced Multimodality Imaging, Risk Stratification, and Evolving Therapeutic Strategies.
This review examined pediatric myocarditis across children, focusing on viral and immune-mediated mechanisms, host genetic susceptibility, and myocardial repair, and it discusses precision diagnostics, multimodality imaging, risk stratification, and evolving therapies. It concludes that pediatric myocarditis is a heterogeneous spectrum driven by interactions among infectious triggers, innate/adaptive immune responses, genetic susceptibility, and repair processes, with additional clinical entities such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children and vaccine-associated myocarditis expanding the phenotype. Clinically, this supports more tailored diagnostic and management strategies rather than treating pediatric myocarditis as a single predominantly viral disease.
Fatima H, Rana MA, Asghar T et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Congenital/Structural Heart Disease and Rare Anatomic Lesions
Paradoxical Stroke via Persistent Levoatriocardinal Vein and Evaluation and Management Recommendations.
This case report described an 80-year-old man with paradoxical stroke attributed to a persistent levoatriocardinal vein (LACV) causing a right-to-left shunt. The key finding was that multimodal evaluation—including CT angiography, endovascular thrombectomy, and echocardiography with agitated contrast—supported an embolic mechanism related to the LACV, and the authors provided evaluation/management recommendations in the absence of formal guidelines. The significance is improved diagnostic consideration of LACV in unexplained embolic stroke and guidance for how to evaluate and manage this rare anatomic cause.
Tejan-Sie A, Rodriguez RT, Padgett L et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Disseminated HIV-Associated Burkitt Lymphoma With Cardiac and Presumed Central Nervous System Involvement.
This case report described a 52-year-old man with HIV who developed disseminated HIV-associated Burkitt lymphoma with cardiac involvement and presumed central nervous system involvement. The key finding was that contrast echocardiography showed a vascular right atrial mass invading the crux, while cardiac magnetic resonance confirmed atrial and ventricular septal involvement. The clinical significance is that multimodal imaging—especially contrast echocardiography in resource-limited settings—can characterize rare cardiac lymphoma involvement and guide diagnosis in immunocompromised patients.
Tsai D, Trilesskaya M · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
ALCAPA syndrome: a rare cause of sudden cardiac arrest in adulthood?-a case report.
This case report described a 30-year-old woman with adult ALCAPA (anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery) who presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. After immediate resuscitation and successful defibrillation, she was stabilized and further evaluation identified the rare adult ALCAPA presentation. The report is significant because it underscores that ALCAPA, though classically diagnosed in infancy, can present in adulthood with sudden cardiac arrest and should be considered when modern cardiac imaging reveals coronary anomalies.
Arnoldy C, Bansmann PM · Journal of medical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Atypical Atrial Flutter Unveiling Cor Triatriatum Sinister in a Stable Adult.
This JACC Case Reports report studied a 64-year-old man with asymptomatic atrial flutter using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance to investigate an incidental arrhythmia substrate. TEE excluded intracardiac thrombus and revealed a left atrial membrane, with CMR confirming nonobstructive cor triatriatrium sinister (CTS). The findings support using TEE-guided cardioversion and anticoagulation when CTS is discovered as an underlying cause of atrial arrhythmia.
Panjiyar B, Herrera AJ, Hermann J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Topsy-Turvy Heart: Multimodality Prenatal and Postnatal Imaging for Clinical Management.
This JACC Case Reports article described prenatal and postnatal imaging in a case of topsy-turvy heart with an aortopulmonary window, using fetal echocardiography and fetal cardiac magnetic resonance to characterize complex anatomy and anticipate airway abnormalities. After birth, the newborn developed severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation despite the comprehensive multimodality assessment. The report underscores the clinical value of combining fetal echo and fetal CMR for planning management in rare congenital heart disease with high risk of associated extracardiac complications.
Meyer D, Geiger J, Weber R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Long-Term Follow-Up With Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in 2 Patients With Isolated Left Ventricular Apical Hypoplasia.
This JACC Case Reports study followed two patients with isolated left ventricular apical hypoplasia using serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging over more than a decade from childhood into early adulthood. Both patients showed stable ventricular morphology over long-term follow-up (truncated). The report provides rare longitudinal CMR data that can inform prognosis and long-term surveillance strategies for this uncommon congenital anomaly.
Isenia C, Hassing HC, Constantinescu AA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Unveiling the Unknown: A Case Report of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma in the Heart.
This case report described a 66-year-old man with an incidentally found left atrial mass whose diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) was confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry after multimodal imaging (echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and PET-CT) initially suggested a benign lesion. The key finding was that surgical excision revealed UPS, followed by postoperative complications including right-sided heart failure, recurrent skin ulcers, and atrial arrhythmia. This is important because it highlights the diagnostic challenge of rare primary cardiac UPS and the need for definitive tissue diagnosis when imaging is misleading.
Alwaheidi DF, Wani ML, Patel A · Clinical Medicine Insights. Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Tissue Characterization & Quantitative Biomarkers (General)
Carbohydrate antigen 125 for predicting right ventricular dysfunction and right ventricular to pulmonary artery uncoupling in acute heart failure: a cardiac magnetic resonance study.
In 479 consecutive acute heart failure (AHF) patients undergoing CMR, this retrospective single-center study tested whether serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) predicts CMR-defined right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and right ventricular–pulmonary artery (RV-PA) uncoupling. CA125 showed discriminatory ability for identifying CMR-derived RVD (RV ejection fraction <45%) and RV-PA uncoupling (RV stroke volume/RV end-systolic volume <1), supported by ROC analysis and multivariable logistic regression. If validated, CA125 could provide a simpler biomarker to flag patients likely to have RV impairment and worse hemodynamic coupling on CMR in acute HF.
Valero E, de la Espriella R, Miñana G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and myocardial edema burden in Takotsubo syndrome: acute and long-term outcomes-insights from the EVOLUTION registry.
This EVOLUTION registry sub-analysis studied 249 patients with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) who underwent CMR within 5 days of echocardiographic assessment, stratifying them by presence versus absence of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). Patients with LVOTO had greater myocardial involvement (including higher left ventricular mass and CMR edema burden, as reported) and worse in-hospital and long-term outcomes compared with those without LVOTO. The findings support using CMR characterization of edema and remodeling to refine prognosis in TTS patients with LVOTO.
Cau R, Santoro F, Pontone G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CARDIOVASCULAR EFFECTS OF INCRETIN RECEPTOR AGONISTS: BEYOND GLYCEMIC CONTROL.
This narrative review synthesized evidence on cardiovascular effects of incretin receptor agonists, covering GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, and unimolecular triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon receptor agonists. Mediation analyses from major cardiovascular outcome trials suggest that glycemic improvement accounts for less than ~15–20% of major adverse cardiovascular event reductions, with additional contributions from weight loss, lipid remodeling, blood pressure lowering, systemic inflammation reduction, and direct myocardial protection. The review highlights mechanistic pathways beyond glucose control that may explain cardiovascular benefit across incretin drug classes.
Ravic M, Srejovic IM, Milosavljevic I et al. · Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance global T2 mapping in patients with Takotsubo syndrome.
This retrospective study evaluated whether cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) global T2 mapping–derived myocardial edema within 30 days of admission predicts major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACE) in patients with Takotsubo syndrome. Higher global myocardial T2 was associated with subsequent MACE, and the authors derived a time-dependent T2 threshold using time-dependent ROC analysis. The finding supports using CMR T2 mapping as a prognostic biomarker to improve risk stratification in Takotsubo syndrome.
Kadoya Y, Lim J, Alaqaili M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI/Imaging for Arrhythmia Substrate & Electrophysiology Guidance
Speckle tracking echocardiography predicts electroanatomical scar in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia.
This prospective study enrolled consecutive patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy undergoing catheter ablation for recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) and tested whether speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) longitudinal strain (LS), analyzed segment- and layer-specifically, can predict electroanatomical scar. STE-derived LS patterns were matched to electroanatomical mapping data (using an 18-segment model) to identify strain features associated with scar presence. Scientifically and clinically, this could enable non-CMR substrate mapping to guide VA ablation planning when cardiac magnetic resonance fibrosis imaging is not feasible.
Gabrielli FA, Bencardino G, Ballacci F et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pleiotropic Phenotype of RYR2 Exon 3 Deletion: Biventricular Noncompaction and Malignant Arrhythmias.
This JACC Case Reports study evaluated a 33-year-old woman with a pathogenic RYR2 exon 3 deletion (E3DS) presenting during pregnancy with premature ventricular contractions and later developing biventricular noncompaction, sinus node dysfunction, and nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Postpartum, she developed persistent bradyarrhythmia, and electrophysiology testing showed complete supranodal atrioventricular block with extensive right atrial low-voltage areas, while CMR confirmed biventricular noncompaction (truncated). The case expands the clinical phenotype of RYR2 E3DS (ryanodinopathy) by linking it to malignant arrhythmias and conduction system disease.
Faucher L, Cardi T, Fitouchi S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Exercise-Provoked Wide-Complex Tachycardia and Extreme Duke Score: Orthodromic Reciprocating Tachycardia Unmasked by Electrophysiology Study.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 44-year-old man with exercise-provoked sustained wide-complex tachycardia during stress-test recovery, using electrophysiology study plus angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance to define the mechanism. Despite initial concern for ventricular tachycardia, electrophysiology demonstrated orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia mediated by a concealed left posterior accessory pathway with left bundle branch block morphology (truncated). The case emphasizes that stress-test wide-complex tachycardia can represent supraventricular tachycardia with aberrancy, and that electrophysiology is critical for correct diagnosis and management.
Ray N, Petty A, Money D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmic Risk Stratification According to LGE Corridors and Genetics in Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
This multicenter European study assessed major ventricular arrhythmic events in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy by combining cardiac MRI late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) “corridors” with high-risk genotypes (HRGs) identified by genetic testing. The key finding was that arrhythmic risk stratification improved when LGE corridors were considered together with HRGs, supporting a combined imaging-genetics approach rather than either factor alone. This is significant because it could refine risk prediction for ventricular arrhythmias and guide decisions about closer monitoring or preventive therapies 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 successfully treated the arrhythmia. The clinical significance is that “benign” PACs can induce arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy and that targeted mapping and ablation may reverse severe LV dysfunction.
Aygün AA, Soysal AU, Durmaz EŞ et al. · Pacing and clinical electrophysiology : PACE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Deep Learning/Computational Methods for Cardiac Imaging
CORE: Suppressing Spurious Similarity via Confidence-Aware Prototypes for Few-Shot Medical Image Segmentation.
This paper proposed CORE, a confidence-aware prototype learning framework for few-shot medical image segmentation (FSMIS) designed to suppress spurious similarity and reduce false positives. CORE addresses heterogeneous foreground reliability and improves prototype-query matching by incorporating confidence awareness, aiming to prevent background regions from being incorrectly matched to foreground prototypes. The method is significant for improving segmentation accuracy in clinical settings where only a few labeled examples are available.
Xu C, Li S, Wang H et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Optimisation of an Algorithm for Fetal Strain by CMR and its Use in Suspected Coarctation of the Aorta.
This study optimized an algorithm for fetal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived ventricular strain and tested its use in suspected coarctation of the aorta (CoA). In 42 third-trimester fetuses scanned at 1.5 T with Doppler ultrasound gating, ventricular four-chamber strain was measured using feature tracking and endocardial shortening, with strain analysis optimized by adjusting contour stiffness (per the abstract). The work is significant because it targets improved prenatal detection accuracy for true CoA by enabling more reliable fetal strain assessment.
Fricke K, Piek M, Heiberg E et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Learning efficient non-rigid registration in k-space for accelerated Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
This Medical Image Analysis study investigated a learning-efficient non-rigid registration method in k-space for accelerated dynamic MRI, focusing on motion estimation under spatio-temporal sampling constraints. The key contribution is a direct k-space-based registration approach designed to avoid reconstruction artifacts that can corrupt feature matching in highly undersampled acquisitions (truncated). Scientifically, the method aims to improve real-time/dynamic MRI motion estimation accuracy without requiring heavy priors or localized processing.
Ghoul A, Hammernik K, Lingg A et al. · Medical image analysis · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CPU-based fast cardiac cine MRI segmentation using lightweight CNNs and knowledge distillation.
This study developed and evaluated CPU-deployable deep learning models for cardiac cine MRI segmentation by distilling a residual-encoder U-Net teacher (9.22M parameters) into lightweight student CNNs (MobileUNetV2, MobileUNetV3 with squeeze-and-excitation attention, and EfficientLiteUNet) using knowledge distillation. The key finding was that the distilled lightweight networks enabled fast, accurate segmentation on CPU hardware (including web-browser deployment) without requiring GPU inference. This is significant because it supports broader clinical deployment of automated cardiac segmentation in settings with limited computational 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 ↗
Cardiac Remodeling in Systemic/Noncardiac Conditions (e.g., Stroke, CKD, Portal HTN, PAH, CTEPH)
Baseline fdg pet/ct-derived tumor burden and host metabolic activity predict complete metabolic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ınvasive ductal breast cancer.
This retrospective study evaluated 90 women with histologically confirmed invasive ductal breast cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and underwent baseline and post-treatment FDG PET/CT to predict complete metabolic response (CMR). Baseline FDG PET/CT tumor burden metrics (e.g., metabolic tumor volume [MTV], total lesion glycolysis [TLG]) and host metabolic activity measures (including brain-to-liver ratio and bone marrow-to-liver ratio), along with inflammatory biomarkers and body composition parameters, were assessed for association with achieving CMR. If confirmed, these imaging and host factors could improve early prediction of treatment success after NAC and support more personalized breast cancer management.
Cinar A, Senlik SD, Inanir A et al. · Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Sex differences in cardiac function and remodelling in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction across all stages of chronic kidney disease.
This retrospective study compared sex differences in cardiac function and remodeling across all stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 84 sex-matched CKD patients (stages 1–5) and 28 healthy sex-matched controls, using comprehensive cardiac MRI (CMR). Using MANCOVA with confounder adjustments, the study aimed to characterize how cardiac remodeling trajectories differ between females and males across CKD severity, with relevance to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The findings are clinically important for identifying sex-specific cardiovascular risk patterns in CKD and tailoring imaging-based monitoring and prevention strategies.
Kamieniarz P, Plietz AS, Urbach LV et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Long-term cardiac remodeling after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement: a cardiac MRI study.
This prospective intra-individual cardiac MRI study evaluated long-term cardiovascular remodeling after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement in patients with cirrhosis-related portal hypertension, using paired hepatic and cardiac MRI before and at 1 year. The key finding was that TIPS was associated with measurable changes in cardiac structure and function on MRI, assessed with volumetry, strain analysis, T1/T2 mapping, myocardial edema, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). This is scientifically and clinically important because it characterizes the cardiac consequences of TIPS using advanced quantitative MRI biomarkers that may help monitor patients with portal hypertension.
Vollbrecht TM, Mesropyan N, Chang J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Nighttime light exposure and cardiac structure and function.
This population-based cohort study in 11,071 UK Biobank participants examined whether nighttime light exposure (measured via a wrist accelerometer light sensor for 7 days in 2013–2015) is associated with cardiac structure and function on CMR performed about 3 years later. The key finding was that higher nighttime light exposure showed dose-response associations with specific CMR cardiac phenotypes and was also linked to incident cardiovascular disease outcomes. This is significant because it provides evidence that an environmental exposure measurable in daily life may contribute to subclinical cardiac remodeling detectable by CMR.
Dai J, Dai W, Heianza Y et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Sex Differences in Cardiac Rhythm and Conduction Abnormalities After Noncardioembolic Ischemic Stroke.
This single-center observational study investigated sex differences in newly diagnosed cardiac rhythm and conduction abnormalities within 1 year after noncardioembolic acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in 673 patients (39% women) without prior cardiac disease. The key finding was that the incidence and/or pattern of post-AIS cardiac rhythm/conduction abnormalities differed between women and men despite standardized cardiologic evaluation including 24-hour in-hospital telemetry. This is clinically important because it suggests sex-specific surveillance or prevention strategies may be needed after noncardioembolic AIS.
Schmick A, Rohner MH, Gebhard C et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left Atrial Strain Impairment in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence (through July 2026) on left atrial (LA) strain measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography or cardiac MRI in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The key finding was that ESUS patients demonstrate impairment across LA strain phases (reflecting atrial cardiomyopathy/subclinical atrial dysfunction) even when paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is not the primary mechanism. This is clinically important because LA strain could serve as a sensitive, noninvasive marker to identify an embolic substrate in ESUS.
Thapa S, Shah S, Fnu P et al. · Cardiology in review · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac morphology in children at 2 and 10 years of age after congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair: a comparative MRI-based analysis of ECMO and non-ECMO patients.
This retrospective MRI-based comparative study evaluated cardiac morphology in children after congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) repair at 2 and 10 years, comparing ECMO-treated (n=31) versus non-ECMO-treated (n=26) patients. The key finding was that cardiac morphological differences were detectable between ECMO and non-ECMO groups and were temporally associated with later development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This is significant because it suggests MRI-based cardiac morphology may help predict or track PAH risk in pediatric CDH survivors stratified by ECMO exposure.
Jawhar S, Thater G, Appelhaus S et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right ventricular adaptation after pulmonary endarterectomy and balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a comparative cardiac MRI-based study.
Researchers compared right ventricular (RV) adaptation after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) versus balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) using cardiac MRI-based structural assessment alongside right heart catheterization, exercise testing, and biomarkers in a prospective multicenter cohort (93 patients; PEA n=50, BPA n=43). The key finding was differential patterns of RV reverse remodeling and functional/hemodynamic response between PEA and BPA over follow-up. This is significant because it helps clinicians understand which intervention better promotes RV recovery, informing treatment selection in CTEPH.
Rodenburg TC, Higuchi S, Andersen S et al. · The European respiratory journal · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
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 study used KNHANES 2024 data to compare BMI, percent body fat (PBF), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) for cardiometabolic risk discrimination among 2412 Korean adults aged 40–64 years. The key finding was which anthropometric indicator(s) best identified individuals with cardiometabolic risk defined as meeting at least two of four criteria (elevated blood pressure, hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol). This is significant for public health and clinical screening because it identifies the most informative, practical body-measurement metric for cardiometabolic risk stratification in Korean adults.
Park E · Biological research for nursing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Association Between MRI-Derived Right-to-Left Ventricular Volume Ratio and Regional Left Ventricular Myocardial Dysfunction in Patients With Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Investigators studied 188 pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients and 81 matched controls to test whether the MRI-derived right-to-left ventricular volume ratio (RV/LV end-diastolic volume ratio) is associated with regional left ventricular (LV) myocardial dysfunction. They found that patients with elevated RV/LV ratio (≥1.27) had worse LV dysfunction patterns, including regional strain differences, and they evaluated mediating pathways linking RV dilation to LV impairment. This is significant because it clarifies how RV remodeling in PAH may drive LV dysfunction, potentially improving imaging-based risk assessment and mechanistic understanding.
Fang H, Li Y, Wang J et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary Vasospasm/INOCA and Ischemia Mimics
Focal Myocardial Fibrosis Mimicking Hypertrophy in INOCA and the Energetic Cost of Supranormal Ejection Fraction.
This JACC Case Reports study evaluated a 72-year-old postmenopausal woman with ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) using acetylcholine provocation testing and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to assess coronary spasm and myocardial consequences. CMR showed focal late gadolinium enhancement in the interventricular septum consistent with replacement fibrosis that mimicked hypertrophy, alongside a supranormal ejection fraction of 79% and reduced end-systolic measures (truncated). The case highlights that coronary vasospasm can produce focal fibrotic remodeling and altered cardiac energetics that may be misread as hypertrophy on imaging.
Nguyen TH, Nakamura T, Sato A · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Constrictive Pericarditis: Etiologies and Imaging Diagnosis
Constrictive Pericarditis and Bilateral Pleural Effusions Unmasked in an HLA-B27 Positive Patient.
This JACC Case Reports article studied a 40-year-old HLA-B27–positive man in whom constrictive pericarditis and bilateral pleural effusions were identified after an initial presentation consistent with acute pericarditis. After failure of medical therapy, he underwent radical pericardiectomy with symptom resolution, with extensive evaluation otherwise unremarkable except for HLA-B27 positivity (truncated). The case suggests that HLA-B27–associated immune mechanisms may be linked to constrictive pericarditis, supporting consideration of this association in similar patients.
Villalonga M, Al-Dalakta A, El Roumi J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Disseminated meningococcal infection presenting with constrictive pericarditis and bilateral septic arthritis without meningitis: A case report.
This case report described a previously healthy vaccinated man in his 50s with disseminated meningococcal infection presenting with constrictive pericarditis and bilateral septic arthritis without meningitis. Blood cultures grew Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W while cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, and pericardial fluid cultures were negative, and cardiac MRI demonstrated constrictive pericarditis. The clinical significance is that invasive meningococcal disease can present with extra-meningeal cardiac complications even without meningitis, so clinicians should consider it in atypical constrictive pericarditis presentations.
Binidris M, Shehata M, Mahfouz A et al. · SAGE open medical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Epicardial Lipomatosis as a Cause of Constrictive Pericarditis.
This case report presented two patients with epicardial lipomatosis causing constrictive pericarditis. Multimodality imaging with transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac MRI demonstrated diffuse epicardial fat, and both patients were managed conservatively with optimization of heart failure therapy and dialysis strategy, leading to clinical improvement. The significance is that epicardial lipomatosis is an underrecognized cause of constrictive pericarditis that can be identified with appropriate imaging to avoid misdiagnosis.
Raval PA, Odhiambo JO, Ombati K et al. · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Radiomics & AI for Differential Diagnosis
A Multitask Deep Learning Pipeline for Classifying Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Hypertensive Heart Disease Based on Native T1 Mapping.
This Journal of Imaging Informatics in Medicine study evaluated a multitask deep learning pipeline to classify hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) versus hypertensive heart disease (HHD) using native T1 mapping from 3.0-T CMR. In a retrospective single-center cohort of 174 patients (121 HCM, 53 HHD) using 3.0-T MOLLI native T1 maps with strict patient-level stratified fivefold cross-validation, the shared-and-task-specific multitask model improved discrimination beyond global T1 values (truncated). The approach is significant because it targets a common diagnostic overlap in CMR by leveraging native T1 map patterns for more accurate differential diagnosis.
Zhu H, Qian Y, Yang X et al. · Journal of imaging informatics in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI radiomics and texture analysis for differentiating the causes of left ventricular hypertrophy: a systematic review.
This systematic review evaluated whether cardiac MRI radiomics and texture analysis can differentiate the causes of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), such as cardiac amyloidosis versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, using PRISMA-DTA methods. It concludes that the available evidence is insufficient to confirm clinically credible differentiation with verified accuracy across studies, with concerns related to risk of bias and radiomic quality. The significance is that, despite promise, current cardiac MRI radiomics evidence needs stronger methodological rigor before routine clinical use for etiologic LVH diagnosis.
Martínez Safar IE, De La Ossa Díaz JP, Martínez D DA et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on September 13, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published September 06, 2026 – September 13, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.