What's New in Cardiac MRI? — October 04, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 91 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
October 04, 2026 · 91 articles · 15 research themes · covering September 27, 2026 – October 04, 2026
Overview
This week’s digest is dominated by imaging-driven precision cardiology: multiple studies and reviews emphasize how cardiac MRI and cardiac CT can refine diagnosis, quantify injury, and improve risk stratification beyond traditional measures. Across cohorts, CMR fibrosis markers (e.g., LGE/ECV) and strain-based mechanics (including atrial strain and deformation) repeatedly emerge as prognostic tools—informing device selection in nonischemic cardiomyopathy, predicting outcomes after myocardial infarction, and identifying earlier atrial dysfunction in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. Methodological work (e.g., magnetization-transfer–enhanced fingerprinting, synthetic LGE, accelerated cine/4D flow, and breath-hold optimization) supports the broader theme that better acquisition and reconstruction can make quantitative imaging more reliable and scalable.
A second major theme is “mechanism clarification” in acute and complex presentations. Case reports and reviews highlight how advanced imaging distinguishes MINOCA mechanisms (such as anaphylaxis-associated injury, coronary vasospasm, and microvascular dysfunction) and helps resolve diagnostic uncertainty in atypical takotsubo patterns. Similarly, multimodality approaches are repeatedly used to characterize intracardiac masses (papillary fibroelastoma, myxoma, thrombus vs tumor-like lesions) and to integrate imaging when CMR is limited (e.g., radiation-associated disease where PET-CT becomes decisive).
Finally, the digest shows a shift toward whole-heart, whole-trajectory thinking—especially for right-heart and heart-failure physiology—along with growing attention to AI/computational tools for longitudinal modeling and clinical translation. Together, these papers suggest cardiology is moving from single-parameter snapshots toward multi-modality, multi-timepoint phenotyping that can guide surveillance, therapeutic selection, and earlier intervention.
Cardiac MRI/CT for Myocardial Tissue Characterization & Fibrosis
Inflammation, Infarct Size and 10-Year Mortality in STEMI Patients Stratified by the ORBI Risk Score: A DANAMI-3 Sub-study.
This DANAMI-3 sub-study analyzed 1,574 STEMI patients without cardiogenic shock, stratified by ORBI risk score (ORBI ≥8 vs low risk), to test whether systemic inflammation and infarct size relate to 10-year mortality. Higher ORBI risk was associated with greater inflammatory biomarker levels (including CRP, leukocyte count, NLR, and MR-proADM) and larger infarct size, which in turn corresponded to worse long-term outcomes. These results support using ORBI risk stratification alongside early inflammatory and imaging markers to identify STEMI patients at elevated risk for late mortality.
Kunkel JB, Lønborg J, Frydland M et al. · European heart journal. Acute cardiovascular care · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Absence of Fibrosis Influences Prognosis of Cardiac Resynchronization in Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) predicts response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) and ventricular arrhythmia (VA) outcomes in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). Across observational studies, lack of LGE was associated with better CRT response and lower ventricular arrhythmia risk, supporting a potential role for selecting CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P) rather than CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) in lower arrhythmic-risk phenotypes. These findings could refine risk-stratified device selection in NICM by using CMR fibrosis (LGE) as a prognostic biomarker.
Sánchez-Vega J, Anguera I, Leyva F et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The grey zone before pulmonary valve replacement in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a paediatric perspective on the 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement.
This pediatric-focused commentary discussed the 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement on timing of pulmonary valve replacement in repaired tetralogy of Fallot, focusing on a “grey zone” where right ventricular (RV) volumes are borderline. The authors define this grey zone as indexed end-diastolic volume ~140–160 mL/m² and indexed end-systolic volume ~70–80 mL/m², where no single threshold clearly determines intervention timing. Recognizing this range can guide more nuanced, longitudinal decision-making for pulmonary valve replacement in children with repaired tetralogy of Fallot.
Ulug Murt N, Ramcharan T · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Simultaneous 3-D Adiabatic T1ρ, T2*, and Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping for Characterization of Myocardial Infarction in Ex Vivo Mouse.
This ex vivo preclinical imaging study developed a simultaneous 3-D adiabatic T1ρ-weighted quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) method combined with multi-echo GRE to characterize myocardial infarction in C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice (MI n=7, control n=6). The key finding was that the proposed adiabatic T1ρ-QSM approach enabled concurrent mapping of T1ρ, T2*, and magnetic susceptibility, with derived T1ρ maps from combined T1ρ–T2*–QSM. The significance is that this technique provides a more comprehensive, multi-parameter MRI characterization of infarct tissue microenvironment that could improve mechanistic studies and future translational biomarker development.
Räty I, Nykänen O, Kettunen S et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MR Characterization of Infarct-Related and Remote Myocardial Injury in Multivessel Disease After Acute Myocardial Infarction.
This retrospective cardiac MRI study compared infarct-related and remote myocardial injury characteristics in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) versus single-vessel disease (SVD) after acute myocardial infarction, including differences by revascularization completeness, with MRI performed 31–90 days after percutaneous coronary intervention (224 total patients). The key finding was that MVD was associated with more extensive myocardial tissue abnormalities beyond the infarct zone compared with SVD, and these remote injury patterns varied according to whether revascularization was complete. The significance is that cardiac MRI can quantify diffuse post-AMI injury linked to coronary disease burden and revascularization strategy, which may help refine prognosis and follow-up planning.
Luo C, Jiang W, Mo C et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Optimization of Respiratory Training Methods for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
This prospective study of 93 adult patients undergoing 3T cardiac MRI tested how different respiratory training breath-hold methods affect image quality using single-shot fast spin-echo, SSFP/fast imaging sequences, first-pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement. The key finding was that respiratory training with an optimized breath-hold approach reduced respiratory motion artifacts and improved cardiac MRI image quality compared with less effective breath-hold methods. Clinically, selecting the best breath-hold training method can improve diagnostic reliability of cardiac MRI in patients with poor breath-holding.
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 gadolinium-enhanced free-running 5D MRI using a fast-interrupted steady-state (FISS) sequence in 45 consecutive congenital heart disease (CHD) patients, comparing scan time, ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and image quality against 2D and 3D bSSFP. The key finding was that gadolinium-enhanced 5D FISS provided performance comparable to or improved over conventional 2D/3D bSSFP approaches while maintaining acceptable image quality and quantification of LV/RV function. Scientifically, it supports gadolinium-enhanced 5D motion-resolved whole-heart MRI as a feasible alternative for CHD assessment without relying on ferumoxytol.
Roy CW, Vogeli E, Megalo A et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Standardized MRI-Based Quantification of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume: Reproducibility and Agreement With Cardiac Computed Tomography.
This retrospective study standardized MRI-based quantification of epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) in 127 patients with aortic stenosis and 11 volunteers, and assessed reproducibility and agreement with cardiac CT. The key finding was that the standardized MRI method showed good reproducibility and strong agreement with CT-derived EATV measurements. This is significant because it enables radiation-free, standardized EATV assessment that can be used for cardiometabolic risk stratification alongside MRI measures of cardiac function.
Gronwald J, Gersch SS, Böttiger Z et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Protective effect of coumarin on diabetes-induced sciatic nerve damage in rats via TRPV1 modulation.
This experimental study used streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Wistar rats to test whether coumarin (100 mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 14 days) protects against sciatic nerve damage via modulation of the TRPV1 channel. The key finding was that coumarin reduced diabetes-associated sciatic nerve injury and altered TRPV1-related signaling toward a neuroprotective profile. These results are significant as they identify TRPV1 modulation as a potential therapeutic mechanism for preventing diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Yıldızhan K, Altındağ F, Bayir MH et al. · Experimental neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance differentiates pediatric dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.
This study assessed diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DTI) in pediatric patients to differentiate dilated versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathies using quantitative diffusion metrics including apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA). The key finding was that DTI-derived ADC/FA measures differed between dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotypes, enabling discrimination of the two conditions. Scientifically, it supports myocardial microstructural characterization by DTI as an additional CMR tool beyond conventional functional and tissue characterization.
Juárez JT, Tobón SH, Patrón Chi SA et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Nurses’ Clinical Decision-Making During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Dressing Application and Removal: A Qualitative Study.
This qualitative think-aloud study investigated clinical decision-making by registered nurses during PICC dressing application and removal in two cancer care wards (one adult and one paediatric) in Brisbane, Australia. The key finding was that nurses used structured reasoning and context-dependent judgment when selecting and applying dressing/securement combinations, with decisions mapped to Dual Process Theory using Framework Analysis. This is significant for improving PICC care training and standardization by clarifying how expert clinical reasoning is formed in real-world oncology settings.
Larsen EN, Wickins J, Marsh N et al. · Seminars in oncology nursing · (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 prospective cross-sectional study used 1.5T cardiac MRI with SSFP cine and MOLLI sequences in 83 HIV-infected participants (infection duration <5 years vs ≥5 years) and 34 HIV-negative controls to relate HIV duration to left ventricular concentric remodeling and myocardial fibrosis. The key finding was that longer HIV infection duration was associated with worse LV remodeling and greater myocardial fibrosis markers compared with shorter-duration infection and HIV-negative controls. Clinically, MRI biomarkers could help identify HIV patients at higher risk of cardiac injury and guide earlier intervention.
Deng C, Sun W, Gao T et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 controlled open-label trial (INaMICRON) is testing whether early inhibition of the late sodium current with ranolazine, added to guideline-directed medical therapy, improves coronary microvascular dysfunction in adults with STEMI treated by successful primary PCI and having at least one non-culprit lesion. The key finding to be determined by the trial is whether ranolazine favorably modulates post-infarction microvascular function compared with standard therapy alone. If positive, it would provide a targeted pharmacologic strategy to address residual coronary microvascular dysfunction that persists after PCI.
Di Serafino L, Ciaramella L, De Rosa S et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 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 low-contrast-dose dual-energy CT (DECT) using extracellular volume fraction (ECV) from late iodine enhancement to quantify myocardial focal scar (MFS) in 33 patients with old myocardial infarction, with reference standards including CMR late gadolinium enhancement and T1 mapping-derived ECV. The key finding was that DECT-LIE-derived ECV measurements for MFS and remote myocardium showed quantitative performance that aligned with CMR-based ECV assessment. Scientifically and clinically, it suggests DECT may quantify focal scar with reduced contrast burden while leveraging ECV-based biomarkers.
Chen F, Jia T, Luo L et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
MRI staging of haemodynamic congestion and clinical outcomes.
This European radiology study evaluated prognostic value of CMR-derived hemodynamic congestion staging by computing MRI-wedge pressure from left-atrial volume and left-ventricular mass and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVi) from first-pass transit analysis. The key finding was that assigning patients to MRI hemodynamic stages (normal, isolated volume overload, isolated pressure overload, combined overload) was associated with clinical outcomes and related to non-invasive markers of myocardial fibrosis. This is significant because it provides a noninvasive CMR framework for risk stratification in patients with congestion and suspected heart failure physiology.
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 evaluated the clinical significance of incidentally detected pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated CMR for unrelated reasons. Incidental pericardial LGE was assessed against a control group without LGE to determine whether it reflects persistent subclinical pericardial inflammation associated with adverse long-term outcomes. If confirmed, incidental pericardial LGE could become a clinically actionable CMR finding for risk stratification beyond its traditional interpretation as active pericarditis.
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 assessed whether myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) fraction measured by CMR predicts mortality and incident heart failure in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Using native and post-contrast T1 mapping with the modified look-locker inversion protocol, higher ECV was evaluated as a prognostic marker via Cox proportional hazards modeling. Establishing ECV’s predictive value could support CMR-based interstitial fibrosis quantification for outcome prediction and risk-directed management in CAD.
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 study evaluated whether the reduced right/left ventricular (RV/LV) blood-pool T2-ratio measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) within 4 days after revascularized first-time ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) predicts newly diagnosed congestive heart failure (CHF) in 604 patients. A lower RV/LV T2-ratio was associated with subsequent development of post-STEMI CHF. These findings suggest that CMR blood-pool T2-ratio can serve as an early, oxygenation-related imaging biomarker for CHF risk stratification after STEMI.
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 ↗
Optimization and technological advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance to improve access and screening.
This review assessed recent optimization strategies and technological advances in cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) aimed at improving access and screening by reducing patient preparation and total acquisition time. Key approaches highlighted include rapid imaging protocols, sequence development, deep learning–based image acceleration/reconstruction, and automated image analysis/report generation. Collectively, these innovations could expand CMR availability and enable broader cardiovascular screening beyond current workflow limitations.
Li X, Sprinkart AM, Isaak A et al. · The British journal of 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 examined whether left atrial (LA) stiffness measured in children with acute myocarditis—diagnosed by cardiac MRI using updated Lake-Louise criteria—can identify disease despite preserved left ventricular systolic function, enrolling 51 pediatric patients with preserved LVEF (>55%) and 40 age-matched healthy controls. LA stiffness was abnormal in the acute myocarditis group even when LVEF was preserved. Clinically, LA stiffness may provide a sensitive MRI-derived marker for pediatric acute myocarditis and diastolic/myocardial involvement that standard LV systolic measures can miss.
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 CMR study investigated the relationship between left atrial reservoir strain (LAS) and a history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia (h-LTA) in 39 adults with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (r-ToF). LAS quantified from four-chamber cine images was associated with prior h-LTA, indicating that impaired left atrial mechanics track arrhythmia risk in this population. The results support LAS as a potential CMR-based risk stratification tool for ventricular arrhythmia in adults after r-ToF repair.
Missana A, Nunes LF, Foulon T et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Reviewing the Effectiveness of Machine Learning Algorithm for Detecting Risk Behaviours Through Speech Patterns.
This narrative review summarized how machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) algorithms using speech patterns detect risk behaviors and report diagnostic performance and treatment-related outcomes. The key finding is that ML/DL approaches can extract behavioral/emotional signatures from speech to support identification of risk behaviors, though heterogeneity in methods and evidence quality remains a limitation. Scientifically, the review frames speech-based ML as a promising, scalable pathway for individualized clinical interventions, while emphasizing the need for stronger validation.
Nagasubramanian H, T S S · Annals of neurosciences · (2026) · 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 prognostic study evaluated whether left ventricular (LV) deformation metrics (global longitudinal and circumferential strain: GLS/GCS) predict major adverse cardiac events after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) independently of afterload and ventricular–arterial coupling in 1235 patients (795 STEMI, 440 non-STEMI) undergoing CMR a median of 3 days post-AMI. LV deformation was independently associated with subsequent major adverse cardiac events even after accounting for load-related influences. These findings strengthen the clinical utility of CMR strain as a robust risk marker following AMI, beyond hemodynamic coupling effects.
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 ↗
Arrhythmogenic Mitral Valve Prolapse: Looking Beyond Mitral Regurgitation.
This JACC Case Reports report studied arrhythmogenic mitral valve prolapse in a 70-year-old woman with Barlow disease undergoing MR reassessment. It found that despite only moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation, she had high-risk structural features (bileaflet prolapse, mitral annular disjunction, left-sided remodeling) and frequent polymorphic premature ventricular complexes, culminating in out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation before completion of work-up. The significance is that arrhythmogenic MVP risk may be underestimated when evaluation focuses mainly on mitral regurgitation severity, and CMR/advanced phenotyping may be crucial for sudden death prevention.
Ribeyrolles S, Zannis K, Berrebi A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT for Ischemia, Perfusion & Microvascular Dysfunction
FOCUS-ischemia: A real-world comparison of an ischemia-focused analytical strategy and conventional multiparametric stress CMR.
This real-world retrospective 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 key finding was that the ischemia-focused approach preserved clinically relevant predictive information compared with conventional multiparametric stress CMR while addressing practical limitations such as examination duration and accessibility. The significance is that FOCUS-Ischemia may enable more scalable stress CMR workflows without substantially sacrificing prognostic or management-relevant performance.
Chati Z, Balaj C, Tissier S · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging with MRI and CT: clinical applications and future directions.
This narrative review summarized quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging using MRI and CT, emphasizing clinical applications and future directions for assessing myocardial ischemia in coronary artery disease (CAD). The key finding is that quantitative perfusion CMR (QP-CMR) estimates absolute myocardial blood flow without ionizing radiation and often outperforms visual interpretation, while quantitative CT perfusion (CTP) improves diagnostic accuracy over coronary CT angiography alone. Advancing quantitative perfusion across modalities could improve detection of hemodynamically significant CAD and guide more precise management.
Nakamura S, Takafuji M, Hashimoto N et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Impact of rate-pressure product correction of myocardial blood flow on the prognostic relevance in patients with heart failure.
This European Heart Journal–Cardiovascular Imaging study investigated whether correcting resting myocardial blood flow (MBF) for rate-pressure product (RPP) changes prognostic relevance in heart failure patients. In 641 prospectively recruited heart failure patients and 184 healthy volunteers, it assessed RPP-corrected MBF (MBFcorr) and derived myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) using QP-CMR, testing how RPP correction affects prediction of outcomes including heart failure hospitalization. The significance is that methodological choices in QP-CMR processing (RPP correction) may alter the prognostic utility of perfusion metrics used for risk stratification.
Anderton T, Chambers B, Farooq M et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac amyloidosis and coronary artery disease: an overlooked clinical intersection.
This review studied the clinical intersection between cardiac amyloidosis and coronary artery disease, focusing on why ischemia in amyloid hearts is often not explained by flow-limiting epicardial stenosis. It found that epicardial atherosclerosis is present in roughly 30–40% of patients with cardiac amyloidosis, but ischemia is more commonly driven by coronary microvascular dysfunction from amyloid infiltration, capillary rarefaction, and extravascular compression. The clinical significance is improved diagnostic reasoning and therapeutic targeting for ischemic symptoms in elderly patients with HFpEF where both amyloid and CAD may coexist.
Kancerek J, Suchodolski A, Wojnicz R et al. · Coronary artery disease · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT for Acute Coronary Syndromes & MINOCA Mechanisms
Spectral cardiac CT in type 1 Kounis syndrome presenting as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries following anaphylactic shock.
This case report studied type 1 Kounis syndrome in a 62-year-old woman who developed acute myocardial injury after anaphylactic shock from a Hymenoptera sting. Delayed dual-energy spectral cardiac CT showed myocardial late iodine enhancement consistent with multifocal infarction, while coronary CT angiography excluded obstructive coronary artery disease and findings were later confirmed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The report highlights spectral cardiac CT as a clinically useful tool to distinguish MINOCA mechanisms in anaphylaxis-associated Kounis syndrome when conventional angiography is non-obstructive.
Hamrouni H, Alam W, Brahim LI et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Photon-counting CT of midventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy.
This case report studied photon-counting detector coronary CT angiography (PCD-CCTA) in a 63-year-old woman with midventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting after emotional stress. PCD-CCTA excluded obstructive coronary artery disease and multiphase cine reconstructions accurately characterized circumferential midventricular hypokinesia with basal and apical sparing. The clinical significance is that photon-counting CT can provide a rapid, high-resolution “one-stop” assessment to confirm atypical takotsubo patterns when echocardiography is initially misleading.
Chikh Bakri I, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway of Takotsubo syndrome: current evidence and future directions.
This article reviewed the evidence for integrating cardiac CT into the diagnostic pathway for Takotsubo syndrome (TS), focusing on how CT can complement or substitute when cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is contraindicated or limited. The key finding is that while CMR remains the reference standard for TS tissue characterization and ventricular function assessment, current evidence supports CT’s role in specific clinical scenarios and highlights gaps for future research. Clarifying CT’s place alongside CMR could improve diagnostic timeliness and accuracy for suspected TS when CMR cannot be performed.
Cau R, Gatti M, Suri JS et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Type 1 Kounis Syndrome Presenting as Coronary Pseudostenosis During Status Asthmaticus.
This case report studied type 1 Kounis syndrome in a 46-year-old atopic man hospitalized for status asthmaticus who developed acute coronary syndrome features. Emergent angiography showed multivessel coronary vasospasm with apparent stenoses up to 90%, and repeat angiography later demonstrated nonobstructive coronary disease, supporting vasospasm rather than fixed atherosclerosis. Clinically, it highlights that severe allergic disease during status asthmaticus can trigger coronary vasospasm mimicking obstructive MI, warranting rapid recognition and appropriate management.
Yu AM, Mohmand B, Li AZ et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo-Like Syndrome Due to Microvascular Dysfunction in a Transgender Woman Under Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy.
This case report studied a 45-year-old Black transgender woman receiving long-term estrogen therapy who developed a Takotsubo-like syndrome with cardiac arrest. Coronary angiography showed no epicardial obstruction with apical akinesia, while cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated transmural infarction with extensive microvascular obstruction, implicating microvascular dysfunction rather than classic obstructive MI. The significance is that Takotsubo-like presentations can reflect microvascular injury and may require CMR to distinguish mechanisms, particularly in patients with hormone-associated risk contexts.
Silva PG, García Mejía HP, de Paula Morales KR et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI/CT for Cardiac Masses, Tumors & Thrombus
Inferior vena cava hyperechoic structure in a patient with cardiac myxoma: a surgical case report and literature review.
This surgical case report described a 62-year-old woman with cardiac myxoma in whom echocardiography detected an inferior vena cava (IVC) hyperechoic structure that was not confirmed by multimodality imaging. The patient presented with acute neurologic deficits and was found on contrast CT to have a left atrial mass, left subclavian artery occlusion, and splenic infarction, linking the unusual IVC finding to the broader embolic/structural disease context. The report emphasizes that rare echocardiographic IVC findings may require careful correlation with advanced imaging and underlying cardiac pathology.
Yasumura H, Matsuba T, Ibi R et al. · General thoracic and cardiovascular surgery cases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 previously healthy male with primary intracranial myxoma presenting with a first-time generalized tonic-clonic seizure. Neuroimaging identified an extra-axial, dura-based left frontoparietal lesion, and the report emphasizes the rarity and diagnostic considerations distinguishing primary intracranial myxoma from more common entities such as cardiac myxoma with CNS embolization. The significance is clinical awareness: recognizing this rare tumor can support timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical/oncologic planning in pediatric seizure presentations.
Mansour MA, Malaeb RW, Morad A et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
An integrated approach for assessing intracardiac mass using multi-imaging modalities: A case report.
This case report studied an integrated multi-modality imaging approach to characterize an intracardiac mass in an 83-year-old woman with chest pain and shortness of breath. Echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal) identified a left atrial mass, coronary angiography showed a tumor blush, and cardiac MRI demonstrated increased gadolinium uptake within the mass. The significance is that combining echo, angiography, and cardiac MRI can improve diagnostic confidence and differential diagnosis of intracardiac masses such as thrombus versus tumor-like lesions.
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 composite hemangioendothelioma of the right atrium presenting with hemorrhagic pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Echocardiography identified the mass and tamponade physiology, and after pericardial drainage and imaging with CT and CMR, the tumor was surgically excised with reconstruction using an autologous pericardial patch; histopathology and immunohistochemistry supported low malignant potential, with postoperative FDG PET-CT showing no residual or metastatic disease. The report underscores the diagnostic role of multimodality imaging and the potential for favorable outcomes with surgery (and gemcitabine/docetaxel-based chemotherapy when used) in pediatric cardiac vascular tumors.
Chandran R, Srimurugan B, Pandey AK et al. · World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Implementation of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in everyday cardiology practice.
This 2026 clinical practice document studied how cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can be implemented in everyday cardiology across common cardiac conditions. It found that CMR provides established diagnostic and prognostic value using condition-specific sequences, while also emphasizing practical limitations such as availability, contraindications, and interpretive constraints. Scientifically and clinically, it serves as a guide for general cardiologists to select appropriate CMR indications and sequences for ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathies, valvular disease, aortopathies, masses, pericardial disease, and adult congenital heart disease.
Moharem-Elgamal S, Baritussio A, Christodorescu R et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Radiation-Associated Mesothelioma With Mixed Constrictive-Restrictive Physiology After Mantle-Field Radiotherapy.
This case report studied radiation-associated mesothelioma with mixed constrictive–restrictive physiology in a 60-year-old woman with prior mantle-field radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma more than 40 years earlier. The key finding was that multimodality evaluation showed recurrent pleuropericarditis and complex cardiothoracic involvement with constrictive physiology suggested by echocardiography/catheterization, while cardiac MRI was nondiagnostic and PET-CT demonstrated hypermetabolic pleural, mediastinal, and pericardial lesions. Scientifically and clinically, it underscores that late thoracic malignancy after radiotherapy can produce mixed hemodynamics and may require PET-CT and careful integration of imaging when CMR is limited.
Bensaber R, Serratrice J, Poku NK · 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 woman in early pregnancy (6 weeks 5 days) with bilateral renal infarction as the initial presentation of a left atrial myxoma. The key finding is that non-contrast abdominal MRI showed bilateral renal infarctions, and subsequent transthoracic echocardiography identified a large mobile pedunculated left atrial mass with CMR suggesting atypical attachment to the Coumadin ridge. Clinically, it emphasizes that systemic embolization in pregnancy should prompt cardiac imaging for rare causes like left atrial myxoma, even when initial renal findings dominate.
Min SD, Savjonoks S · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Clinical Realities of Multimodal Imaging in Papillary Fibroelastoma in 385 Pathology-Proven Cases.
This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic performance of computed tomography (CT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) versus transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for detecting and characterizing papillary fibroelastomas (PFEs) in 385 patients with pathology-proven cardiac PFEs undergoing surgery at Mayo Clinic (1998–2024). Across modalities, the key finding was that multimodal imaging (CT/CMR) provided clinically useful lesion detection and characterization relative to TEE in this large real-world cohort. These results support the practical role of CT and CMR as complementary tools to TEE for diagnosing PFE and for defining imaging features that may guide management.
Aboukhatwa O, Abbasi M, Botezatu S et al. · Mayo Clinic proceedings · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Echocardiography & Advanced Echo Mechanics (Strain/Rotation) for Risk Stratification
Incidentally detected double-chambered right ventricle in an adult.
This case report studied an incidentally detected double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) in a 55-year-old asymptomatic woman. Imaging demonstrated the characteristic division of the right ventricle into high- and low-pressure chambers due to hypertrophied right ventricular muscular structures (classically the moderator band), despite adult presentation. The significance is that DCRV can be discovered incidentally in adults and should be considered when right-sided intracardiac obstruction is suggested on cardiac imaging.
Saliba T, Rotzinger D, Fahrni G et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Peak apical rotation independently predicts left ventricular thrombus following anterior myocardial infarction.
This multicentre prospective observational study evaluated whether peak apical rotation measured by speckle tracking echocardiography predicts left ventricular (LV) thrombus after anterior myocardial infarction in 270 patients. LV thrombus occurred in 33% of participants, and peak apical rotation was significantly lower in those with thrombus, with multivariable regression and receiver-operating characteristic analyses used for discrimination. The finding supports using speckle-tracking–derived mechanical rotation as an imaging biomarker to improve post-MI thrombus risk stratification and guide surveillance or anticoagulation decisions.
Jones J, Coldea B, Butt H et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Arrhythmias & Sudden Cardiac Death Risk (Imaging/Phenotyping)
Ventricular Arrhythmias in Marfan Syndrome: Prevalence and Clinical Correlates in a Multicenter Cohort.
This retrospective multicenter cohort study included 783 adults with confirmed Marfan syndrome from three Mayo Clinic sites to determine prevalence and correlates of ventricular arrhythmias using chart-reviewed clinical, echocardiographic, CMR, surgical, and ICD data. Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) showed associations with specific clinical and structural features captured across these modalities. The findings help refine risk stratification for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in Marfan syndrome and guide targeted monitoring and management.
Dreher L, Abdul Nabi H, Kanaan C et al. · Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia as the first manifestation of probable cardiac sarcoidosis: A case report.
This case report described a 69-year-old man in whom sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia was the first manifestation of probable cardiac sarcoidosis. After presentation with atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and frequent sustained monomorphic VT (>200 beats/min), intravenous amiodarone was initiated and the clinical course highlighted cardiac sarcoidosis as an underlying cause of high-risk ventricular arrhythmia. The significance is that clinicians should consider cardiac sarcoidosis in older patients with new sustained monomorphic VT, even when it presents before other classic sarcoidosis features are recognized.
Sanusi M, Haddad F, Mohammed F et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Incremental Diagnostic Value of Right Atrial Strain in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: A Cardiac MRI Study.
This cardiac MRI study evaluated right atrial (RA) strain as an incremental diagnostic marker in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) with preserved versus reduced right ventricular (RV) function. In 38 ARVC patients with preserved RV function, RA reservoir and conduit strain were impaired and RA passive emptying fraction was reduced compared with healthy controls, even when standard RV function was preserved. Clinically, RA phasic strain may improve discrimination of ARVC phenotypes and detect disease-related atrial dysfunction earlier than RV metrics alone.
Xu W, Zhao J, Song Y et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Lazarus Protocol: Rescue Catheter Ablation of Incessant Ventricular Fibrillation by Purkinje Substrate Denetworking in Critically Ill Patients With Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.
This case series reported three critically ill patients with refractory incessant ventricular fibrillation (VF) due to ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent rescue catheter ablation using high-density Purkinje system mapping during ongoing VF with targeted Purkinje substrate denetworking plus myocardial substrate modification. The key finding was successful procedural targeting of Purkinje potentials/abnormal electrograms in infarct and border-zone myocardium, performed under advanced mechanical circulatory support and electroanatomic mapping with multimodality imaging integration. Scientifically and clinically, the “Lazarus Protocol” suggests a feasible strategy for otherwise refractory VF by focusing on Purkinje-driven substrate in critically ill patients.
Chahal CAA, Galanti K, AlKhayat M et al. · JACC. Clinical electrophysiology · (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 evaluated the clinical readiness and methodological rigor of artificial intelligence (AI) models for predicting sudden cardiac death (SCD) and malignant ventricular arrhythmias in studies identified from MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The key finding is that the review used PROBAST+AI appraisal with prespecified anchor subgroup reporting (without pooling) focused on AUROC with 95% confidence intervals to assess performance and bias across AI approaches. Scientifically, it provides an evidence-based appraisal framework for determining which AI ventricular arrhythmia/SCD prediction models are sufficiently rigorous for translation beyond left ventricular ejection fraction–based risk stratification.
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 ↗
Cardiomyopathies & Remodeling (Including Inflammation/Infiltration)
Eosinophilia and the Heart: Evolving Concepts.
This narrative review synthesized current evidence on cardiac involvement in eosinophilia, focusing on eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) and related inflammatory mechanisms. It highlights that up to 43% of histologically proven EM cases lack peripheral blood eosinophilia and that interleukin-5 (IL-5) pathway abnormalities are central, with emerging genetic susceptibility signals such as GPA33 and IRF1/IL5 in ANCA-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The review supports improved diagnostic vigilance for EM even without eosinophilia and reinforces IL-5 pathway–targeted therapies as a key therapeutic direction.
Habasko J, Kuchynka P, Bonatto ME et al. · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cutaneous ultrastructure reveals potential biomarkers of ventricular arrhythmias in inflammatory cardiomyopathy.
This single-center pilot study examined cutaneous ultrastructure in patients with inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICM) complicated by ventricular arrhythmias (VA) to identify potential skin biomarkers linked to desmosomal alterations. The study found cutaneous abnormalities consistent with desmosomal/intercalated-disc–related dysfunction in this ICM+VA population. If validated, skin ultrastructural biomarkers could offer a noninvasive way to flag arrhythmia risk mechanisms in inflammatory cardiomyopathy.
Villatore A, Paolino G, Sergianni E et al. · Ultrastructural pathology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis: a silent threat.
This review focused on myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN), emphasizing the often subclinical nature of cardiac involvement and the role of modern cardiovascular imaging for early detection. It links persistent immune activation in SLE/LN to increased cardiovascular risk through a dynamic cardiorenal interaction and highlights imaging advances that improve diagnostic accuracy. Scientifically and clinically, it supports earlier myocardial injury recognition in SLE/LN to enable timely intervention and potentially reduce cardiovascular morbidity.
Moysidou E, Bazmpani MA, Kallifatidis A et al. · Clinical kidney journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Young Mice Exhibit Increased Relative Ventricular Remodeling After AMI-A Longitudinal CMR Study.
This longitudinal CMR study compared left ventricular (LV) remodeling after permanent left anterior descending (LAD) ligation in young versus aged C57BL/6 mice at 2, 7, and 28 days post–myocardial infarction (MI). Young mice showed increased relative ventricular remodeling compared with aged mice, despite age-related baseline differences in volumes and deformation capacity. These data suggest age-dependent differences in post-MI remodeling trajectories that can inform the design and interpretation of preclinical CMR studies and therapeutic testing.
Lemcke H, Wörner P, Dalmer A et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Not Only the Left Ventricle: The Impact of Potentially Cardiotoxic Oncological Treatment on the Left Atrium and Right Ventricle.
This systematic review evaluated echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) studies that assessed left atrial (LA), right atrial (RA), and right ventricular (RV) function in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic oncologic treatments. The review emphasizes that standard surveillance using left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) may miss or detect late injury to non-LV chambers. The findings support broader multi-chamber imaging strategies to improve early detection of cardiotoxicity beyond the left ventricle.
Żak M, Suchodolski A, Niklewski T et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac MRI Strain for Prediction of PET-defined Myocardial Inflammation in Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis.
This retrospective clinical study evaluated whether cardiac MRI feature-tracking strain parameters (peak circumferential strain [PCS], peak longitudinal strain [PLS], and diastolic strain rates) can independently predict PET/CT-defined myocardial inflammation in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis who underwent FDG PET/CT within 90 days of cardiac MRI. The key finding was that specific cardiac MRI strain measures were associated with and could independently predict PET-defined myocardial inflammation. The significance is that strain-based cardiac MRI could provide a noninvasive imaging biomarker to identify active inflammation in cardiac sarcoidosis, potentially improving risk stratification and treatment targeting.
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 clinical study evaluated whether CMR tissue parameters of myocardial injury (cine, native T1/T2, post-T1 mapping, and late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]) and C-reactive protein (CRP) predict clinical prognosis in acute myocarditis, including 41 fulminant myocarditis patients (17 without mechanical circulatory support [MCS], 24 with MCS) and 35 non-fulminant cases. The key finding was that myocardial injury characteristics on CMR, together with CRP, were associated with adverse clinical outcomes in acute myocarditis. The significance is that combining CMR-derived injury metrics with CRP could improve prognostic stratification and guide management intensity in adults with acute myocarditis.
Shi X, Wang Y, Zhang Z et al. · Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Inaugural complete heart block in anti-SSA negative systemic lupus erythematosus: the diagnostic role of anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies.
This case report studied inaugural complete heart block (CHB) in a 21-year-old woman with anti-SSA-negative systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), focusing on diagnostic testing beyond standard anti-SSA/Ro. Despite negative anti-SSA, cardiac MRI and workup excluded myocarditis and other common causes, and the key diagnostic finding was the presence of anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies (with microvascular assessment supporting the diagnosis). The clinical significance is that anti-PM-Scl 100 testing can identify a rare adult SLE phenotype presenting with CHB even when anti-SSA is absent.
Dammene Debbih N, Laouar L, Dekdouk N et al. · Lupus · (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 for noninvasive monitoring of acute cellular rejection (ACR) in adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients using serial T1- and T2-mapping. In 17 recipients scanned 5–6 times within the first month post-transplant and compared with 10 controls, quantitative T1/T2 metrics were assessed for their ability to detect or reflect rejection-related changes. If validated, T1/T2 mapping could reduce reliance on frequent endomyocardial biopsies by enabling earlier, noninvasive rejection surveillance.
Sokolska JM, Sokolski M, Nożyński J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodal artificial intelligence for early detection and precision management of inflammatory and infiltrative cardiomyopathies.
This review synthesized how multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) can enable early detection and precision management of inflammatory and infiltrative cardiomyopathies such as cardiac sarcoidosis, transthyretin amyloidosis, and autoimmune myocarditis. The key finding is that integrating ECG, echocardiography, CMR, PET/scintigraphy, biomarkers, and electronic health record (EHR) data can improve diagnostic suspicion, tissue-based phenotyping, and risk-directed triage. Such AI-driven multimodality could shorten time to diagnosis and guide more targeted treatment strategies in these often underrecognized conditions.
Adrejiya P, Alkhatib DA, Aljaroudi W · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Saw-Tooth Cardiomyopathy: A Novel Dual Diagnosis.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 25-year-old man with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) and concurrent saw-tooth cardiomyopathy, confirmed using coronary angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). The key finding was the first reported dual diagnosis of SCAD coexisting with saw-tooth cardiomyopathy, a rare left ventricular dysplasia characterized by myocardial serrations. The case highlights the need to consider uncommon cardiomyopathies when SCAD presentations are accompanied by distinctive CMR myocardial morphology.
Young D, Mok D, Wilson S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Sarcoidosis: A Practical Guide for Cardiologists.
This practical guide reviewed current evidence for diagnosis and management of cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), focusing on clinical presentation (e.g., atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmias, heart failure, sudden cardiac death) and the challenges posed by patchy myocardial involvement. The key finding is that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and ^18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are central to diagnosis, while immunosuppression strategies and arrhythmic prevention remain areas with limited randomized-trial evidence. Clinically, the guide provides actionable recommendations for cardiologists to improve detection and treatment of CS despite diagnostic heterogeneity.
Imazio M, Venturelli F, Collini V · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Beyond Kt/V: Redefining Dialysis Adequacy as Targeted Cardiovascular Risk Reduction.
This study analyzed the prevalence and determinants of asymmetric septal hypertrophy (ASH) across left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) conditions using two datasets: a UK Biobank healthy cohort and a multi-cohort clinical CMR dataset. It found that ASH prevalence and the septal-to-lateral wall thickness ratio (SLR) vary with demographic factors and disease states, with CMR enabling standardized phenotyping across populations including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and other LVH etiologies. The clinical significance is improved understanding of when ASH reflects physiologic or pathological remodeling, supporting more accurate interpretation of CMR-based LVH patterns.
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 ↗
From Hippocrates to Biologics, The Evolving History of Pericarditis: A Review.
This narrative review studied the historical evolution of pericarditis understanding and management from early descriptions attributed to Hippocrates through modern diagnostic refinement and emerging therapies. The key finding is that diagnostic characterization progressed from nonspecific clinical observations to more precise clinical and pathophysiologic frameworks, while treatment evolved from largely symptomatic or surgical approaches (including pericardiectomy for constrictive disease) toward contemporary strategies. Scientifically, it provides context for current practice and highlights how historical shifts in diagnostic thinking have shaped today’s therapeutic development.
Al-Dalakta A, Tabaja C, Alqahtani M et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Interaction Between Genotype, Phenotype, and Prognosis in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy.
This prospective study investigated how genotype and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) fibrosis markers interact to influence long-term prognosis in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), using whole-genome sequencing and CMR. The key finding is that DCM-associated genetic status was categorized into TTN variants, non-TTN variants, and genotype-negative groups, enabling analysis of how these genetic categories relate to CMR-derived fibrosis and outcomes. Scientifically, it addresses whether genetic background and imaging fibrosis markers contribute independently or synergistically to DCM progression, informing risk stratification beyond either factor alone.
Li Y, Xu Y, Guo Y et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pulmonary Hypertension & Right-Heart Failure Monitoring
PET Imaging in Pulmonary Hypertension.
This narrative review summarized how positron emission tomography (PET) can be used to characterize pulmonary hypertension (with emphasis on pulmonary arterial hypertension) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling. It highlights that PET can detect early molecular and metabolic alterations that may precede structural or functional changes measurable by echocardiography or cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Clinically, PET-based biomarkers could improve earlier risk assessment and mechanistic understanding of RV failure in pulmonary hypertension.
van Leent MMT, St Hillaire T, Sivalokanathan S et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
From snapshot to trajectory: A multimodality right-heart monitoring framework across the heart failure spectrum.
This narrative review examined serial right-heart assessment across the heart failure spectrum (HFrEF, HFmrEF, and HFpEF), focusing on multimodality imaging and physiological determinants of RV dysfunction, pulmonary vascular load, tricuspid regurgitation, and venous congestion, with dapagliflozin/SGLT2 inhibition used as a mechanistic example. It proposes a pragmatic, therapy-agnostic “trajectory” framework integrating clinical status, biomarkers, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance to guide longitudinal right-heart monitoring. The significance is that it shifts heart-failure follow-up from predominantly left-ventricle-centered evaluation toward right-heart–focused, longitudinal multimodality phenotyping that could better capture disease progression and treatment response.
Albulushi A, Al Habsi M, Al-Kharusi A · American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pectus Excavatum-Induced Preload Insufficiency Presenting as Long-Standing Sinus Tachycardia.
This case report studied a 65-year-old woman with long-standing sinus tachycardia attributed to severe adult pectus excavatum causing cardiac compression and preload insufficiency. Right heart catheterization showed markedly low filling pressures (mean right atrial pressure 1 mmHg) with preserved cardiac output, and cardiovascular magnetic resonance demonstrated severe pectus excavatum (Haller index 8.1) with anterior cardiac compression. The report highlights that unexplained persistent sinus tachycardia despite high-dose beta-blockade can reflect preload failure from chest wall–induced hemodynamic compromise, supporting early hemodynamic and CMR evaluation in similar presentations.
Alkhatib R, Zghyer F, Hatab T et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular Heart Disease & Structural Intervention Imaging
Imaging the Adult With Secundum Atrial Septal Defect: A Practical Echocardiographic Approach From Diagnosis to Device Closure.
This narrative review provided a practical echocardiographic workflow for adults with secundum atrial septal defect (ASD), covering diagnosis, hemodynamic assessment, anatomical characterization, transcatheter closure planning, and follow-up. It focuses on how to address the frequently non-circular ASD geometry by using complementary imaging—transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and multiplanar two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)—to improve measurement accuracy for device closure. The approach aims to reduce procedural planning errors and improve outcomes for transcatheter ASD closure in adults.
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 studied how cardiac imaging modalities are used in structural valve clinical trials for secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR), focusing on transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and transcatheter mitral valve replacement. It found that echocardiography (transthoracic and transesophageal), cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance each contribute distinct roles in patient selection criteria, procedural guidance, and outcome assessment. Clinically, the article clarifies imaging requirements that can standardize trial enrollment and improve procedural planning for SMR interventions.
Chehab O, Capasso R, Delgado V et al. · Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Congenital Heart Disease & Adult Congenital Pathways
Left ventricular rehabilitation after Ross operation for critical aortic stenosis with endocardial fibroelastosis.
This study evaluated long-term clinical and functional outcomes after the Ross operation in neonates and infants with critical aortic stenosis, comparing those with and without endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE). The key finding was the characterization of how EFE status influences longer-term left ventricular (LV) function and clinical outcomes following early Ross surgery (with or without concomitant EFE resection). These data could inform prognosis and follow-up strategies for infants undergoing Ross repair when EFE is present.
Jacob KA, Korsuize NA, van Wijk A et al. · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging Methods, Workflow & AI/Computational Tools
Comparison of Deep Learning-Based Free Breathing with Conventional Breath Holding CMR for Quantifying Degenerative Mitral Regurgitation.
This prospective study compared deep learning-based free-breathing accelerated 2D SSFP cine imaging (Sonic DL Cine, GE HealthCare) and free-breathing phase-contrast imaging against conventional breath-holding CMR for quantifying degenerative mitral regurgitation in patients with degenerative MR. The free-breathing deep learning approach produced MR quantification results that matched standard breath-hold CMR with acceptable accuracy. Clinically, this enables more reliable CMR assessment of degenerative mitral regurgitation in patients who cannot tolerate breath-holding.
Chamay S, Horgan SJ, Animashaun IB et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A Knowledge Graph Framework for Longitudinal Congenital Heart Disease Modeling: Methodology Corner.
This methodology paper developed a knowledge graph framework to model longitudinal electronic health record (EHR) trajectories in congenital heart disease (CHD) by integrating patients, encounters, diagnoses, and procedures while preserving temporal progression. The key contribution is a trajectory-aware representation that overcomes static feature limitations of conventional machine learning for CHD longitudinal data. Scientifically, it provides a foundation for more context-preserving predictive modeling of CHD disease course and intervention pathways.
Xu H, Cunge L, Ming Z et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Deep Learning Predicts Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging From 3D Chromatin Images.
This study developed and validated ChromAgeNet, an interpretable deep learning model using convolutional neural networks to predict hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging from 3D chromatin images. The model learned spatial features of chromatin architecture from DAPI-stained 3D microscopy data and produced quantitative estimates of HSC aging state. This provides a scalable, image-based biomarker approach for measuring hematopoietic aging and potentially tracking interventions that modulate aging.
Picazo PI, Mejía-Ramírez E, Di Bari D et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial strain evaluation from cardiovascular MRI and CT: physiological principles and clinical perspectives.
This review described the physiological basis and clinical applications of myocardial strain derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT). It explains that strain reflects local myocardial deformation driven by changes in cardiac fiber and sheetlet mesostructure and can provide more specific information than global measures. The review positions strain imaging as a clinically useful tool for detecting and characterizing myocardial dysfunction across imaging modalities.
Hussein TM, Pourmorteza A, Oshinski JN · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Investigating Biventricular Intracardiac Flow Remodeling in Marathon Athletes With 4D Flow Cardiac MRI.
This study investigated biventricular intracardiac flow remodeling in marathon athletes using 4D flow cardiac MRI. Marathon athletes showed distinct right- and left-ventricular intracardiac flow components compared with conventional expectations for early cardiomyopathy, and the study examined associations between these flow metrics and measures of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. Scientifically, it supports 4D flow MRI as a potential hemodynamic biomarker to differentiate 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 ↗
A Comparison of Tissue Property Values Estimated Using Conventional Cardiac MRF and MT-Cardiac MRF.
This study compared tissue property values estimated using conventional cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (cMRF) versus MT-cardiac MRF that explicitly models magnetization transfer (MT) during reconstruction. Using simulations, phantom validation, and in vivo data from 14 healthy subjects, the authors assessed whether MT modeling improves quantification of T1 and T2 parameters (including free-water T1f/T2f and bound pool fraction BPF). The significance is that incorporating MT into cMRF reconstruction may yield more accurate and reliable myocardial T1/T2 quantification for quantitative cardiac imaging.
Kaplan S, Liu Z, Hamilton J et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Semiautomatic method for peak velocity quantification using 4D flow imaging in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction.
This single-center prospective study developed and tested a new semiautomatic postprocessing method for quantifying left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) peak velocity from 4D flow cardiac MRI in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). The key finding was the method’s reliability and reproducibility compared with existing labor-intensive approaches for LVOT peak velocity measurement. A faster, reproducible workflow could improve clinical adoption of 4D flow CMR for HCM severity assessment and treatment planning.
Desdoit X, Bouzerar R, Dantoing C et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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/cycle at 1.6 mm isotropic resolution) plus cuff systolic and diastolic blood pressures improves calibration and internal consistency of patient-specific cardiac mechanics models. The key finding was that leveraging this richer imaging and physiologic input improves non-invasive calibration of 0D lumped-parameter and 3D finite element models. Better model fidelity could enhance the scientific and clinical utility of computational cardiac mechanics for 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 ↗
Generation of contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI from contrast-free scans: a multi-center, multi-manufacturer study.
This multi-center, multi-manufacturer study developed and externally tested Cine2LGE, a method to generate LGE-like contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI images and enhancement probability from contrast-free cine MRI. The key finding was that Cine2LGE can approximate late gadolinium enhancement without gadolinium administration, addressing limitations from renal impairment or contrast allergy. If performance holds across scanners and diseases, contrast-free “synthetic LGE” could broaden access to myocardial tissue characterization.
Xie P, Zhang Z, Chen J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Multiscale four-dimensional imaging of cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction.
This article studied multiscale four-dimensional (4D) cardiac imaging approaches to characterize post–myocardial infarction remodeling as a coupled spatiotemporal process. The key finding is that 4D imaging integrates temporal dynamics with 3D ventricular geometry to capture how mechanical dysfunction, hemodynamic redistribution, and molecular responses evolve together across scales. Scientifically, it supports more integrated characterization of infarcted-heart remodeling than conventional single-modality or single-timepoint imaging, potentially improving mechanistic understanding and future therapeutic targeting.
Lei H, Martinac B, Guo Y · The Journal of physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Imaging Biomarkers for Heart Failure Prognosis & Congestion
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 prognostic value for long-term mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Among consecutive patients undergoing vasodilator stress perfusion CMR at three French centers (2008–2024) with CMR-derived LVEF <50%, the study evaluated all-cause mortality associations using multivariable Cox models and tested incremental prognostic value beyond clinical factors and LVEF. Scientifically and clinically, it clarifies how CMR-derived ischemia and scar/function information can improve risk prediction in LV systolic dysfunction.
Pfeffer A, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Transplantation & Post-Transplant Surveillance
A new Dawn: Advances and innovation in heart transplantation part I - cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in heart transplantation.
This review article summarized advances in heart transplantation surveillance, emphasizing the expanding role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) alongside echocardiography and endomyocardial biopsy. It focused on monitoring graft dysfunction due to cellular rejection or antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV) using noninvasive CMR techniques. The clinical significance is improved, earlier detection and characterization of transplant complications to complement invasive biopsy-based surveillance.
Sormani P, Ammirati E, Villaschi A et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Epidemiology, Disparities & Public Health Outcomes
Severe maternal morbidity in pregnancies complicated by maternal seizure disorder.
This retrospective cohort study used the National Inpatient Sample (HCUP/AHRQ) from 2017–2021 to evaluate severe maternal morbidity (SMM) in pregnant patients with seizure disorder identified by ICD-10 codes. Seizure disorder pregnancies had higher rates of severe maternal morbidity and were associated with increased hypertensive disorders of pregnancy compared with pregnancies without seizure disorder. These findings support closer maternal–fetal surveillance and risk stratification for hypertensive complications in women with seizure disorders during delivery admissions.
Amin J, Lau B, Taylor BD et al. · Pregnancy (Hoboken, N.J.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The additive value of coronary calcium in identifying cardiovascular risk in ageing people with HIV.
This observational study assessed whether coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) add to existing risk prediction (e.g., Q-risk scores) for cardiovascular outcomes in 779 people with HIV (median age 55) who underwent coronary calcium scanning. The key finding was that CACS predicted adverse outcomes such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), death, and heart failure better than Q-risk scores. The significance is that coronary calcium imaging may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in aging people with HIV beyond traditional clinical risk tools.
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 retrospective national analysis studied demographic and regional disparities in mortality where diabetes mellitus (DM) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) co-occur in the United States from 1999 to 2023 using the CDC WONDER database. The key finding was that DM–CVD co-morbidity mortality varied by population group and geography, identifying specific high-risk populations and regions over time. The significance is that targeted public health interventions can be prioritized based on these disparities rather than treating DM–CVD mortality as uniform across the country.
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 experimental study investigated how elevated hydrostatic pressure affects organic carbon mineralization in reservoir sediments using a custom hydrostatic pressure simulation system. Increasing hydrostatic pressure (0.1–2.1 MPa) significantly accelerated sediment organic carbon mineralization, with the apparent carbon mineralization rate at 2.1 MPa reported as substantially higher than at lower pressures in non-sterilized incubations. Scientifically, it suggests that reservoir-induced pressure changes can enhance carbon turnover, influencing carbon cycling and long-term biogeochemical fate in impounded waters.
Zhang Y, Xiao S, Liu D et al. · Water research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 report studied perioperative cardiovascular evaluation and management recommendations for adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, synthesizing evidence from August 2022 to March 2023. The key finding is that it provides structured, evidence-based recommendations across the perioperative continuum using a comprehensive literature search across major databases (including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane). Clinically, it aims to standardize risk assessment and management to reduce perioperative cardiovascular complications in noncardiac surgical patients.
Thompson A, Fleischmann KE, Smilowitz NR et al. · Circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Therapeutics & Pharmacology (Cardioprotection/Drugs/Trials)
Cardioprotective effects of CDP-choline in ischemia/reperfusion injury using a swine model of acute myocardial infarction.
This randomized, placebo-controlled swine study tested whether intravenous CDP-choline given after coronary occlusion reduces myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in a closed-chest acute myocardial infarction model. CDP-choline administered 30 minutes after left anterior descending (LAD) coronary occlusion improved cardioprotection compared with placebo, consistent with reduced I/R-related damage and infarct-related outcomes. The results support CDP-choline as a candidate therapeutic strategy to limit infarct size and improve outcomes after STEMI-like I/R injury.
González-Pacheco H, Massó F, Amezcua-Guerra LM et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Disposition of Imrecoxib.
This narrative review summarized the clinical pharmacokinetics and disposition of imrecoxib, a COX-2–preferential nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved in China for osteoarthritis. It reports key features including oral absorption with peak plasma concentrations at 2–3 hours, increased exposure with food, high protein binding, and sequential metabolism from imrecoxib (M0) to 4’-hydroxymethylimrecoxib (M1) and further metabolites (M-CHO, M2). These data support evidence-based dosing considerations and evaluation of drug-drug interactions and special-population adjustments for imrecoxib therapy.
Zhao S, Li C, Mallillin MC et al. · Clinical pharmacokinetics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular effects of chronic GIPR and GLP-1R agonism in lean and diet-induced obese mice: sex differences and dose-dependent remodeling.
This preclinical mouse study investigated cardiovascular effects of chronic GIPR versus GLP-1R agonism in lean and diet-induced obese mice, assessing sex differences and dose-dependent cardiac remodeling after 1 month of continuous infusion (0.1–1.0 mg/kg/day). The key finding was that GIPR and GLP-1R stimulation produced distinct, sex-specific and dose-dependent remodeling patterns in both lean and diet-induced obese settings. Clinically, these results help clarify why GLP-1 receptor agonists show cardiovascular benefit while the cardiovascular impact of GIPR targeting remains uncertain, informing future translational development of incretin-based therapies.
Göktaş SŞ, Francisco A, Duarte JMN et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
A case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma achieving complete remission with epcoritamab after pseudoprogression.
This case report studied a 58-year-old man with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) who developed histologic relapse after prior lisocabtagene maraleucel and then received epcoritamab. The key finding was complete remission after epcoritamab despite a clinical course consistent with pseudoprogression, including fever after the second step-up dose and subsequent confirmation of response. Clinically, it suggests that apparent progression after bispecific antibody therapy (epcoritamab) may not always represent true treatment failure in DLBCL.
Takahara A, Yagi Y, Kanemasa Y et al. · Journal of clinical and experimental hematopathology : JCEH · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on October 04, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published September 27, 2026 – October 04, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.