What's New in Cardiac MRI? — October 01, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 90 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
October 01, 2026 · 90 articles · 15 research themes · covering September 24, 2026 – October 01, 2026
Overview
This week’s digest is dominated by a clear shift from “single-number” cardiac assessment toward richer, quantitative, and often multi-chamber imaging biomarkers. Multiple studies and reviews emphasize that strain, T1/T2 mapping, extracellular volume (ECV), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-like surrogates, and even blood-pool T2 ratios can detect clinically meaningful injury earlier than conventional measures. Importantly, several cohorts show that these quantitative markers add prognostic value beyond ejection fraction—supporting their use for risk stratification after myocardial infarction, in heart failure with reduced systolic function, and in conditions such as cardiac sarcoidosis, myocarditis, and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.
A second major theme is “right-sided and longitudinal thinking”: imaging is increasingly used to track trajectories rather than snapshots. Narrative frameworks for right-heart monitoring across the heart failure spectrum, PET for early pulmonary hypertension biology, and MRI-based congestion staging all point toward earlier detection of hemodynamic deterioration. Complementing this, post-MI remodeling work—including 4D imaging approaches—frames remodeling as a coupled spatiotemporal process, aligning imaging outputs with mechanistic disease progression.
Finally, the field continues to tackle implementation barriers: advances in CMR acquisition speed, motion handling, and reconstruction (including deep-learning acceleration) aim to make imaging more feasible at scale. Parallel efforts in multimodality workflows—such as using CT when CMR is contraindicated, standardizing structural valve trial imaging endpoints, and refining analysis pipelines for quantitative perfusion—highlight a pragmatic push toward reproducibility and clinical readiness. Across these themes, AI appears both as a tool for imaging-derived biomarkers and as a target for more rigorous validation before deployment.
Cardiac MRI/CT Quantitative Biomarkers & Tissue Characterization
Myocardial strain evaluation from cardiovascular MRI and CT: physiological principles and clinical perspectives.
This 2026 review described the physiological basis and clinical perspectives for measuring myocardial strain using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT). The key finding is that strain provides locally defined, mesostructure-driven deformation information that can be more sensitive to myocardial physiology than global function metrics. This supports broader clinical adoption of strain imaging across CMR and CCT for improved assessment of myocardial disease and treatment response.
Hussein TM, Pourmorteza A, Oshinski JN · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Simultaneous 3-D Adiabatic T1ρ, T2*, and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping for Characterization of Myocardial Infarction in Ex Vivo Mouse.
This ex vivo mouse study developed a simultaneous 3-D adiabatic T1ρ-weighted quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) technique to characterize myocardial infarction after MI in C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice (nMI=7, nCTRL=6). The method enabled concurrent estimation of T1ρ-weighted QSM, T2* maps, and magnetic susceptibility, with T1ρ maps derived from combined T1ρ–T2*–QSM measurements. This technique advances quantitative MRI for detailed infarct characterization, supporting more mechanistic and translational studies of post-MI tissue remodeling.
Räty I, Nykänen O, Kettunen S et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A Comparison of Tissue Property Values Estimated Using Conventional Cardiac MRF and MT-Cardiac MRF.
This study compared tissue property estimates from conventional cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (cMRF) versus MT-cardiac MRF that explicitly models magnetization transfer (MT) during reconstruction of T1 and T2. The key finding is that incorporating MT modeling changes the estimated tissue parameters (including free-pool T1f/T2f and bound pool fraction) and improves consistency of measurements in simulations, phantom experiments, and 14 healthy subjects. Clinically and scientifically, MT-cMRF may yield more accurate quantitative T1/T2 metrics for cardiac tissue characterization.
Kaplan S, Liu Z, Hamilton J et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Standardized MRI-Based Quantification of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume: Reproducibility and Agreement With Cardiac Computed Tomography.
This retrospective study evaluated a standardized MRI-based method to quantify epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) in 127 patients with aortic stenosis who underwent paired cardiac CT and MRI, with additional volunteers. The key finding was that the standardized MRI EATV quantification showed reproducibility and agreement with cardiac computed tomography, supporting MRI as a radiation-free alternative for EATV assessment. This is clinically significant because validated MRI EATV measurement could enable broader cardiometabolic risk stratification without CT radiation exposure in patients with aortic stenosis.
Gronwald J, Gersch SS, Böttiger Z et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The feasibility of low contrast dose dual-energy CT for quantifying myocardial focal scar via extracellular volume fraction.
This prospective study evaluated whether low-contrast-dose dual-energy CT (DECT) using extracellular volume (ECV) fraction from late iodine enhancement (DECT-LIE-ECV) can quantify myocardial focal scar (MFS) in 33 patients with old myocardial infarction. The key finding was that DECT-LIE-ECV measurements were quantitatively comparable to CMR-derived ECV (from T1 mapping and CMR-LGE reference) for assessing MFS and remote myocardium across left ventricular segments. This is significant because it suggests a lower-contrast DECT approach for scar quantification that could reduce contrast burden while maintaining agreement with CMR.
Chen F, Jia T, Luo L et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Semiautomatic method for peak velocity quantification using 4D flow imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
This single-center prospective study evaluated a new semiautomatic postprocessing method for measuring left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) peak velocity on 4D flow cardiac MRI in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and LV outflow tract obstruction. The semiautomatic approach improved reliability and reproducibility compared with labor-intensive current peak-velocity quantification workflows. Reliable LVOT peak-velocity measurement on 4D flow CMR could streamline assessment and improve consistency of hemodynamic phenotyping for HCM-LVOTO management.
Desdoit X, Bouzerar R, Dantoing C et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multiparametric cardiac MRI in the diagnosis of transplant rejection in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation.
This prospective single-center study evaluated multiparametric cardiac MRI—specifically T1- and T2 mapping—for noninvasive detection of acute cellular rejection in 17 adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients within 1 month post-transplant, compared with 10 controls. Serial T1/T2 mapping showed diagnostic utility for rejection monitoring across the early post-transplant period. Noninvasive MRI biomarkers could reduce reliance on frequent endomyocardial biopsies and improve rejection surveillance in heart transplant care.
Sokolska JM, Sokolski M, Nożyński J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generation of contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI from contrast-free scans: a multi-center, multi-manufacturer study.
This multi-center, multi-manufacturer study developed and tested Cine2LGE, a machine-learning method that generates late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)-like images and estimates enhancement probability from contrast-free cine cardiac MRI. The key finding was that Cine2LGE produced LGE-like image quality and enhancement probability estimates that generalized across scanners and datasets, including external testing. A contrast-free “synthetic LGE” approach could expand myocardial tissue characterization to patients who cannot receive gadolinium due to renal impairment or contrast allergy.
Xie P, Zhang Z, Chen J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Prevalence and determinants of asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) in diseases of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) across healthy individuals and in diseases associated with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), using UK Biobank (n=4020) and a multicohort clinical cardiac MRI (CMR) dataset (n=1655) including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), hypertension, aortic stenosis, Fabry disease, and amyloidosis. ASH prevalence and the septal-to-lateral wall thickness ratio (SLR) varied systematically with demographic factors and disease context, enabling age-, sex-, and body surface area–adjusted comparisons against a modeled healthy reference. Clinically, these findings refine how ASH should be interpreted on CMR to distinguish physiologic or demographic septal thickening from pathological LVH phenotypes such as HCM.
Shiwani H, Augusto J, Topriceanu CC et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of rate-pressure product correction of myocardial blood flow on the prognostic relevance in patients with heart failure.
This study evaluated whether correcting quantitative perfusion CMR–derived myocardial blood flow (MBF) for rate-pressure product (RPP) changes prognostic performance in patients with heart failure (HF), analyzing QP-CMR data from 641 prospectively recruited HF patients and 184 healthy volunteers. RPP correction altered resting MBF and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) calculations (with corrected MPR defined as uncorrected stress MBF divided by RPP-corrected rest MBF), thereby affecting the prognostic relevance of QP-CMR metrics for HF outcomes. Scientifically and clinically, the work supports standardization of MBF/MPR processing in QP-CMR so that risk prediction and trial endpoints are comparable across sites and analysis pipelines.
Anderton T, Chambers B, Farooq M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Reference Values for Left Ventricular Diastolic Function and Left Atrial Sphericity Index in Healthy Adults.
This study investigated cardiovascular MRI reference values for left ventricular (LV) diastolic volumetric parameters and the left atrial sphericity index (LASI) in healthy adults. Using retrospectively collected data from 503 rigorously screened healthy Chinese adults, the key finding is that age- and sex-specific CMR-derived normal ranges can be established for these diastolic and atrial shape metrics. Clinically, these reference values enable more accurate interpretation of CMR measurements in patients with suspected diastolic dysfunction or atrial remodeling.
Gao Y, Li W, Liu W et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 compared myocardial T1 relaxation times and subjective image quality at different doses of the second-generation gadolinium-based contrast agent gadopiclenol in patients with Anderson-Fabry disease undergoing 3T cardiac MRI. The key finding was that gadopiclenol provided high LGE image quality with myocardial T1 shortening consistent with effective contrast at reduced gadolinium doses across the tested dosing levels. This supports gadopiclenol as a potentially dose-sparing CMR contrast option for Anderson-Fabry disease imaging.
Kollmann AT, Huflage H, Dazeh RS et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Imaging for Ischemia, Perfusion, and Microvascular Disease
PET Imaging in Pulmonary Hypertension.
This 2026 review examined how positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to image pulmonary hypertension, with emphasis on pulmonary arterial hypertension and right ventricular (RV) remodeling. The key finding is that PET can detect early molecular and vascular alterations that precede overt RV dysfunction, complementing echocardiography and cardiac MRI. Clinically, this positions PET as a potential tool for earlier diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of disease biology in pulmonary hypertension.
van Leent MMT, St Hillaire T, Sivalokanathan S et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Inhibition of late sodium current (INa) to prevent coronary MICROvascular dysfunction in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease: A phase IIb multicenter, randomized, controlled and open label study (INaMICRON).
This phase IIb multicenter randomized open-label trial (INaMICRON) is studying whether early inhibition of the late sodium current (INa) with ranolazine, added to guideline-directed medical therapy, improves coronary microvascular dysfunction in adults with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent successful primary PCI and have at least one non-culprit lesion planned for staged PCI. The key finding reported in the abstract is the trial’s design rationale and primary hypothesis that ranolazine will favorably modulate microvascular function during the early post-infarction phase. Scientifically and clinically, if effective, this would provide a targeted pharmacologic strategy to address residual microvascular dysfunction after STEMI.
Di Serafino L, Ciaramella L, De Rosa S et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging with MRI and CT: clinical applications and future directions.
This review article summarized clinical applications and future directions for quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging using MRI (QP-CMR) and CT (quantitative CTP) to assess absolute myocardial blood flow and ischemia. It reports that QP-CMR and quantitative CTP improve diagnostic performance over visual or anatomy-only approaches, particularly in multi-vessel coronary artery disease. Quantitative perfusion imaging could enable more accurate, radiation-aware, and patient-specific ischemia assessment for CAD management.
Nakamura S, Takafuji M, Hashimoto N et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Perfusion: A Review of PET/CT and CMR Methods.
This review assessed quantitative myocardial perfusion methods across PET/CT and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), focusing on how each modality measures myocardial blood flow and perfusion reserve. The key finding was that both PET/CT and CMR can provide pixel-wise, segmental, and global quantification with additive diagnostic value over qualitative perfusion imaging, particularly in complex scenarios such as multivessel disease. Scientifically and clinically, it consolidates evidence supporting quantitative perfusion as a more precise tool for coronary artery disease evaluation and management.
Anderton T, Kamani CH, Kellman P et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prognosis, Risk Stratification, and Clinical Outcomes from Imaging
MRI staging of haemodynamic congestion and clinical outcomes.
This European radiology study evaluated whether MRI-derived hemodynamic congestion staging—using MRI-wedge pressure (from left atrial volume and left ventricular mass) and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVi) (from first-pass transit analysis)—predicts clinical outcomes. The key finding was that patients stratified into four MRI hemodynamic stages (normal, isolated volume overload, isolated pressure overload, combined overload) showed prognostic differences, and these MRI markers were associated with non-invasive markers of myocardial fibrosis. This is clinically significant because MRI-based congestion staging could improve risk prediction beyond conventional clinical assessment in patients with suspected or established heart failure.
Mantini C, Sorella A, Falco D et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical significance of incidental pericardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance.
This retrospective single-center study assessed the clinical significance of incidentally detected pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac MRI in patients scanned for unrelated indications. The key finding was that incidental pericardial LGE identified a subgroup with clinically meaningful differences compared with patients without pericardial LGE, suggesting it may reflect persistent subclinical inflammation rather than only active pericarditis. This is significant because it may change how incidental pericardial LGE findings are interpreted and followed for long-term outcome risk.
Lepre V, Moretto N, De Martino M et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Predictive value of myocardial extracellular volume fraction for mortality and heart failure in known or suspected coronary artery disease patients.
This retrospective cohort study tested whether myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) fraction measured by cardiac MRI predicts mortality and incident heart failure in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. The key finding was that higher ECV (derived from native and post-contrast T1 mapping using a modified look-locker inversion protocol) was associated with worse clinical outcomes, supporting ECV as a prognostic biomarker. This is clinically significant because ECV could help identify higher-risk patients for mortality and heart failure using a noninvasive CMR fibrosis surrogate.
Krittayaphong R, Jirataiporn K, Yindeengam A et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Reduced right/left ventricular blood pool T2-ratio predicts congestive heart failure after STEMI.
This prognostic cohort study assessed whether the reduced right/left ventricular blood pool T2-ratio measured by T2-mapping on CMR predicts newly diagnosed congestive heart failure after revascularized first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Among 604 patients undergoing CMR within four days post-STEMI, a lower RV/LV T2-ratio was associated with subsequent development of CHF. If validated, RV/LV blood-pool T2-ratio could serve as an early, noninvasive CMR biomarker for post-STEMI heart failure risk stratification.
Troger F, Pamminger M, Tiller C et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Left ventricular deformation predicts major adverse cardiac events following acute myocardial infarction independently of afterload and ventricular-arterial coupling.
This CMR-based prognostic study analyzed 1235 patients after acute myocardial infarction (795 STEMI, 440 non-STEMI) to test whether left ventricular (LV) deformation (global longitudinal and circumferential strain, GLS/GCS) predicts major adverse cardiac events independently of afterload and ventricular-arterial coupling. LV deformation measures predicted major adverse cardiac events even after accounting for load-related parameters, supporting prognostic value beyond hemodynamic coupling. These results support incorporating CMR strain into post-AMI risk models to better identify patients at high risk for adverse outcomes.
Backhaus SJ, Wolter JS, Stiermaier T et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Stress CMR ischaemic burden and long-term mortality in left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a multicentre registry study.
This multicentre registry study examined whether stress perfusion CMR ischemic burden and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) add incremental prognostic value for all-cause mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (CMR-derived LVEF <50%) undergoing vasodilator stress perfusion CMR at three French centers (2008–2024). Ischaemia and LGE derived from stress CMR were associated with long-term mortality, and their prognostic contribution was evaluated beyond clinical factors and LVEF using multivariable Cox models. The results are significant for risk stratification in LV systolic dysfunction by validating stress CMR markers of ischemia/scar as actionable prognostic tools beyond ejection fraction alone.
Pfeffer A, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · 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 (including echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance when available) and identified independent predictors of all-cause mortality. The key finding was that specific imaging/clinical features associated with EMF phenotype and progression independently predicted mortality over long-term follow-up. These results improve prognostic risk assessment for this rare restrictive cardiomyopathy and support more standardized multimodality evaluation.
Hotta VT, Romero CE, Madrini V et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiomyopathies: Inflammatory, Infiltrative, and Genetic Mechanisms
Not Only the Left Ventricle: The Impact of Potentially Cardiotoxic Oncological Treatment on the Left Atrium and Right Ventricle.
This 2026 systematic review evaluated echocardiographic and cardiac MRI studies assessing left atrial (LA), right atrial (RA), and right ventricular (RV) function in patients exposed to potentially cardiotoxic oncologic treatments. The key finding is that cardiotoxicity surveillance focused on left ventricular ejection fraction/strain can miss clinically relevant injury to atrial and right-sided chambers, and studies increasingly support multi-chamber assessment. This is significant for improving detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity and guiding more comprehensive imaging follow-up during cancer therapy.
Żak M, Suchodolski A, Niklewski T et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI Strain for Prediction of PET-defined Myocardial Inflammation in Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis.
This retrospective study evaluated whether cardiac MRI feature-tracking strain parameters (peak circumferential strain [PCS], peak longitudinal strain [PLS], and diastolic strain rates) predict PET/CT-defined myocardial inflammation in patients with definite or probable cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent FDG PET/CT within 90 days. PCS, PLS, and/or diastolic strain rate measures independently predicted focal FDG uptake–defined inflammation. These findings support using cine SSFP–based strain on cardiac MRI as a noninvasive biomarker to identify active myocardial inflammation in cardiac sarcoidosis, potentially guiding risk stratification and treatment monitoring.
Firoozeh N, Shafiei M, Gulhane A et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac MRI and C-reactive protein for predicting clinical prognosis of acute myocarditis in adults.
This retrospective adult study assessed whether late gadolinium-enhanced CMR tissue parameters (cine, native T1/T2, post-T1 mapping, and LGE) and C-reactive protein (CRP) predict clinical prognosis in acute myocarditis, including 41 fulminant myocarditis patients (17 without mechanical circulatory support [MCS] and 24 with MCS) and 35 non-fulminant cases. Myocardial injury characteristics on CMR combined with CRP were associated with adverse clinical outcomes in acute myocarditis. Clinically, integrating CMR tissue injury metrics with CRP may improve early prognostication and help identify patients needing closer monitoring or escalation of care.
Shi X, Wang Y, Zhang Z et al. · Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance differentiates pediatric dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.
This study assessed whether diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DTI-CMR) can differentiate pediatric dilated versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathies using quantitative diffusion metrics (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] and fractional anisotropy [FA]). The key finding was that DTI-derived ADC and FA measurements provided discriminatory microstructural information between the two pediatric cardiomyopathy phenotypes. This is significant because it extends CMR beyond conventional functional/tissue characterization toward noninvasive myocardial microstructure-based diagnosis in children.
Juárez JT, Tobón SH, Patrón Chi SA et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Association Between HIV Infection Duration and Left Ventricular Concentric Remodeling and Myocardial Fibrosis: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Cardiac MRI.
This cross-sectional cardiac MRI study compared 83 HIV-infected participants stratified by antiretroviral therapy duration (<5 years vs ≥5 years) with 34 matched HIV-negative controls to evaluate left ventricular concentric remodeling and myocardial fibrosis markers. The key finding was that longer HIV infection duration was associated with worse cardiac remodeling and increased myocardial fibrosis on cardiac MRI measures (including 1.5 T SSFP cine and MOLLI T1-mapping–derived indices). This is significant because it links HIV disease duration to MRI-detectable cardiac injury, supporting MRI biomarkers for risk assessment and monitoring in chronic HIV.
Deng C, Sun W, Gao T et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Practical Guide for Cardiologists.
This practical guide reviewed current evidence on cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), focusing on diagnosis, immunosuppression, and prevention of arrhythmic events in patients with systemic sarcoidosis. It emphasizes that myocardial involvement is patchy and that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and ^18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET are central to detecting disease and guiding management, despite limited randomized trial data. Scientifically and clinically, the review provides an actionable framework to improve recognition of CS and reduce risks of atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.
Imazio M, Venturelli F, Collini V · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac amyloidosis and coronary artery disease: an overlooked clinical intersection.
This review examined the clinical intersection between cardiac amyloidosis and coronary artery disease (CAD), emphasizing why the coexistence of these conditions complicates diagnosis and treatment in elderly patients with HFpEF. It argues that although epicardial atherosclerosis is present in roughly 30–40% of amyloidosis patients, ischemia in amyloid heart disease is often driven by coronary microvascular dysfunction from amyloid infiltration rather than flow-limiting epicardial obstruction. The significance is improved diagnostic reasoning and more targeted therapeutic strategies that address microvascular mechanisms in addition to conventional CAD evaluation.
Kancerek J, Suchodolski A, Wojnicz R et al. · Coronary artery disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Interaction Between Genotype, Phenotype, and Prognosis in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
This prospective study investigated how genotype, CMR-derived fibrosis characteristics, and their interaction relate to long-term prognosis in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), enrolling DCM patients who underwent whole-genome sequencing and CMR. DCM genetic status was categorized into TTN variants, non-TTN variants, and genotype-negative groups, and the study evaluated how these genetic categories interact with CMR fibrosis markers to influence outcomes. The scientific significance is clarifying whether CMR fibrosis and specific genetic backgrounds jointly refine prognostication beyond either factor alone, supporting more personalized risk stratification in DCM.
Li Y, Xu Y, Guo Y et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial mitochondrial morphology and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy.
This study examined how transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy in wild-type ATTRwt affects myocardial mitochondrial morphology and oxidative phosphorylation capacity in patients using endomyocardial biopsy electron microscopy and high-resolution respirometry. The key finding was that higher amyloid burden was associated with impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation capacity alongside measurable alterations in mitochondrial structure (number/size). These results link cardiac amyloid deposition to mitochondrial dysfunction, strengthening mechanistic targets for preserving bioenergetics in ATTRwt cardiomyopathy.
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 reduced mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) activity as a susceptibility amplifier for cardiovascular outcomes after reperfusion, focusing on reactive aldehyde networks leading to coronary microvascular obstruction phenotypes. The key finding was that reperfusion-driven reactive oxygen species generate electrophilic aldehydes (e.g., 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, malondialdehyde) and that insufficient ALDH2 activity promotes carbonyl stress that contributes to microvascular obstruction and related injury patterns. Clinically, it reframes ALDH2 as a modifiable risk amplifier, motivating strategies to mitigate aldehyde/carbonyl stress to improve microvascular perfusion after myocardial infarction.
Yan Z, Pu X, Cai Y et al. · Cardiovascular toxicology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 transcriptomic data with cardiac magnetic resonance late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)–derived myocardial fibrosis severity to identify regulatory genes in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The key finding was that CCND1 emerged as a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for myocardial fibrosis in HCM. This provides a gene-level candidate for risk stratification and potential antifibrotic intervention in HCM, a condition linked to arrhythmias and heart failure progression.
Chang L, Gong C, Wu Z et al. · Biochemical and biophysical research communications · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Impaired myocardial oxygen metabolism and energy efficiency in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
This study evaluated myocardial oxygen metabolism and mechano-energetic efficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients using non-contrast CMR techniques, enrolling 49 DCM patients and 23 matched controls. The key finding was that DCM patients exhibited impaired myocardial oxygenation and reduced energy efficiency alongside altered cardiac work/strain metrics compared with controls. This supports CMR-based metabolic/energetic phenotyping as a potential biomarker approach for understanding disease severity and outcomes in DCM.
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 ↗
Intravascular imaging in myocardial infarction and ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries.
This review summarized the role of intravascular imaging in myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) and angina/ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA/INOCA), comparing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The key finding was that targeted intracoronary imaging during the index angiogram can identify acute epicardial mechanisms in MINOCA, while OCT and IVUS differ in their ability to detect thrombus/plaque disruption versus plaque burden/remodeling/intramural hematoma. Clinically, it supports selecting the appropriate intravascular modality to refine diagnosis and guide management in MINOCA/INOCA syndromes.
Nishi T, Kume T, Irimpen A et al. · Cardiovascular intervention and therapeutics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocarditis-Like Presentation Leads to DSP Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy Diagnosis: From Variant of Uncertain Significance to Diagnosis.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 38-year-old woman with a myocarditis-like presentation whose cardiac MRI 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 LGE and the DSP VUS was reclassified as likely pathogenic, establishing DSP arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy as the diagnosis. This highlights the clinical importance of variant reclassification and longitudinal imaging in translating genetic findings into actionable cardiomyopathy diagnoses.
DeLorenzo O, Farkouh F, Alameh I et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart Failure and Right-Heart Monitoring
From snapshot to trajectory: A multimodality right-heart monitoring framework across the heart failure spectrum.
This 2026 narrative review proposed a multimodality, trajectory-based framework for serial right-heart monitoring across the heart failure spectrum (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF). The key finding is that integrating clinical status, biomarkers, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI/other imaging into a longitudinal “trajectory” approach can better capture RV dysfunction, pulmonary vascular load, tricuspid regurgitation, and venous congestion than left-ventricle–centered follow-up. This is significant because it provides a therapy-agnostic monitoring strategy, illustrated using SGLT2 inhibition with dapagliflozin, to improve right-heart–focused management over time.
Albulushi A, Al Habsi M, Al-Kharusi A · American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital Heart Disease and Pediatric Cardiac Imaging
The grey zone before pulmonary valve replacement in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a paediatric perspective on the 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement.
This 2026 pediatric perspective discussed the 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement on risk assessment in repaired tetralogy of Fallot, focusing on a subgroup with borderline right ventricular (RV) size. The authors define a “grey zone” of indexed RV end-diastolic volume (~140–160 mL/m²) and indexed end-systolic volume (~70–80 mL/m²) where no single measurement threshold clearly determines timing of pulmonary valve replacement. This helps clinicians interpret borderline RV volumes and supports individualized decision-making for pulmonary valve replacement in children.
Ulug Murt N, Ramcharan T · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left ventricular rehabilitation after Ross operation for critical aortic stenosis with endocardial fibroelastosis.
This retrospective/observational analysis evaluated long-term clinical and functional outcomes after the Ross operation performed before 1 year of age in neonates and infants with critical aortic stenosis, comparing those with versus without endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE). The study found that early Ross surgery with or without EFE resection was associated with long-term functional outcomes, with subgroup differences related to the presence of EFE. These findings inform expectations for LV recovery and long-term management in infants with EFE-associated critical aortic stenosis.
Jacob KA, Korsuize NA, van Wijk A et al. · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Heart Disease and Structural Interventions
Imaging the Adult With Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: A Practical Echocardiographic Approach From Diagnosis to Device Closure.
This 2026 narrative review synthesized a practical echocardiographic workflow for adults with secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), emphasizing how to evaluate non-circular anatomy for transcatheter closure planning. The key finding is that using complementary views—particularly multiplanar 2D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) alongside transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)—improves anatomical characterization and measurement accuracy beyond single-plane approaches. Clinically, this supports safer device selection and follow-up by standardizing imaging steps from diagnosis through closure.
Poyraz E, Asarcikli LD · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac Imaging in Structural Valve Clinical Trials: Secondary Mitral Regurgitation.
This review summarized how cardiac imaging is used in structural valve clinical trials for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), focusing on transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and transcatheter mitral valve replacement. It delineated the roles and imaging criteria of echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal), cardiac CT, and cardiac MRI for patient selection, procedural guidance, and outcome assessment in current trials. The clinical significance is improved trial design and patient selection by clarifying which imaging endpoints and measurements are most relevant for SMR interventions.
Chehab O, Capasso R, Delgado V et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Atrial Disease, Thrombus, and Arrhythmia Risk
Incremental Diagnostic Value of Right Atrial Strain in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Cardiac MRI Study.
This cardiac MRI study evaluated right atrial (RA) phasic strain as a diagnostic discriminator in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) across three groups: ARVC with preserved RV function (n=38), ARVC with reduced RV function (n=38), and healthy controls (n=38). The key finding is that ARVC patients with preserved RV function already show impaired RA reservoir and conduit strain and reduced RA passive emptying fraction despite preserved RA systolic indices. Scientifically and clinically, RA strain may improve early detection of ARVC before overt RV dysfunction becomes apparent.
Xu W, Zhao J, Song Y et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Atrial Stiffness Identifies Children with Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-Proven Acute Myocarditis Despite Preserved Left Ventricular Systolic Function.
This retrospective study evaluated left atrial (LA) stiffness in 51 children with acute myocarditis diagnosed by cardiac MRI (using updated Lake-Louise-Criteria) who had preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (>55%), compared with 40 age-matched healthy controls. LA stiffness was abnormal in the myocarditis cohort and identified children with MRI-proven acute myocarditis despite preserved LV systolic function. These findings suggest LA stiffness could improve pediatric myocarditis detection and risk assessment beyond conventional measures of preserved LV ejection fraction.
Numata R, Calderon-Anyosa R, Vaiyani D et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Left Atrial Strain and History of Life-Threatening Arrhythmia in Adults with Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study.
This retrospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study assessed left atrial reservoir strain (LAS) derived from four-chamber cine images in 39 adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (r-ToF) to determine associations with a history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia (h-LTA). Patients with h-LTA had worse LAS, indicating that impaired left atrial reservoir function is linked to prior life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in r-ToF. Clinically, LAS on routine CMR may help refine arrhythmia risk stratification in adults with repaired congenital heart disease.
Missana A, Nunes LF, Foulon T et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Peak apical rotation independently predicts left ventricular thrombus following anterior myocardial infarction.
This multicentre prospective observational study tested whether peak apical rotation measured post-hoc by speckle tracking echocardiography predicts left ventricular (LV) thrombus after anterior myocardial infarction (MI) in 270 patients. LV thrombus occurred in 33% of patients, and peak apical rotation was lower in those who developed thrombus, with discrimination and association assessed using multivariable regression and ROC analysis. The finding is clinically important because it suggests a readily obtainable echocardiographic mechanical marker that could improve identification of patients at high risk for post-MI LV thrombus.
Jones J, Coldea B, Butt H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Remodeling and Post-Myocardial Infarction Dynamics
Young Mice Exhibit Increased Relative Ventricular Remodeling After AMI-A Longitudinal CMR Study.
This 2026 longitudinal CMR study compared left ventricular (LV) remodeling after permanent LAD ligation in young versus aged C57BL/6 mice using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging at 2, 7, and 28 days post–myocardial infarction (AMI). Young mice showed increased relative ventricular remodeling compared with aged mice over the post-AMI time course. Scientifically, this suggests age-dependent differences in remodeling dynamics that can inform the design and interpretation of preclinical AMI studies and therapeutic testing.
Lemcke H, Wörner P, Dalmer A et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MR Characterization of Infarct-Related and Remote Myocardial Injury in Multivessel Disease After Acute Myocardial Infarction.
This retrospective cardiac MRI study characterized infarct-related and remote myocardial injury in 224 patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent MRI 31–90 days after percutaneous coronary intervention, comparing multivessel disease (MVD) versus single-vessel disease (SVD) and stratifying by revascularization completeness. Patients with MVD showed distinct myocardial tissue properties not only in the infarct zone but also in remote myocardium, with differences related to whether revascularization was complete. These findings help clarify how the extent of coronary disease and revascularization status influences diffuse post-AMI myocardial injury, informing prognosis and follow-up strategies.
Luo C, Jiang W, Mo C et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Investigating Biventricular Intracardiac Flow Remodeling in Marathon Athletes With 4D Flow Cardiac MRI.
This study used 4D flow cardiac MRI to characterize biventricular intracardiac flow components in marathon athletes and relate them to markers of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. The authors report that 4D flow MRI can detect biventricular flow remodeling patterns in this athletic population, providing hemodynamic information beyond conventional structural and functional measures. These findings support 4D flow MRI as a potential imaging biomarker to help distinguish exercise-induced cardiac remodeling from early cardiomyopathy.
Tang M, Ren W, Liu G et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multiscale four-dimensional imaging of cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction.
This study examined post-myocardial-infarction cardiac remodelling by integrating four-dimensional (4D) cardiac imaging to capture coupled spatiotemporal changes across scales. The key finding is that 4D approaches better characterize infarcted-heart remodelling as an integrated process linking 3D ventricular geometry with temporal dynamics (e.g., cardiac-cycle or tracer-kinetic behavior), rather than treating mechanical, haemodynamic, and molecular responses in isolation. Scientifically, this supports more comprehensive imaging frameworks for understanding and potentially stratifying remodelling trajectories after MI.
Lei H, Martinac B, Guo Y · The Journal of physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging Methods, Acceleration, and Acquisition Optimization
Optimization of Respiratory Training Methods for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
This prospective study in 93 patients undergoing 3T cardiac MRI compared respiratory training strategies using different breath-holding methods to reduce respiratory motion artifacts. The key finding is that the choice of breath-hold/respiratory training method significantly affects cardiac MRI image quality, enabling identification of an optimal approach for minimizing motion-related degradation. This supports implementing structured respiratory training to improve diagnostic image quality in routine cardiac MRI workflows.
Ma Z, Zhang X, Li G et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Performance of Free-Running Cardiac and Respiratory Motion-Resolved Whole-Heart 5D MRI in Congenital Heart Disease Patients Using a Gadolinium Enhanced Fast-Interrupted Steady-State Sequence.
This retrospective study evaluated free-running cardiac and respiratory motion-resolved whole-heart 5D MRI using a gadolinium enhanced fast-interrupted steady-state sequence in 45 consecutive congenital heart disease (CHD) patients, comparing it with 2D and 3D MRI. The key finding is that 5D MRI provides comparable or improved assessment of ventricular volumes and ejection fractions relative to conventional 2D/3D acquisitions while maintaining acceptable image quality. Scientifically, it supports gadolinium-enhanced 5D MRI as a feasible approach for comprehensive motion-resolved whole-heart imaging in CHD patients.
Roy CW, Vogeli E, Megalo A et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Optimization and technological advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance to improve access and screening.
This review evaluated optimization and technological advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) aimed at improving access and screening by reducing preparation and acquisition time. It highlights progress across rapid imaging protocols, sequence development, deep learning-based acceleration/reconstruction, and automated image analysis and report generation. These innovations could make CMR feasible for broader screening populations and reduce barriers to routine clinical use.
Li X, Sprinkart AM, Isaak A et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Dual-phase systolic and diastolic cardiac diffusion tensor imaging using higher order motion compensation spin echo sequences at 300 mT/m gradient strength.
This work studied whether higher-order motion-compensated spin-echo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) gradients (up to 6th order) improve systolic and diastolic acquisitions on a 300 mT/m MRI system. In healthy volunteers, the key finding is that extending motion compensation beyond standard second-order (M2) can reduce motion sensitivity and enable more robust dual-phase (systolic and diastolic) cDTI. This is significant because improved cDTI acquisition can better quantify myocardial microstructural dynamics across the cardiac cycle.
Afzali M, Teh I, Coveney S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
K-space Optimized Spatial Temporal Architecture for Low Latency in Interventional Cardiac MRI.
This preprint studied KOSTAL (K-space Optimized Spatial Temporal Architecture for Low latency), a recurrent neural network that reconstructs interventional cardiac MRI cine images directly from undersampled golden-angle radial k-space. The key finding is that KOSTAL enables low-latency reconstruction by learning a mask-conditioned view-sharing rule over accumulated k-space (via a per-coil convGRU) and an image-space recurrent module, trained and tested on the open-access OCMR dataset with 10 simulated spokes per frame versus a 1000-spoke reference. Scientifically, this supports faster iCMR reconstruction pipelines that could enable real-time guidance during interventions.
Buckup M, Mahajan N, Rodriguez-Soto AE et al. · medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Feasibility of Continuous Ventricular Volumetric Quantification in Arrhythmias using Real-Time 3D CMR-MOTUS.
The study investigated feasibility of continuous beat-to-beat 3D real-time motion field reconstruction for ventricular volumetric quantification in patients with premature ventricular contractions/arrhythmias using real-time 3D CMR-MOTUS. The key finding was that the approach enables continuous 3D volumetric quantification despite arrhythmia-related beat-to-beat variability that typically degrades conventional cine CMR. This supports a more clinically relevant, artifact-resistant CMR framework for assessing ventricular function and dynamics in arrhythmic patients where conventional breath-to-beat binning fails.
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 ↗
Machine Learning/AI for Imaging and Risk Prediction
Deep Learning Predicts Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging From 3D Chromatin Images.
This 2026 study developed ChromAgeNet, an interpretable deep learning model using convolutional neural networks to predict hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging from 3D chromatin images. The key finding is that spatial features of chromatin architecture in 3D DAPI-stained microscopy can be learned to quantify HSC aging state. This is significant because it provides a quantitative, image-based biomarker approach for studying and potentially tracking hematopoietic aging.
Picazo PI, Mejía-Ramírez E, Di Bari D et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodal artificial intelligence for early detection and precision management of inflammatory and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.
This review summarized how multimodal artificial intelligence can enable early detection and precision management of inflammatory and infiltrative cardiomyopathies (including cardiac sarcoidosis, transthyretin amyloidosis, and autoimmune myocarditis) by integrating ECG, echocardiography, CMR, PET/scintigraphy, biomarkers, and electronic health record features. The key finding is that AI can improve diagnostic suspicion, tissue-based phenotyping, and risk-directed triage by combining these heterogeneous data sources. Earlier, more accurate identification of these conditions could support timely treatment and better outcomes despite complex multimodality interpretation.
Adrejiya P, Alkhatib DA, Aljaroudi W · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reviewing the Effectiveness of Machine Learning Algorithm for Detecting Risk Behaviours Through Speech Patterns.
This narrative review examined how machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms applied to speech patterns are used to detect risk behaviors and summarize diagnostic performance and reported clinical impacts. Across the reviewed studies, ML/DL approaches were reported to identify speech-based behavioral risk signatures with varying diagnostic characteristics and potential utility for individualized interventions. The work highlights speech-based ML as a promising, scalable tool for behavioral risk detection, while emphasizing the need for stronger evidence on clinical effectiveness.
Nagasubramanian H, T S S · Annals of neurosciences · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical readiness and methodological rigor of AI models for ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death prediction: A systematic review with PROBAST+AI appraisal.
This systematic review appraised the clinical readiness and methodological rigor of artificial intelligence (AI) models for predicting ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD), using PROBAST+AI and focusing on studies reporting AUROC with 95% confidence intervals without pooling. Across included studies, the review evaluated how well AI models were developed and validated for SCD/malignant ventricular arrhythmia prediction, highlighting strengths and limitations in study design, reporting, and bias control. The significance lies in guiding safer translation of AI risk models into practice by identifying methodological gaps that must be addressed before clinical deployment.
Puljevic M, Petrovic M, Ivandic H et al. · Revista portuguesa de cardiologia : orgao oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia = Portuguese journal of cardiology : an official journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging Workflows and Diagnostic Pathways
FOCUS-ischemia: A real-world comparison of an ischemia-focused analytical strategy and conventional multiparametric stress CMR.
This real-world study compared an ischemia-focused analytical strategy (FOCUS-Ischemia) with conventional multiparametric stress cardiovascular MRI for predicting downstream coronary management and clinical outcomes in 717 consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated stress CMR. The ischemia-focused approach preserved clinically relevant predictive information relative to conventional multiparametric stress CMR for downstream decisions and outcomes. If validated, FOCUS-Ischemia could reduce stress CMR examination time and improve accessibility without sacrificing prognostic performance.
Chati Z, Balaj C, Tissier S · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway of Takotsubo syndrome: current evidence and future directions.
This narrative review assessed the evidence for integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway for Takotsubo syndrome in clinical scenarios where cardiac MRI is contraindicated or limited. It highlights that CMR remains the reference standard for TS evaluation, while cardiac CT can provide complementary information and may support diagnosis when CMR cannot be performed. Incorporating CT could broaden access to timely, accurate TS work-up and reduce delays in patients with device incompatibility, claustrophobia, or arrhythmia.
Cau R, Gatti M, Suri JS et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Implementation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in everyday cardiology practice.
This European Heart Journal practical document reviewed how cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can be implemented in everyday cardiology practice, covering indications, prognostic value, limitations, and key CMR sequence concepts. It consolidates evidence for CMR use across ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, valvular disease, aortopathies, cardiac masses, pericardial conditions, and adult congenital heart disease. The guidance is intended to improve real-world adoption of CMR to support diagnosis and follow-up while clarifying technical and interpretive constraints for general cardiologists.
Moharem-Elgamal S, Baritussio A, Christodorescu R et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From Hippocrates to Biologics, The Evolving History of Pericarditis: A Review.
This narrative review traced the historical evolution of pericarditis understanding and management from early descriptions (e.g., Hippocrates) through modern diagnostic refinement and treatment strategies. It highlights how diagnostic characterization progressed over time and how management shifted from largely symptomatic or surgical approaches (including pericardiectomy for constrictive disease) toward contemporary frameworks and emerging therapies. The significance is educational and translational, providing context for current clinical practice and future therapeutic development in pericarditis.
Al-Dalakta A, Tabaja C, Alqahtani M et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Realities of Multimodal Imaging in Papillary Fibroelastoma in 385 Pathology-Proven Cases.
This retrospective study evaluated multimodal imaging performance for papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) detection in 385 pathology-proven surgical cases, comparing transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with CT and cardiac MRI (CMR). The key finding is that CT and CMR provide diagnostic information for PFE detection and characterization, but their utility relative to TEE varies by lesion visibility and imaging characteristics across modalities. Clinically, the large pathology-validated dataset supports evidence-based selection of imaging tests when PFE is suspected.
Aboukhatwa O, Abbasi M, Botezatu S et al. · Mayo Clinic proceedings · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From Guidelines to Ground Reality: The Underutilization of Stress Cardiac MRI in Ischemic Heart Disease - A Narrative State-of-the-Art Review.
This narrative review studied the real-world clinical use of stress cardiac MRI in ischemic heart disease relative to guideline recommendations. The key finding is that despite strong evidence and a Class I ACC/AHA 2021 recommendation for intermediate-risk stable or acute chest pain (with or without known CAD), stress CMR remains markedly underutilized (often <1% of ischemia testing). The significance is that addressing barriers to implementation could improve radiation-free assessment of perfusion, function, and viability.
Abdelhai OS, AlJaroudi W, Sharkawi MA et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Case Reports of Rare Cardiac Conditions
A rare case of primary intracranial myxoma in a 10-year-old male: Case report and literature review.
This case report and literature review described a 10-year-old male with primary intracranial myxoma (PIM), a rare benign mesenchymal tumor arising within the central nervous system. The patient presented with a first-time generalized tonic-clonic seizure and imaging showed an extra-axial, dura-based left frontal lesion consistent with PIM. Reporting this presentation broadens clinician awareness of PIM as a seizure-associated intracranial differential diagnosis, supporting timely diagnosis and management.
Mansour MA, Malaeb RW, Morad A et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia as the first manifestation of probable cardiac sarcoidosis: A case report.
This case report described probable cardiac sarcoidosis presenting initially with sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in a 69-year-old man. The patient’s high-risk arrhythmia occurred as the first manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis, with subsequent evaluation supporting the diagnosis. The report emphasizes that sustained monomorphic VT can be an early clue to cardiac sarcoidosis, prompting timely diagnostic workup and management.
Sanusi M, Haddad F, Mohammed F et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Spectral cardiac CT in type 1 Kounis syndrome presenting as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries following anaphylactic shock.
This case report evaluated the diagnostic role of spectral cardiac CT in a 62-year-old woman with type 1 Kounis syndrome presenting as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries after anaphylactic shock. Coronary CT angiography excluded obstructive coronary disease, while delayed dual-energy spectral imaging demonstrated myocardial late iodine enhancement consistent with multifocal infarction, later confirmed by cardiac MRI. The case supports spectral CT as a useful tool to detect myocardial injury patterns in MINOCA-like presentations triggered by anaphylaxis.
Hamrouni H, Alam W, Brahim LI et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Inaugural complete heart block in anti-SSA negative systemic lupus erythematosus: the diagnostic role of anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies.
This case report described inaugural complete heart block in a 21-year-old woman with anti-SSA–negative systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), focusing on the diagnostic value of anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies. Cardiac MRI and standard evaluation ruled out myocarditis, infiltrative disease, and common reversible causes, and the presence of anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies supported the diagnosis despite negative anti-SSA. The report highlights that anti-PM-Scl 100 testing can be crucial when adult SLE presents with rare conduction disease such as complete heart block.
Dammene Debbih N, Laouar L, Dekdouk N et al. · Lupus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Incidentally detected double-chambered right ventricle in an adult.
This radiology case report describes an incidentally detected double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) in a 55-year-old asymptomatic woman. The key finding is that adult DCRV can present late and be identified on cardiac imaging despite the condition typically being diagnosed in childhood. Clinically, the report highlights the importance of considering congenital intracardiac obstruction such as DCRV in adults undergoing evaluation for unrelated cardiovascular concerns.
Saliba T, Rotzinger D, Fahrni G et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Photon-counting CT of midventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
This radiology case report describes a 63-year-old woman with midventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy confirmed using photon-counting detector coronary CT angiography (PCD-CCTA). The key finding is that multiphase photon-counting CT cine reconstructions excluded obstructive coronary artery disease and characterized the midventricular circumferential hypokinesia pattern with basal and apical sparing. The case demonstrates the potential of photon-counting CT as a rapid, high-resolution “one-stop” tool for diagnosing atypical takotsubo variants.
Chikh Bakri I, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
An integrated approach for assessing intracardiac mass using multi-imaging modalities: A case report.
This integrated multi-modality case report evaluated an ~83-year-old woman with an intracardiac mass using transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, coronary angiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement. The key finding is that the mass showed increased gadolinium uptake on CMR and a tumor blush on coronary angiography, supporting a specific imaging characterization despite a broad differential diagnosis. Scientifically, the report illustrates how combining echo, angiography, and CMR can improve diagnostic confidence for intracardiac masses.
Mahdy T, Doos G, Mansour M et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Composite Hemangioendothelioma of the Right Atrium Presenting With Cardiac Tamponade in an Adolescent.
This case report described a 14-year-old girl with a right atrial composite hemangioendothelioma presenting with hemorrhagic pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Surgical excision under cardiopulmonary bypass with autologous pericardial patch reconstruction, supported by histopathology/immunohistochemistry and negative postoperative FDG PET-CT, led to no residual or metastatic disease, with adjuvant gemcitabine/docetaxel-based chemotherapy planned/used. The case underscores that rare right atrial vascular tumors can mimic acute tamponade and that multimodal imaging plus histologic confirmation guides management.
Chandran R, Srimurugan B, Pandey AK et al. · World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Type 1 Kounis Syndrome Presenting as Coronary Pseudostenosis During Status Asthmaticus.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 46-year-old atopic man with status asthmaticus who developed inferior ST-elevation myocardial infarction, complete heart block, ventricular fibrillation, and cardiogenic shock. Emergent angiography showed multivessel coronary vasospasm mimicking obstructive disease, while cardiac MRI demonstrated ischemic injury without myocarditis and repeat angiography later confirmed nonobstructive coronary artery disease. The case highlights type 1 Kounis syndrome as a potentially life-threatening allergic coronary vasospasm that can be distinguished from myocarditis and atherosclerotic MI using CMR and follow-up angiography.
Yu AM, Mohmand B, Li AZ et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Bilateral Renal Infarction as the Initial Manifestation of Left Atrial Myxoma During Early Pregnancy: A Case Report.
This case report studied a 25-year-old pregnant woman (6 weeks 5 days gestation) with systemic embolisation from a left atrial myxoma presenting as bilateral renal infarction. Non-contrast abdominal MRI showed bilateral renal infarctions and subsequent transthoracic echocardiography plus cardiovascular MRI identified a large mobile pedunculated left atrial mass with atypical attachment to the Coumadin ridge. The report highlights that early-pregnancy myxoma can initially manifest as renal infarction and that multimodal cardiac imaging is crucial for diagnosis and risk assessment.
Min SD, Savjonoks S · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital muscular ventricular septal aneurysm coexisting with a pericardial cyst, a case report.
This case report studied a 32-year-old man with congenital muscular ventricular septal aneurysm (VSA) coexisting with a pericardial cyst. The key finding is that echocardiography identified a midventricular septal aneurysm with regional hypokinesis and associated LV dilation with mildly reduced LVEF (46%), and further evaluation with coronary CT angiography supported the combined diagnosis. The report is significant because congenital VSA is diagnostically challenging and the coexistence with a pericardial cyst underscores the need for careful multimodality imaging to guide management.
Mou Q, Li JJ, Li X et al. · The Egyptian heart journal : (EHJ) : official bulletin of the Egyptian Society of Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Non-Cardiac/Systems Medicine Intersections (e.g., Oncology, Pregnancy, Dialysis, Diabetes)
Severe maternal morbidity in pregnancies complicated by maternal seizure disorder.
This retrospective cohort study used the US National Inpatient Sample (HCUP/AHRQ) from 2017–2021 to evaluate severe maternal morbidity (SMM) and hypertensive disorders in pregnancies complicated by maternal seizure disorder, identified by ICD-10 codes. Pregnancies with seizure disorder were associated with higher rates of SMM and hypertensive disorders compared with pregnancies without seizure disorder. These findings support closer maternal risk surveillance and management of hypertensive complications in people with seizure disorders during pregnancy.
Amin J, Lau B, Taylor BD et al. · Pregnancy (Hoboken, N.J.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Disposition of Imrecoxib.
This 2026 narrative review summarized the clinical pharmacokinetics and disposition of imrecoxib, a COX-2–preferential NSAID approved in China for osteoarthritis symptom treatment. The key findings include that imrecoxib reaches peak plasma concentrations in about 2–3 hours, food increases systemic exposure, it is highly protein bound, and it is metabolized sequentially from imrecoxib (M0) to 4’-hydroxymethylimrecoxib (M1), then to 4’-formylimrecoxib (M-CHO), and finally to 4’-carboxyimrecoxib (M2). Clinically, this informs dosing considerations, interaction risk assessment, and potential need for adjustments in special populations.
Zhao S, Li C, Mallillin MC et al. · Clinical pharmacokinetics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The additive value of coronary calcium in identifying cardiovascular risk in ageing people with HIV.
This cohort analysis studied whether coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) add cardiovascular risk prediction beyond traditional risk scores in 779 aging people with HIV who underwent CACS scanning. CACS predicted adverse outcomes such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), death, and heart failure better than Q-risk scores. The results suggest that incorporating coronary calcium imaging can improve cardiovascular risk stratification in people with HIV, where conventional risk models may be less informative.
Varadarajan M, Byrne R, Al-Hussaini A et al. · AIDS (London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Demographic and regional disparities in co-occurring diabetes and cerebrovascular disease mortality: A 24-year national retrospective analysis.
This 24-year retrospective national analysis used CDC WONDER death records to quantify demographic and regional disparities in mortality where both diabetes mellitus (DM) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were present in the United States from 1999 to 2023. The key finding is that DM–CVD co-morbidity mortality varies by population characteristics and geography over time, identifying groups and regions at higher risk. These results support targeted public health interventions to reduce preventable DM-related cerebrovascular deaths.
Faheem MSB, Hassan ST, Asghar T et al. · Journal of the National Medical Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Elevated hydrostatic pressure promotes organic carbon mineralization in reservoir sediments.
This water research study used a custom hydrostatic pressure simulation system to test how elevated hydrostatic pressure (0.1–2.1 MPa) affects organic carbon mineralization in reservoir sediments using non-sterilized sediment-water incubations. The key finding is that increasing hydrostatic pressure significantly accelerates sediment organic carbon mineralization, with the apparent mineralization rate at 2.1 MPa reported as substantially higher than at lower pressures. These results improve mechanistic understanding of how reservoir impoundment alters carbon cycling and could inform predictions of biogeochemical impacts of damming.
Zhang Y, Xiao S, Liu D et al. · Water research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Protective effect of coumarin on diabetes-induced sciatic nerve damage in rats via TRPV1 modulation.
This preclinical study tested whether the coumarin compound (CMR) protects against streptozotocin-induced diabetes-related sciatic nerve damage in Wistar rats and whether this involves modulation of the TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1) signaling pathway. The key finding was that coumarin treatment reduced diabetic sciatic nerve injury and altered TRPV1-associated signaling, indicating TRPV1 modulation as a mechanistic contributor to neuroprotection. Scientifically, this supports TRPV1 as a therapeutic target and positions coumarin as a candidate intervention for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Yıldızhan K, Altındağ F, Bayir MH et al. · Experimental neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Nurses’ Clinical Decision-Making During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Dressing Application and Removal: A Qualitative Study.
This qualitative think-aloud study examined clinical decision-making and reasoning by registered nurses in adult and pediatric cancer wards during peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dressing application and removal. The key finding was that nurses’ decisions were shaped by structured reasoning processes captured during the think-aloud sessions and interpreted through Dual Process Theory and Framework Analysis. This is clinically significant because understanding these decision patterns can inform training and standardization to improve PICC dressing and securement practices in oncology care.
Larsen EN, Wickins J, Marsh N et al. · Seminars in oncology nursing · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Beyond Kt/V: Redefining Dialysis Adequacy as Targeted Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.
This narrative review argued that dialysis adequacy should be reframed from solely small-solute clearance (Kt/V) toward targeted cardiovascular risk reduction in maintenance dialysis patients. It synthesizes trial and meta-analysis evidence linking dialysis-related cardiovascular stressors—such as volume loading, ultrafiltration rate, electrolyte shifts, inflammation, anemia, and loss of residual kidney function—to outcomes. The proposed shift supports designing dialysis strategies to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rather than optimizing Kt/V alone.
Zoccali C, Strippoli G, Locatelli F et al. · Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma achieving complete remission with epcoritamab after pseudoprogression.
This case report described a 58-year-old man with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who achieved complete remission after epcoritamab despite apparent pseudoprogression. After prior therapies including lisocabtagene maraleucel, he developed pelvic lymphadenopathy that was confirmed as relapse, and epcoritamab was given as seventh-line treatment, with subsequent complete response. The report is clinically significant because it suggests that pseudoprogression-like findings during bispecific antibody therapy may not preclude eventual complete remission and should be interpreted carefully.
Takahara A, Yagi Y, Kanemasa Y et al. · Journal of clinical and experimental hematopathology : JCEH · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
2026 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines.
This guideline article provides the 2026 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM recommendations for perioperative cardiovascular management in adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. It synthesizes evidence from a comprehensive literature search (Aug 2022–Mar 2023) to produce structured recommendations for preoperative evaluation and management. The clinical significance is standardized, evidence-based perioperative risk assessment and care to reduce cardiovascular complications in noncardiac surgical patients.
Thompson A, Fleischmann KE, Smilowitz NR et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pattern and texton-based feature descriptors for Diabetic foot ulcer detection.
This paper studied a deep learning framework for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) detection using pattern and texton-based feature descriptors. The key finding is that the proposed DLS-DFUD pipeline—using wavelet-transform-based Wiener filtering for preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction, and classification—aims to improve DFU detection accuracy and robustness for early intervention. Scientifically and clinically, it supports computer-aided DFU screening to reduce delays that can lead to infection or amputation.
Vali M, Rajini NH, Laxmaiah M · Expert review of medical devices · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Devices, Computational Modeling, and Engineering
Enhancing patient-specific computational modeling of cardiac mechanics by leveraging high spatiotemporal resolution magnetic resonance imaging.
This study investigated whether high spatiotemporal resolution free-breathing 4D cardiac MRI (AutoCMR; 30 frames/cardiac cycle at 1.6 mm isotropic resolution) plus cuff systolic/diastolic blood pressures improves non-invasive calibration and internal consistency of patient-specific 0D lumped-parameter and 3D finite element cardiac mechanics models. The key finding was that the higher-resolution imaging and pressure inputs enhanced model calibration and consistency relative to lower-quality routine imaging inputs. More accurate, noninvasively calibrated computational cardiac mechanics models could improve diagnosis, surgical planning, and device design.
Darayi M, Kara D, Le H et al. · Computer methods and programs in biomedicine · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 study examined hydrodynamic performance and migration stability of multiple valve-in-valve (ViV) configurations in a large-housing self-expanding pulmonary valve using bench testing, anchored by a clinical example. The key finding is that different ViV configurations can be compared for performance and migration stability under controlled conditions, informing optimal sizing and procedural choices for repeat percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. This is significant for improving safety and durability of ViV strategies in patients with degenerated bioprostheses, particularly in anatomies where stability is uncertain.
Góreczny S, Kenny D · Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on October 01, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published September 24, 2026 – October 01, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.