What's New in Cardiac MRI? — September 28, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 59 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
September 28, 2026 · 59 articles · 15 research themes · covering September 21, 2026 – September 28, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s papers, a dominant theme is the push toward more integrated, quantitative cardiovascular phenotyping using cardiac MRI (and multimodality imaging). Several studies refine how we extract clinically meaningful information from images—whether through advanced tissue metrics (native T1/ECV, LGE patterns, strain/strain-rate, geometric measures like fractal dimension), or through workflow innovations such as AI-driven segmentation/biomarker extraction and improved motion/sequence strategies. Together, these efforts aim to make imaging biomarkers more reproducible, scalable, and directly tied to outcomes (risk stratification, diagnosis, and treatment selection).
A second major thread is disease-specific risk prediction and mechanistic linking. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, multiple reports emphasize the prognostic value of CMR fibrosis and strain (including feature-tracking and LGE) and even connect imaging-defined fibrosis to candidate regulatory genes. In systemic and metabolic conditions (SLE/SS, diabetes with CKD, pediatric CKD), CMR-based remodeling and biomarker profiles are used to detect early cardiac involvement and stratify risk. In amyloidosis—especially ATTR and AL, including rare subtypes—papers highlight both improved staging (native T1 thresholds) and real-world diagnostic pitfalls (false-negative radionuclide scans, focal “donut” patterns, and genetic/biopsy-driven reclassification), underscoring the need for multimodality confirmation.
Finally, several articles broaden the mechanistic and clinical scope beyond “classic” cardiomyopathy. Work on aortic stenosis and TAV focuses on flow restoration and hemodynamic signatures rather than gradients alone; pulmonary thromboembolism studies propose new CMR geometric biomarkers for CTEPH severity; and coronary/ischemia-focused reports show how intracoronary imaging, microvascular angina mimics, and complex coronary fistulas can be clarified with targeted imaging strategies. Collectively, the digest reflects a field moving toward precision imaging—where advanced acquisition, computational analysis, and multimodal interpretation converge to improve diagnosis and prognostication.
Multitask/AI for Cardiac MRI Analysis
Evaluating the Accuracy and Efficiency of Virtual Reality Segmentation for Black-Blood Fetal Cardiac MRI.
This study evaluated the accuracy and efficiency of virtual reality–based segmentation for black-blood fetal cardiac MRI to generate 3D congenital heart disease (CHD) models. Using a retrospective feasibility design, the key finding was that a volumetric segmentation pipeline implemented in Elucis (Realize Medical) could produce 3D CHD models from fetal cardiac MRI scans, addressing practical limitations of fetal echocardiography. The significance is that VR-assisted segmentation may improve workflow and model quality for fetal CHD assessment and planning.
Azar S, Friesen R, Rejeti SBY et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Towards Faster Fetal 3D CINE Cardiac MRI Reconstruction Using Region-Optimized Virtual Coils (ROVir).
This feasibility study evaluated a faster fetal 3D bSSFP CINE cardiac MRI reconstruction pipeline using region-optimized virtual coils (ROVir) in 10 fetal MRI volunteers. Compared with singular value decomposition (SVD) coil compression, ROVir reduced radial streaking artifacts, increased effective temporal resolution, and improved diagnostic image quality. Scientifically and clinically, it supports more efficient fetal cardiac MRI reconstruction that may enable higher-quality imaging for fetal diagnosis while reducing computational burden.
Piek M, Töger J, Heiberg E et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CardioSynergyNet: A Closed-Loop Multi-Task Deep Learning Architecture for Cardiac Segmentation and Biomarkers with Diagnosis from Paired ED-ES Cine-MRI.
CardioSynergyNet was studied as a closed-loop, multi-task deep learning model for paired end-diastolic (ED) and end-systolic (ES) cine-MRI in patients undergoing cardiac MRI, aiming to jointly perform cardiac segmentation, derive clinical biomarkers from segmentation, and predict diagnosis. The key finding was that a single weight-shared encoder with cross-phase deformation attention (CPDA) and a differentiable biomarker extraction layer (DBEL) can compute segmentation-derived biomarkers and diagnosis without sacrificing accuracy on any of the tasks. This supports an integrated CMR analysis pipeline that more directly links segmentation-derived biomarkers to diagnostic decision-making, potentially improving efficiency and consistency in cardiac imaging workflows.
Alqahtani S · Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Associations of CMR-based pulse wave velocity and aortic distensibility with infrarenal ultrasound-based aortic parameters in the Hamburg City Health Study.
Using data from the Hamburg City Health Study, this study assessed associations between CMR-based pulse wave velocity (PWV) and aortic distensibility (AD) and infrarenal aortic ultrasound parameters, including maximum diameter and peak flow velocity, for screening abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and cardiovascular risk. The key finding was that higher arterial stiffness measures from 2D phase-contrast CMR (PWV and AD of the ascending and descending aorta) were associated with ultrasound-defined infrarenal ectasia/aneurysm categories. This suggests that CMR-derived stiffness metrics could complement ultrasound-based screening by improving cardiovascular risk stratification for AAA-related disease.
Riedl KA, Di Carluccio E, Lund G et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Tumors & Masses (Primary vs Metastatic)
Growth of Cardiac Fibromas During Infancy.
This retrospective single-center study characterized the natural history of cardiac fibromas by identifying infants and children with cardiac fibromas and analyzing serial CMR and/or cardiac CT before and after surgery to assess tumor growth. The study found that cardiac fibromas can increase in size during infancy/childhood rather than remaining stable, with growth patterns relevant to clinical management. Understanding fibroma growth informs surveillance strategies and timing of intervention to reduce risks such as arrhythmias and hemodynamic compromise.
Jurow K, Sperotto F, Geva T et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multidisciplinary single stage surgical management of advanced breast carcinoma with concomitant left atrial myxoma.
This case report studied a 58-year-old woman with locally advanced invasive mucinous breast carcinoma who was found to have an incidental left atrial myxoma during evaluation for suspected cardiac metastasis. The key finding was that multimodality imaging (echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and FDG PET-CT) suggested a cardiac neoplasm but could not exclude metastasis, and the clinical management required multidisciplinary surgical decision-making given the embolic risk of the left atrial mass. The report highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing primary atrial tumors from metastatic intracardiac disease in cancer patients and the importance of coordinated surgical management.
Haval S, Garg A, Pawar R et al. · Interdisciplinary cardiovascular and thoracic surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Autoimmune Disease–Related Cardiac Involvement
Comparison of cardiac MRI features of fibrosis and strain for early cardiac dysfunction assessment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren’s syndrome.
This study compared cardiac MRI fibrosis and strain features in 36 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with coexisting Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), 36 SLE patients without SS, and 20 matched healthy controls using CMR measures including native T1/T2, extracellular volume (ECV), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) alongside LV strain. The key finding was that coexisting SS in SLE was associated with differences in cardiac remodeling and early cardiac dysfunction markers on CMR, linking strain abnormalities with fibrosis-related imaging metrics. Clinically, the results suggest CMR strain and fibrosis parameters may help detect and characterize early cardiac involvement in SLE patients with SS, potentially improving risk stratification.
Yang Z, Wang LL, Meng X et al. · Lupus science & medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pulmonary Thromboembolism & Right-Heart/CTEPH Phenotyping
Geometric morphological parameters from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism, a prospective pilot study.
This prospective pilot study evaluated whether CMR-derived geometric morphological parameters—specifically biventricular fractal dimension (FD) and perimeter-area ratio (PAR) from short-axis cine images—can assess and stratify chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (CPTE) in 53 CPTE patients (CTEPD n=16; CTEPH n=37) and 53 matched healthy controls. The key finding was that FD and PAR differed across CPTE subgroups and were associated with disease state, supporting their discriminatory value alongside standard clinical assessment. Scientifically and clinically, these CMR geometric metrics may provide additional noninvasive imaging biomarkers for CPTE severity and stratification.
Du J, Guo Y, Yu H et al. · European radiology experimental · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Diabetes, CKD, and Cardiorenal Risk (Imaging + Biomarkers)
Pattern and texton-based feature descriptors for Diabetic foot ulcer detection.
This study developed and evaluated a deep learning framework for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) detection using image preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification in DFU imaging data. The key finding was that the proposed DLS-DFUD pipeline used wavelet-transform-based Wiener filtering (WT-WF) for noise reduction and pattern/texton-based descriptors to improve DFU detection performance. Clinically, this could enable more accurate, earlier DFU screening to reduce infection and amputation risk in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Vali M, Rajini NH, Laxmaiah M · Expert review of medical devices · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Glycemic Status, Cardiac Structure, and Function by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Jackson Heart Study.
Using data from the Jackson Heart Study, this analysis examined Black adults to relate glycemic status and glycemic markers to cardiac structure and function measured by cardiac MRI, including LV mass, volumes, ejection fraction, and remodeling indices. Glycemic status was associated with measures of LV remodeling and subclinical dysfunction, with strain-based metrics (e.g., Eulerian circumferential systolic strain) contributing to the characterization of early impairment. These results reinforce the value of CMR phenotyping for detecting diabetes-related myocardial remodeling risk in Black populations.
Kaze AD, Ani C, Fox ER et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Navigating the irradiated ureter: multi-institutional outcomes of robotic ureteral reconstruction for radiation-induced strictures.
This multi-institutional retrospective study evaluated outcomes of robotic ureteral reconstruction for radiation-induced ureteral strictures using the CORRUS database (2018–2024). The key finding was characterization of surgical outcomes in patients with strictures caused by prior pelvic radiation, focusing on feasibility and results of robotic reconstruction in a difficult irradiated field (truncated). Clinically, it provides evidence to support robotic approaches for radiation-induced ureteral strictures where scarring and poor tissue mobility complicate conventional reconstruction.
Lee M, Wegner G, Santos R et al. · World journal of urology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Macroalbuminuria as a marker of cardiac damage in patients with type 2 diabetes: insights from multimodality cardiac imaging and biomarkers.
This cross-sectional study assessed whether macroalbuminuria is associated with cardiac damage in 49 adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) stratified by macroalbuminuria status, compared with 20 controls, using multimodality cardiac imaging (CMR and transthoracic echocardiography) and nine serum biomarkers including sST2. The key finding was that macroalbuminuria correlated with worse cardiac structure/function on imaging and with biomarker profiles consistent with myocardial stress and fibrosis (including sST2). The study supports macroalbuminuria as a clinically useful marker of cardiac damage risk in T2D with CKD, potentially guiding earlier cardiovascular evaluation.
Olloquiegui XI, Andueza SE, Izco MP et al. · Journal of physiology and biochemistry · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left ventricular remodeling by cardiac magnetic resonance in children with advanced chronic kidney disease: an analysis of the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study.
This exploratory analysis of the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study used cardiac MRI to characterize left ventricular remodeling and myocardial strain in children with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The key finding was that advanced CKD was associated with measurable LV structural changes and abnormal myocardial strain on CMR compared with less severe disease or reference groups within the cohort. Scientifically, it supports CMR as a sensitive tool for detecting early pediatric CKD-related cardiovascular involvement, which may inform monitoring and intervention timing.
Reyes LZ, Roem J, Lang SM et al. · Pediatric nephrology (Berlin, Germany) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Risk, Strain, Fibrosis, Genetics
Weighted gene co-expression network reveals CCND1 as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for myocardial fibrosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This study used weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) integrating myocardial fibrosis severity from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with transcriptomic co-expression data to identify regulatory genes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. The key finding was that CCND1 emerged as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for myocardial fibrosis in HCM. This is significant because it connects imaging-defined fibrosis with a specific gene candidate, supporting development of targeted antifibrotic strategies in HCM.
Chang L, Gong C, Wu Z et al. · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis-Like Presentation Leads to DSP Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis: From Variant of Uncertain Significance to Diagnosis.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 38-year-old woman with myocarditis-like presentation (chest pain, elevated troponin, normal coronaries) whose cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) showed multifocal nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement and who initially had a desmoplakin (DSP) variant of uncertain significance (VUS). The key finding was that follow-up CMR demonstrated persistent late gadolinium enhancement and the DSP VUS was reclassified as likely pathogenic, establishing a diagnosis of DSP arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Clinically, it underscores that genetic variant reclassification can change diagnosis and management in cardiomyopathy patients with ongoing imaging evidence.
DeLorenzo O, Farkouh F, Alameh I et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Vascular changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
This review studied vascular changes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), synthesizing human evidence on microvascular dysfunction and structural vascular remodeling across disease severities. It found that (micro)vascular abnormalities—including cardiac and peripheral vascular dysfunction and structural vascular changes—track with progression, fibrosis, and clinical outcomes. The work is significant because it consolidates assessment modalities and supports vascular mechanisms as actionable contributors to HCM prognosis and management.
Visch JE, Nassar A, Burchell G et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Phenotypic Transition From Danon Disease to Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Multimodality and Histopathologic Evidence.
This case report investigated phenotypic transition in a 30-year-old woman with a pathogenic LAMP2 variant causing Danon disease, later evolving into arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Over time she developed diffuse low QRS voltages and recurrent ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac MRI showed extensive ring-like late gadolinium enhancement with biventricular systolic dysfunction consistent with biventricular arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The findings are significant because they provide multimodality and histopathologic evidence that LAMP2-associated Danon disease can progress into an arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy phenotype, informing genetic cardiomyopathy surveillance and risk assessment.
Quintella Sangiorgi Olivetti N, Belitardo GP, Cerqueira Matheus F et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of type 2 diabetes on myocardial mechanics, fibrosis, and prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A cardiac magnetic resonance study.
This retrospective cardiac MRI cohort study examined how type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects myocardial mechanics, fibrosis, and prognosis in 582 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), stratified into 127 with T2DM and 455 without. T2DM was associated with worse myocardial structural/functional characteristics and contributed to adverse outcomes, with mediation analysis evaluating whether CMR parameters mediated the HbA1c–outcome relationship. The significance is that CMR-derived measures may help explain and risk-stratify the heightened cardiovascular risk conferred by T2DM in HCM.
Cao Y, Li Y, Ming Z et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multimodality Assessment for Sudden Cardiac Death Risk Stratification in Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Case-Based Framework Integrating Cardiac Magnetic Resonance, Electrophysiologic Observations, and Genetics.
This case-based framework article addressed sudden cardiac death (SCD) risk stratification in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) by integrating cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) findings (especially late gadolinium enhancement, LGE), electrophysiologic observations, and genetics. It emphasizes that LVEF alone incompletely captures arrhythmic substrate and that multimodality assessment can better identify patients at risk for ventricular arrhythmias who might otherwise be missed or over-treated with ICDs. The scientific significance is a practical approach for combining CMR fibrosis imaging with electrophysiology and genetic context to refine SCD risk prediction in NICM.
Litt MJ, Oraii A, Garcia FC et al. · Indian pacing and electrophysiology journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prognostic significance of cardiac magnetic resonance parameters in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a multicentre study.
This multicentre retrospective study examined prognostic value of CMR parameters in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients across five sites, using CMR feature-tracking to measure left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and left atrial strain (LAS) and quantifying late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The key finding was that specific CMR-derived strain and/or LGE metrics independently predicted major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in HCM. This is significant because it strengthens the evidence that CMR feature-tracking and LGE can improve risk stratification beyond clinical variables in HCM.
Ho SY, Yiu K, Leung KH et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Aortic Stenosis & Valve Hemodynamics (CMR/Echo/Flow Metrics)
Case Example and Bench Testing of Hydrodynamic Performance and Migration Stability of Various Valve-in-Valve Configurations within a Large-Housing Self-Expanding Pulmonary Valve.
This article reported a case and bench testing of valve-in-valve (ViV) hydrodynamic performance and migration stability in a large-housing self-expanding pulmonary valve, including a patient with Noonan syndrome and severe lymphatic disorder receiving a 36-25 mm VenusP-valve (Venus Medtech). The key finding was that repeat percutaneous ViV implantation was feasible after 6 years, and bench testing assessed hydrodynamic behavior and migration stability across different ViV configurations in large self-expanding pulmonary valve settings. Scientifically and clinically, the results address uncertainty in sizing and long-term stability for ViV pulmonary valve reinterventions.
Góreczny S, Kenny D · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Hemodynamic Flow Signatures: A Novel Paradigm for the Evaluation of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Performance.
This article proposed a hemodynamic flow signatures framework to evaluate transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) performance by assessing whether the implanted device restores physiological aortic flow. It argues that 4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance can quantify systolic flow displacement (eccentricity), systolic flow reversal ratio (conduit inefficiency), wall shear stress, and energetic efficiency, capturing persistent nonphysiological flow even when transvalvular gradients improve. The clinical significance is improved mechanistic assessment of TAV success and potential identification of patients with residual abnormal flow who may remain at risk.
Maznyczka A, De Backer O, Bapat VN et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Transaortic flow is associated with symptom-driven aortic valve replacement in aortic stenosis.
This prospective, multi-centre observational PRIMID study investigated whether transaortic flow-rate (TFR), calculated from stroke volume divided by left ventricular ejection time, is associated with symptom-driven aortic valve replacement (AVR) in asymptomatic patients with moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis (AS). The key finding was that higher transaortic flow was associated with subsequent symptom-driven AVR during follow-up, linking hemodynamic flow characteristics to clinical progression. Clinically, TFR derived from echocardiography and stress CMR may help identify asymptomatic AS patients at higher risk for symptom development requiring AVR.
Pallikadavath S, Hogrefe K, Kelly DJ et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR Tissue Mapping & Pulse Sequences (T1/T2/ECV/PWV/Protocol Optimization)
Native myocardial T1 mapping using rapid 1.5T T1FLASH and T1 MOLLI during breath-hold and free-breathing.
This prospective study evaluated native myocardial T1 mapping at 1.5T in 14 healthy volunteers using rapid T1FLASH and modified Look-Locker inversion recovery with motion correction (T1 MOLLI MOCO), comparing breath-hold versus free-breathing acquisition. The key finding was that rapid T1FLASH and T1 MOLLI MOCO can enable quantitative T1 mapping with shorter breath-holds and motion correction strategies to reduce breathing-related artifacts. Clinically, this supports more patient-tolerable CMR T1 mapping protocols for populations with limited breath-hold capacity.
Röwer LM, Hussen-Demir Y, Verde PE et al. · BMC cardiovascular disorders · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CT-derived myocardial extracellular volume: current evidence, clinical utility, and the emerging role of photon-counting CT-a systematic review.
This systematic review summarized evidence on CT-derived myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), focusing on its clinical utility and the emerging role of photon-counting CT for diffuse myocardial fibrosis assessment. It evaluated CT-derived ECV against cardiac magnetic resonance ECV as the reference standard and synthesized data from studies identified through a PRISMA-compliant search (last search December 2025). The significance is that CT-derived ECV could broaden access to quantitative diffuse fibrosis biomarkers beyond CMR, potentially enabling more routine assessment in cardiac CT workflows.
D’Argenzio J, Stucchi F, Tambè V et al. · European radiology experimental · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Contrast Agents & Imaging Optimization (Gadolinium Alternatives/Dose Reduction)
Gadopiclenol for Cardiac MRI: Comparison of Myocardial T1 Relaxation Times and Subjective Image Quality at Different Doses in Patients With Anderson-Fabry Disease.
This observational feasibility study evaluated the gadolinium-based contrast agent gadopiclenol at two doses during 3T cardiac MRI in 32 patients with Anderson-Fabry disease, focusing on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) image quality and myocardial T1 shortening. Gadopiclenol produced comparable LGE image quality while leveraging its high relaxivity to achieve myocardial T1 effects consistent with dose reduction. These findings support gadopiclenol as a potentially lower-gadolinium-dose option for CMR in Anderson-Fabry disease, pending broader validation for clinical use.
Kollmann AT, Huflage H, Dazeh RS et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Amyloidosis (ATTR/AL/Hereditary/Rare Subtypes) — Diagnosis, Prognosis, Pitfalls
Native T1 for Diagnosis and Risk Prediction in Amyloid Transthyretin Cardiomyopathy: An Observational Study on 1,675 Subjects.
This observational study analyzed 1,675 individuals evaluated for transthyretin amyloidosis (including asymptomatic TTR-variant carriers, extracardiac ATTR, and early ATTR cardiomyopathy) to define native T1 thresholds and prognostic strata across the ATTR spectrum and compare diagnostic/prognostic performance with extracellular volume (ECV). Native T1 mapping enabled center-agnostic risk stratification across ATTR stages and showed diagnostic and prognostic performance relative to ECV for myocardial amyloid infiltration and outcomes. Establishing native T1 cutoffs improves noninvasive CMR risk prediction in ATTR cardiomyopathy and can standardize patient selection and monitoring.
Aimo A, Sheikh A, Kakhi S et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Epicardial Amyloidoma Mimicking Secondary Cardiac Lymphoma: A Sneeze Away From the Diagnosis.
This case studied an epicardial amyloidoma mimicking malignant cardiac infiltration in a man with indolent B-cell lymphoma and monoclonal gammopathy. Despite CMR findings suspicious for secondary cardiac lymphoma or Erdheim-Chester disease and nondiagnostic PET and bone scintigraphy, surgical biopsy revealed Congo red–positive amyloid consistent with localized amyloid deposition. The clinical significance is that localized cardiac amyloid can closely imitate cancer on imaging, so tissue diagnosis is crucial when the differential includes malignancy.
Vella A, Disabato G, Roncoroni L et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apolipoprotein A-IV Cardiac Amyloidosis as a Diagnostic Pitfall: Beyond the Noninvasive Algorithm.
This case studied apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) cardiac amyloidosis as a diagnostic pitfall in a 71-year-old man with reduced kidney function and new heart failure. Although noninvasive testing suggested an infiltrative phenotype with an apical-sparing strain pattern and supportive CMR findings, negative bone scintigraphy and monoclonal protein screening delayed diagnosis until endomyocardial biopsy followed by mass spectrometry-based proteomics identified the amyloid type. The significance is that beyond standard noninvasive algorithms for transthyretin/light-chain disease, proteomics on biopsy may be required to correctly classify rare amyloidoses.
Koppelaar AJ, Zwetsloot PP, von der Thüsen JH et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging Reveals Rare Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis Mimicking Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This case studied a rare hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis phenotype that mimicked hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a 52-year-old Moroccan woman previously diagnosed with nonobstructive HCM. Multimodality imaging showed asymmetric hypertrophy and papillary muscle hypertrophy with markedly elevated native T1 and extracellular volume, while bone scintigraphy demonstrated intense cardiac tracer uptake consistent with ATTR. The report is significant because it underscores the need to consider hereditary ATTR in HCM-like presentations and to use imaging patterns to prompt appropriate genetic/amyloid evaluation.
Panelo M, Tuya-Acosta Y, Soto-Priore A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis in a Safety-Net Hospital: A Case Series of 10 Afro-Caribbean Patients.
This case series studied transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CA) in 10 Afro-Caribbean patients diagnosed at a safety-net hospital, motivated by underdiagnosis despite a high Val122Ile (V142Ile) carrier frequency. All 10 patients had positive 99mTc-PYP scans, with presentations ranging from heart failure (7 patients) to syncope with high-degree atrioventricular block and pericardial tamponade (3 patients). The scientific and clinical significance is that it documents ATTR-CA burden and phenotypic variability in an under-recognized population, supporting earlier screening and diagnostic vigilance.
Rattan K, Allison EL, Palmer WA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Donut Morphology of Cardiac Amyloidosis: A Glazed Over Diagnosis.
This case studied a “donut morphology” presentation of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis that led to a false-negative technetium-99m pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) radionuclide study in a 74-year-old man. Despite negative cardiac amyloid radionuclide imaging elsewhere, cardiac MRI revealed isolated circumferential basal wall thickening with localized subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement and extracellular volume changes consistent with early, nondiffuse amyloid infiltration. The significance is that early or focal amyloid patterns can produce false-negative CARI results, so CMR and clinical context should guide further evaluation.
Aggarwal P, Alpert C, Davies D · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
When Hematologic Response Does Not Translate to Cardiac Recovery in AL Amyloidosis.
This case studied AL (light-chain) amyloidosis in which hematologic response did not translate into cardiac recovery in a 66-year-old woman with dyspnea and chronic edema. Daratumumab-based chemotherapy substantially reduced free λ light chains after plasma cell myeloma was confirmed, but the truncated report indicates cardiac recovery did not occur despite improved hematologic markers. The clinical significance is that in advanced AL cardiac involvement, cardiac outcomes may lag behind hematologic response, emphasizing the need for cardiac-directed monitoring and risk stratification.
Futela P, Vinod P, Pushparaji B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rare Hereditary Cardiac Amyloidosis Treated With SGLT2 Inhibitor: Beyond ATTR/AL.
This case studied a 61-year-old man with rare hereditary cardiac amyloidosis in whom light-chain cardiac amyloidosis was excluded and genetic testing identified an Apolipoprotein (Apo) mutation (Apolip[truncated]). The patient’s progressive heart failure (NYHA III) was treated with an SGLT2 inhibitor, with the report emphasizing therapeutic benefit in a hereditary cardiac amyloidosis phenotype beyond the usual ATTR/AL categories. Clinically, it suggests SGLT2 inhibition may be a viable option to explore for hereditary cardiac amyloidosis patients who do not fit classic ATTR or AL treatment pathways.
Voran JC, Radić Ž, Kilian LS et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Hereditary Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis With Severe Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction Mimicking Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy.
This case studied a 49-year-old man with transthyretin (TTR) cardiac amyloidosis presenting with severe left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction that initially mimicked hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. Key findings were diffuse subendocardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac MRI with low-grade myocardial uptake on bone scintigraphy, followed by genetic confirmation of a pathogenic TTR variant (TTR varia[truncated]). Scientifically and clinically, it highlights that marked LVOT obstruction can occur in TTR cardiac amyloidosis and that multimodality imaging plus genetic testing can prevent misdiagnosis as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Nissan B, Magadale N, Kaplinskiy V et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Smartwatch-Detected Sinus Tachycardia Unmasking AL Cardiac Amyloidosis in a Young Adult.
This case studied a 36-year-old woman in whom smartwatch-detected sinus tachycardia unmasked immunoglobulin light-chain (AL) cardiac amyloidosis. The key findings were cardiac MRI suspicion for amyloidosis and confirmation of Mayo Clinic stage III IgA lambda AL cardiac amyloidosis using laboratory evaluation and histological testing (with the diagnosis triggered by wearable alerts). The significance is that wearable heart-rate monitoring may accelerate diagnosis of AL cardiac amyloidosis in younger adults, enabling earlier initiation of disease-directed therapy.
O’Dea G, O’Gorman P, Giblin GT · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Amyloid Light Chain Amyloidosis Involving the Heart and Temporal Arteries, Mimicking Giant Cell Arteritis.
This case studied a 74-year-old man with amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis involving both the heart and temporal arteries that initially mimicked giant cell arteritis. The key findings were infiltrative cardiomyopathy features on echocardiography and cardiac MRI, with AL amyloidosis confirmed by temporal artery biopsy after the initial misdiagnosis. Clinically, it underscores the need to consider AL amyloidosis when “giant cell arteritis” presentations coexist with cardiac biomarker elevation and infiltrative cardiac imaging findings.
Rashed A, Fernandes E, Saito R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Successful Heart Transplantation in a Patient With Triple Infiltrative Cardiomyopathy: Sarcoidosis, AL and TTR Amyloidosis.
This case studied a patient with triple infiltrative cardiomyopathy—cardiac sarcoidosis plus both AL and transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis—evaluated for heart transplantation. The key finding was identification of all three pathologies in myocardial tissue using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, supported by advanced cardiac MRI and FDG-PET imaging. The significance is that accurate molecular and multimodality characterization of coexisting infiltrative diseases can guide transplant decision-making in complex cardiomyopathy.
Nikolaidis LA, Hassan OA, Khariton Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apolipoprotein A-IV Cardiac Amyloidosis Presenting as Massive Ventricular Wall Thickening Mimicking Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
This case studied a 64-year-old woman with apolipoprotein A-IV (AApoAIV) cardiac amyloidosis presenting as massive ventricular wall thickening that mimicked hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Key findings included diffuse late gadolinium enhancement, abnormal nulling and elevated T1 on cardiac MRI, an apical-sparing strain pattern on echocardiography, and negative technetium-99m pyrophosphate scintigraphy (no myocardial uptake), with endomyocardial biopsy used to confirm the diagnosis (truncated). Scientifically, it expands the differential diagnosis of hypertrophic-appearing cardiomyopathy to include AApoAIV amyloidosis and supports multimodality imaging to distinguish amyloid subtypes.
Coderre R, Tersalvi G, Adigun RO et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Unmasking AL Cardiac Amyloidosis During Familial Cardiomyopathy Screening.
This case studied a 65-year-old asymptomatic man undergoing familial cardiomyopathy screening in whom AL cardiac amyloidosis was unmasked. The key findings were severe left ventricular hypertrophy with biventricular hypertrophy and normal extracellular volume on cardiac MRI, plus late gadolinium enhancement in the interventricular septum and both atria, with bone scintigraphy showing Perugini grade 0 (no pathologic uptake) and an abnormal κ/λ ratio (truncated). Clinically, it demonstrates that AL amyloidosis can be detected during screening for familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and that MRI plus serum free light-chain testing can reveal occult infiltrative disease.
Barberis Barcia G, Toranzo-Nieto I, González-Calle V et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
p.(V142I)-Associated Variant Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy Complicating Complex Congenital Heart Disease: A Lethal Combination.
This case report studied transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy due to the p.(V142I) variant in a 51-year-old Nigerian man with complex congenital heart disease (double outlet right ventricle). Cardiac amyloidosis was suspected on echocardiography and confirmed by cardiac MRI and bone scintigraphy, with genetic sequencing identifying homozygosity for the p.(V142I) transthyretin variant. The clinical significance is that the biologically aggressive ATTRv-CM p.(V142I) genotype can be a lethal combination with complex congenital heart disease, emphasizing the need for early amyloidosis evaluation in high-risk patients.
Zathar Z, Choy CH, Al-Sakini N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Exploration of Arrhythmia Burden in Cardiac Amyloidosis Using Implantable Loop Recorders: The EXCALIBUR Study.
The EXCALIBUR study prospectively investigated arrhythmia burden in 110 treatment-naïve patients with newly diagnosed transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) or light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL-CA) using implantable loop recorders. The study aimed to characterize true arrhythmic burden over time and relate it to amyloid subtype and disease characteristics through comprehensive phenotyping including cardiac magnetic resonance. Scientifically and clinically, it addresses uncertainty about arrhythmia prevalence and phenotype relationships in cardiac amyloidosis, potentially informing monitoring intensity and risk stratification strategies.
Ioannou A, Patel R, Mansell J et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Brain–Heart Axis in Cardiac Disease
Brain Cortex Thinning in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy - Associations With Myocardial Fibrosis and Cognitive Impairment.
This study used brain MRI and cardiac MRI in 77 post–heart-transplant patients (35 with cardiac allograft vasculopathy [CAV] and 42 without) plus 45 healthy controls to test whether CAV is associated with cortical thinning and whether this relates to myocardial fibrosis and cognitive impairment. Patients with CAV showed significant cortical thinning in multiple regions (including bilateral superior frontal gyrus, left angular gyrus, and left supramarginal gyrus), and the imaging associations were linked to myocardial fibrosis and cognitive measures via mediation analyses. The results suggest a brain–heart axis in CAV, providing MRI-based biomarkers that may help identify transplant recipients at higher risk for cognitive decline.
Qin Q, Zhu D, Zheng N et al. · Circulation journal : official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Herpes simplex virus and kallikrein-related peptidases - a functional connection in Alzheimer’s disease.
This study measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers in patients with AD and assessed whether KLK6 relates to an intrathecal anti–herpes simplex virus (HSV) immune response using HSV-1 serostatus and the CSF-to-serum antibody index (HSV-AI). The authors found functional associations between CSF KLK6 and AD biomarker profiles and linked KLK6 to intrathecal anti-HSV immune activity, with HSV-1 infection altering KLK6 expression in cell culture models. These findings connect HSV-driven neuroinflammation to KLK6 biology, suggesting a mechanistic pathway that could refine biomarker interpretation or therapeutic targeting in AD.
Goldhardt O, Robles CM, Eberl M et al. · Alzheimer’s research & therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inflammatory/Immune-Mediated Conduction & Systemic Inflammatory Mimics
Complete Atrioventricular Block in an HLA-B27-Positive Woman Without Overt Spondyloarthritis.
This case report describes a 43-year-old HLA-B27–positive woman without overt spondyloarthritis who presented with symptomatic complete atrioventricular block requiring dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Despite extensive evaluation with cardiac MRI, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, and comprehensive genetic testing, the clinical picture was notable for recurrent HLA-B27–associated anterior uveitis and autoimmune comorbidity (Hashimoto thyroiditis) without clear spondyloarthritis. The report highlights that HLA-B27–associated inflammatory conduction disease can occur without overt spondyloarthritis, emphasizing the need for broad inflammatory/infectious/infiltrative workup in young adults with unexplained CAVB.
Batista Lage JG, Tavares Pinheiro MV, Ferreira de Souza O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Malignant Early Repolarization Syndrome Unmasked by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in a Young Adult.
This case report studied malignant early repolarization syndrome (ERS) in a previously healthy 24-year-old man who developed out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with hypoxemia and hypokalemia. The patient showed inferolateral J-point elevation (>0.2 mV) and experienced recurrent VF triggered by short-coupled premature ventricular complexes, with suppression reported using quinidine and isoproterenol. Clinically, it highlights how systemic stressors such as ARDS-related hypoxemia and hypokalemia can unmask and worsen malignant ERS, supporting prompt recognition and antiarrhythmic management in structurally normal hearts.
Sah S, Doshi P, Bhandari J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Remodeling & Biomechanics (Strain/Strain Rate/Geometry/Metabolic Efficiency)
Feasibility of Continuous Ventricular Volumetric Quantification in Arrhythmias using Real-Time 3D CMR-MOTUS.
This study investigated the feasibility of continuous beat-to-beat 3D real-time motion field reconstruction for volumetric quantification in arrhythmia patients using real-time 3D CMR-MOTUS. The key finding was that 3D real-time motion field reconstruction can support continuous volumetric quantification without the heartbeat binning assumptions that degrade cine CMR in premature ventricular contraction (PVC)-related arrhythmias. This is significant because it enables more reliable functional assessment during arrhythmias, potentially improving clinical decision-making in patients with ectopy.
Olausson TE, Terpstra ML, Ahmad R et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial mitochondrial morphology and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
This study examined how amyloid deposition affects myocardial mitochondrial morphology and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTRwt) using endomyocardial biopsies, electron microscopy, high-resolution respirometry, and amyloid load quantification (stereology, cardiac resonance imaging, and echocardiography) in ATTRwt patients. The key finding was that mitochondrial structure/abundance and oxidative phosphorylation capacity were associated with amyloid load measures, indicating impaired mitochondrial oxidative function in ATTRwt. Scientifically, these data link ATTRwt amyloid burden to mitochondrial dysfunction, supporting mechanistic targets for therapies aimed at preserving bioenergetics.
Ladefoged B, Fensman S, Deutch F et al. · Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reduced ALDH2 Activity and Cardiovascular Carbonyl Stress: From Reactive Aldehyde Networks to Coronary Microvascular Obstruction.
This review analyzed evidence that reduced mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activity contributes to cardiovascular carbonyl stress and microvascular obstruction phenotypes after reperfusion in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The key finding was that ALDH2 reduction acts as a susceptibility amplifier by promoting reactive aldehyde formation (e.g., lipid peroxidation-derived electrophilic aldehydes) that can drive coronary microvascular obstruction and related outcomes. Clinically, it highlights ALDH2 as a potential therapeutic target to mitigate reperfusion injury and microvascular dysfunction.
Yan Z, Pu X, Cai Y et al. · Cardiovascular toxicology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Endomyocardial fibrosis in adults: multimodality imaging phenotype and independent predictors of mortality.
This retrospective single-center cohort study characterized adult endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) using multimodality imaging (transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance when available) and assessed longitudinal evolution and independent predictors of all-cause mortality in adults diagnosed with EMF between 1997 and 2024. The key finding was identification of independent mortality predictors based on clinical and imaging phenotype features across follow-up. Scientifically and clinically, defining prognostic imaging/clinical markers can improve risk stratification and management planning for this rare restrictive cardiomyopathy.
Hotta VT, Romero CE, Madrini V et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impaired myocardial oxygen metabolism and energy efficiency in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
This study assessed myocardial oxygen metabolism, cardiac work, and mechano-energetic efficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using non-contrast CMR measures including cine for LVEF and LVGLS, pre/post-contrast T1 mapping for extracellular volume (ECV), and first-pass perfusion imaging in 49 DCM patients and 23 matched controls. The key finding was that DCM patients showed impaired myocardial oxygen metabolism and reduced energy efficiency compared with controls. Clinically, these CMR-derived metabolic/efficiency metrics may improve understanding of DCM pathophysiology and help refine prognostic evaluation beyond standard functional measures.
Dai L, Qiao J, Wang K et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Strain Rate Angle Distribution as an Indicator of Post-Infarct Myocardial Remodeling: Proof-of-Concept of a Novel Application of the MRI Derived Strain Rate Tensor Field.
This proof-of-concept study developed a post-processing framework to convert tissue phase mapping (TPM) MRI velocity data into a strain rate tensor field and applied it to assess left ventricular (LV) remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction. The proposed “strain rate angle distribution” approach captured multidirectional deformation patterns beyond conventional strain metrics and demonstrated feasibility for in vivo remodeling characterization. This technique could improve MRI-based quantification of post-infarct remodeling by incorporating directional strain-rate information relevant to early dysfunction.
Totland L, Bendiksen BA, Nordén ES et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Septal Nonischemic Late Gadolinium Enhancement After Myocardial Infarction Is Associated With Adverse Remodeling and Improves Risk Stratification for Heart Failure Outcomes.
This retrospective CMR cohort study analyzed 948 patients with prior myocardial infarction to determine the prevalence, anatomic distribution, and prognostic value of nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement (NI-LGE), defined as midwall or subepicardial enhancement, while excluding coexisting nonischemic cardiomyopathies or myocarditis. Septal NI-LGE was associated with adverse cardiac remodeling and improved risk stratification for heart failure outcomes using competing-risk analysis. The findings support septal NI-LGE as a clinically actionable CMR marker for identifying post-MI patients at higher risk for heart failure progression.
Zhou P, Zhao K, Aisikaier K et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting as postpartum cardiogenic shock: a multimodality imaging approach.
This case studied peripartum cardiomyopathy presenting as postpartum cardiogenic shock in a patient evaluated using a multimodality imaging approach. The key finding was that computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provided complementary information to support recognition of PPCM while excluding alternative etiologies. Scientifically and clinically, it supports rapid, combined CT+CMR strategies for accurate diagnosis in acute postpartum heart failure.
Pretelt ECG, Romanque P, Alegría Bobadilla J et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary Pathology & Ischemia Mechanisms (MINOCA/ANOCA, Fistulas, Microvascular Angina)
Intravascular imaging in myocardial infarction and ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries.
This review summarized how intravascular imaging modalities—optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)—can characterize mechanisms in myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and angina/ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA). The key finding was that OCT is useful for detecting superficial abnormalities such as thrombus and plaque disruption, while IVUS better characterizes plaque burden, positive remodeling, intramural hematoma, and myocardial bridging, with roles differing between acute and chronic presentations. Scientifically and clinically, it supports targeted intracoronary imaging during the index angiogram to identify the acute epicardial mechanism driving MINOCA/INOCA.
Nishi T, Kume T, Irimpen A et al. · Cardiovascular intervention and therapeutics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Complex bilateral coronary artery fistulas with multiple drainage sites: a multimodality imaging case report.
This multimodality imaging case report evaluated a 68-year-old patient with exertional dyspnea and dizziness using coronary angiography, multislice CT, and cardiac imaging to characterize complex bilateral coronary artery fistulas (CAFs). Imaging demonstrated CAFs originating from both coronary arteries with multiple drainage sites, including the superior vena cava, right atrium, and descending aorta. The case illustrates how combined invasive and cross-sectional imaging can define complex CAF anatomy to guide management decisions in patients at risk for ischemia or heart failure.
Ružičić D, Čanković M, Komazec N et al. · European heart journal. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Giant Coronary Artery Aneurysms and Severe Biventricular Failure: Multimodality Imaging-Guided Conservative Management.
This case studied giant coronary artery aneurysms causing severe biventricular failure in a 35-year-old man using multimodality imaging (transthoracic echocardiography, coronary CT angiography, and cardiac MRI with late gadolinium enhancement). The patient had multivessel giant aneurysms with mural thrombi involving all epicardial vessels and transmural LGE confined to the anterior and lateral walls, with partial recovery of biventricular function after conservative, imaging-guided management. The report highlights that even extensive epicardial giant coronary aneurysms may be managed conservatively when imaging suggests potentially reversible myocardial injury.
Davila Flores D, Pitta Acevedo M, Vargas Cabrera O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Obstructive Intramural Coronary Amyloidosis: Uncommon or Under-Recognized Cause of Microvascular Angina?
This case studied obstructive intramural coronary amyloidosis (OICA) as a cause of microvascular angina in an 83-year-old man with angina-like symptoms, persistently elevated troponin, and normal coronary angiography. Endomyocardial biopsy demonstrated extensive transthyretin amyloid deposition almost exclusively in intramural coronary arterioles, establishing OICA despite nondiagnostic noninvasive testing (including bone scintigraphy and CMR). The report is significant because it shows OICA can be an under-recognized mimic of ischemic heart disease and may require biopsy for diagnosis.
Fazzini L, D’Elia E, Sciatti E et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Navigating coronary microvascular dysfunction: an echocardiographic triage algorithm for cardiac magnetic resonance and coronary computed tomography angiography.
This study proposed an echocardiography-guided triage algorithm for suspected coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) to determine who should undergo cardiac MRI and coronary CT angiography. Using frontline transthoracic echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS) and a Doppler-derived coronary sinus flow (CSF) index, patients with abnormal initial findings are selectively referred for CMR for definitive tissue characterization and quantitative phase assessment. Clinically, it aims to provide a noninvasive pathway to earlier CMD detection and risk stratification without relying solely on invasive measurements.
Güleşir ME · Journal of ultrasound · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Generated automatically on September 28, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published September 21, 2026 – September 28, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.