What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

October 07, 2026 · 91 articles · 15 research themes · covering September 30, 2026 – October 07, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s PubMed highlights, a dominant theme is the expanding role of multimodality imaging—especially cardiac MRI (CMR) and PET/CT, with increasing CT alternatives—to detect disease earlier, refine phenotyping, and improve risk stratification. Multiple studies emphasize “beyond the obvious” biomarkers: noninfarcted myocardium changes after MI, myocardial scar/inflammation signals (LGE, T1/T2 mapping, ECV), and deformation or hemodynamic metrics (strain, RA strain, congestion staging, blood-oxygenation–related T2 ratios). In parallel, several papers address practical barriers—contrast avoidance, scan time, breath-hold burden, and workflow throughput—using protocol optimization, AI-guided acquisition, and contrast-free or low-contrast approaches.

A second major thread is inflammatory and immune-mediated cardiac disease, where imaging is crucial for diagnosis despite atypical presentations or patchy involvement. Cardiac sarcoidosis appears repeatedly (reviews, diagnostic guidance, and strain–PET correlations), alongside autoimmune/inflammatory myocarditis and systemic immune syndromes such as SLE-associated conduction disease and Kounis syndrome. Eosinophilic myocarditis and Behçet-linked recurrent myocarditis further reinforce that normal peripheral counts or nonobstructive coronaries do not exclude cardiac involvement—multimodality imaging and targeted immunologic testing can change clinical trajectories.

Finally, risk prediction for arrhythmias and heart failure is being sharpened by integrating advanced imaging biomarkers with clinical context. Studies in ARVC, Marfan syndrome, pediatric/adolescent arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and post-AMI populations show incremental prognostic value from CMR-derived measures (including atrial mechanics and ventricular deformation), while congestion staging and right-heart–focused monitoring aim to better capture disease progression across the HF spectrum. Together, these findings point toward a future where imaging-derived, quantitative, and longitudinal biomarkers—often supported by AI—guide earlier diagnosis, more tailored therapy selection, and more precise surveillance.

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Cardiac MRI/CT for Myocardial Tissue Characterization (LGE, T1/T2, ECV, Scar)

Diagnostic performance of shuttle-mode myocardial CT late enhancement: Comparison with late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular MR.

This prospective multicenter study evaluated shuttle-mode dual-source CT myocardial late enhancement (CT-LE) for detecting myocardial infarction (MI) and quantifying transmural extent in 56 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease, using late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular MRI (LGE-CMR) as the reference standard. Shuttle-mode CT-LE showed diagnostic performance for MI detection and agreement with LGE-CMR for transmural assessment. These findings support the clinical validation of shuttle-mode myocardial CT-LE as a CT alternative to LGE-CMR for characterizing MI and infarct transmurality.

Kokawa T, Nakamura S, Nakamori S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular computed tomography · (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 imaging study developed a simultaneous 3-D adiabatic T1ρ, T2*, and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) method to characterize myocardial infarction. In C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice with C75Bl/6JOlaHsd MI (nMI=7) versus controls (nCTRL=6), it combined adiabatic T1ρ preparation with a 3-D multi-echo GRE sequence to generate T1ρ-weighted QSM, T2* maps, and susceptibility maps, and also derived T1ρ maps from T1ρ–T2*–QSM. This is significant because it provides a multi-parameter MRI framework for more comprehensive infarct characterization in preclinical studies.

Räty I, Nykänen O, Kettunen S et al. · NMR in biomedicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Photon-counting CT of midventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

This case report studied a 63-year-old woman with midventricular takotsubo cardiomyopathy presenting with acute chest pain and elevated troponin I after emotional stress. Photon-counting detector coronary CT angiography (PCD-CCTA) excluded obstructive coronary artery disease and multiphase cine reconstructions accurately characterized the midventricular circumferential wall-motion abnormality with basal and apical sparing. The report highlights photon-counting CT as a high-resolution, noninvasive imaging approach to rapidly distinguish atypical takotsubo patterns from coronary obstruction.

Chikh Bakri I, Euler A · Radiology case reports · (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 for quantifying epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) and tested reproducibility and agreement with cardiac CT. In 127 patients with aortic stenosis who underwent paired CT and MRI (plus 11 volunteers), the standardized MRI protocol produced reproducible EATV measurements and showed agreement with CT-derived EATV. Standardization and CT concordance strengthen MRI as a radiation-free alternative for cardiometabolic risk assessment using EATV.

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 late iodine enhancement (DECT-LIE) and extracellular volume fraction (ECV) can quantify myocardial focal scar (MFS) in 33 patients with old myocardial infarction. DECT-LIE-derived ECV measurements showed quantitative agreement with CMR ECV derived from native and enhanced T1 mapping/late gadolinium enhancement, supporting DECT as a scar quantification approach. Clinically, this could reduce contrast dose while providing a CT-based alternative for myocardial scar assessment when CMR is unavailable.

Chen F, Jia T, Luo L et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Clinical significance of incidental pericardial late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance.

This retrospective single-center study investigated the clinical significance of incidental pericardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) detected on cardiac MRI performed for unrelated indications. Patients with incidental pericardial LGE were compared with controls without LGE to determine whether this finding reflects persistent subclinical pericardial inflammation associated with adverse long-term outcomes. If confirmed, incidental pericardial LGE could become a clinically actionable CMR marker for prognosis even when pericarditis is not the primary indication.

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 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 myocardial ECV was associated with increased risk of the composite clinical outcomes (mortality and heart failure onset) using Cox proportional hazards modeling. These results support myocardial ECV as a prognostic biomarker of interstitial fibrosis burden in coronary artery disease populations.

Krittayaphong R, Jirataiporn K, Yindeengam A et al. · European journal of radiology · (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) in patients with suspected TS, focusing on how CT can complement or substitute for cardiac MRI when CMR is contraindicated or limited. The key finding was that while CMR remains the reference standard, current evidence supports CT’s role in evaluating TS-related cardiac morphology and function and in triaging patients when CMR cannot be performed. This is clinically significant because it can reduce diagnostic delays and improve access to imaging-based TS evaluation in real-world settings.

Cau R, Gatti M, Suri JS et al. · European journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Multiparametric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Characterization of the Noninfarcted Myocardium: Definition, Assessment, and Clinical Significance.

This JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging review synthesized evidence on cardiac MRI characterization of the noninfarcted myocardium (NIM) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The key finding was that CMR can detect NIM alterations—such as inflammation, interstitial expansion, and changes in myocardial deformation—beyond the infarct and that these changes have clinical relevance. This is significant because NIM-focused CMR biomarkers may improve risk stratification and understanding of post-AMI remodeling and outcomes.

Pavon AG, Bergamaschi L, Guglielmo M et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · 3 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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 model 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 were trained on a multi-center dataset and externally validated on an independent dataset. This is clinically significant because it could expand myocardial tissue characterization to patients who cannot receive gadolinium contrast (e.g., renal impairment or contrast allergy).

Xie P, Zhang Z, Chen J et al. · European radiology · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗

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 CHF after STEMI. The finding suggests that blood-oxygenation–related CMR T2-ratio can provide early, imaging-based risk stratification for post-STEMI CHF.

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 ↗

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Cardiac MRI/CT for Ischemia, Microvascular Dysfunction, and Perfusion

Real-World Comparison of Cardiac MRI and Nuclear Perfusion Imaging for Myocardial Scar Detection.

This retrospective single-center real-world comparison studied concordance between myocardial scar detection by cardiovascular MRI late gadolinium enhancement (CMR-LGE) and fixed perfusion defects (FPD) on nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients who underwent both tests within 1 year. The key finding was the degree of agreement between CMR-LGE-defined scar and nuclear MPI FPD across different nuclear modalities/attenuation correction approaches (SPECTAC, SPECTNoAC, and 82-rubidium PET). This is clinically important because it informs how reliably nuclear MPI can substitute for or complement CMR-LGE in scar detection.

Csecs I, Kyriakoulis I, Ahmed AI et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Myocardial blood flow changes assessed by dynamic CZT-SPECT in patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy treated with Tafamidis: Correlation With [99mTc]-PYP Scintigraphy and CMR.

This study quantified myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) using dynamic 201Tl cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) SPECT in 19 patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) and 14 individuals without obstructive coronary artery disease, and examined correlations with disease markers including extracellular volume (ECV). The key finding was that ATTR-CM was associated with measurable microvascular dysfunction on dynamic CZT-SPECT, with post-tafamidis flow changes explored as a secondary analysis. This is significant because it links tafamidis-treated ATTR-CM physiology to quantitative perfusion metrics that may reflect microvascular impairment.

Ko KY, Ko CL, Su MY et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 investigated whether systemic inflammation and infarct size relate to 10-year mortality in 1,574 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients without cardiogenic shock stratified by the ORBI Risk Score (high ORBI ≥8 vs low). The key finding was that higher-risk ORBI groups showed greater inflammatory biomarker levels (CRP, leukocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and MR-proADM) and larger infarct size, which aligned with worse long-term outcomes. The study is significant because it links early post-PCI inflammation and myocardial injury burden to long-term mortality risk in STEMI patients.

Kunkel JB, Lønborg J, Frydland M et al. · European heart journal. Acute cardiovascular care · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

FOCUS-ischemia: A real-world comparison of an ischemia-focused analytical strategy and conventional multiparametric stress CMR.

This real-world clinical study compared an ischemia-focused analytical strategy (FOCUS-ischemia) with conventional multiparametric stress CMR 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 relative to conventional multiparametric stress CMR while addressing limitations related to examination duration and accessibility. This is significant because it supports more efficient stress CMR workflows without sacrificing prognostic utility for coronary management decisions.

Chati Z, Balaj C, Tissier S · International journal of cardiology. Heart & vasculature · (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 evaluated infarct-related and remote myocardial injury in 224 acute myocardial infarction patients with multivessel disease (MVD) versus single-vessel disease (SVD), including stratification by complete revascularization after percutaneous coronary intervention. The key finding was that MVD patients showed distinct myocardial tissue characteristics not only in the infarct zone but also in remote myocardium, with differences related to revascularization completeness. This is significant because cardiac MRI biomarkers may help explain worse outcomes in MVD and refine risk stratification beyond the infarct territory.

Luo C, Jiang W, Mo C 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, can prevent coronary microvascular dysfunction in adults with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent successful primary PCI and have at least one significant non-culprit lesion. The trial design randomizes participants 1:1 to standard therapy plus ranolazine versus standard therapy alone to evaluate microvascular function during the early post-infarction phase. If effective, ranolazine-mediated INa inhibition could become a targeted strategy to improve microvascular recovery after STEMI despite successful revascularization.

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 summarized quantitative myocardial perfusion imaging approaches using MRI (QP-CMR) and CT (quantitative CT perfusion, CTP) for evaluating myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease. The key finding was that quantitative MBF assessment with MRI and CT improves diagnostic accuracy—often outperforming visual interpretation or coronary CT angiography alone—especially in multi-vessel disease. This is clinically significant because it supports broader adoption of radiation-free (MRI) or anatomy-plus-function (CT) quantitative perfusion strategies to guide CAD management.

Nakamura S, Takafuji M, Hashimoto N et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac Sarcoidosis: Imaging, Diagnosis, and Risk Stratification

Multimodality Cardiovascular Imaging in the Evaluation of Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

This review studied how multimodality cardiovascular imaging is used to evaluate cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), a granulomatous disease with high risks of atrioventricular block, ventricular arrhythmia, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. The key finding was that while endomyocardial biopsy has high specificity, sampling error limits sensitivity, so diagnosis relies on combined clinical criteria and advanced imaging—particularly cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography—to detect inflammation and fibrosis. Scientifically and clinically, it supports an imaging-centered diagnostic strategy to improve detection and risk stratification of CS.

Thomas KE, Wicks EC, Divakaran S et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

PET Imaging in Pulmonary Hypertension.

This narrative review examined how positron emission tomography (PET) imaging can characterize pulmonary hypertension (PH), with emphasis on pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and right ventricular (RV) remodeling and failure. The key finding is that PET can detect early molecular and metabolic alterations that precede structural/functional changes measurable by echocardiography or cardiac MRI. This is significant because it positions PET as a tool for earlier diagnosis, better phenotyping, and potentially more targeted monitoring of disease progression in PH.

van Leent MMT, St Hillaire T, Sivalokanathan S et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (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 assessed whether cardiac MRI strain predicts PET/CT-defined myocardial inflammation in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis. Using feature tracking on cine steady-state free precession images, it calculated peak circumferential strain (PCS), peak longitudinal strain (PLS), and diastolic strain rates, and tested their independent association with focal FDG uptake on PET/CT within 90 days. The significance is that CMR-derived strain parameters could provide a noninvasive biomarker for inflammatory activity, potentially improving risk assessment and treatment targeting in cardiac sarcoidosis.

Firoozeh N, Shafiei M, Gulhane A et al. · Radiology. Cardiothoracic imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia as the first manifestation of probable cardiac sarcoidosis: A case report.

This case report describes a 69-year-old man whose first presentation of probable cardiac sarcoidosis was sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (>200 bpm) with concurrent atrial fibrillation and chronic diastolic heart failure. Intravenous amiodarone was initiated and the clinical course highlighted sustained monomorphic VT as a high-risk initial manifestation of cardiac sarcoidosis. The report is clinically important because it emphasizes early consideration of cardiac sarcoidosis in patients presenting with sustained monomorphic VT, potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and targeted management.

Sanusi M, Haddad F, Mohammed F et al. · Radiology 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 role of imaging such as cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and ^18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET. It emphasized that myocardial involvement is often patchy and that randomized trial evidence is limited, while summarizing advances in immunosuppression and arrhythmic event prevention. The scientific and clinical significance is improved, actionable guidance for cardiologists to recognize CS earlier and tailor diagnostic and treatment strategies despite heterogeneous disease distribution.

Imazio M, Venturelli F, Collini V · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Arrhythmogenic Risk and Ventricular Arrhythmias (including ICD/ablation)

Cutaneous ultrastructure reveals potential biomarkers of ventricular arrhythmias in inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

This pilot single-center study investigated whether cutaneous ultrastructural abnormalities could serve as biomarkers for ventricular arrhythmias in inflammatory cardiomyopathy (ICM) by examining desmosomal alterations in skin tissue. The key finding was that patients with ICM complicated by ventricular arrhythmias showed cutaneous ultrastructural features consistent with desmosomal/intercalated-disc dysfunction, suggesting a mechanistic overlap with desmosomal arrhythmogenic diseases. This is significant because it proposes a non-cardiac tissue approach to identify arrhythmic risk in inflammatory cardiomyopathy.

Villatore A, Paolino G, Sergianni E et al. · Ultrastructural pathology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Ventricular Arrhythmias in Marfan Syndrome: Prevalence and Clinical Correlates in a Multicenter Cohort.

This retrospective multicenter cohort study evaluated ventricular arrhythmias and their clinical/structural correlates in 783 adults with confirmed Marfan syndrome from three Mayo Clinic sites, using chart review data including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), surgical history, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) data. Sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) were associated with specific clinical and imaging features (including CMR-derived measures, as assessed in multivariable logistic regression). These findings refine risk stratification for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in Marfan syndrome and may inform selection of ICD therapy and closer surveillance based on CMR/clinical correlates.

Dreher L, Abdul Nabi H, Kanaan C et al. · Circulation. Arrhythmia and electrophysiology · (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 assessed whether absence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac MRI predicts outcomes in nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), comparing CRT with defibrillator (CRT-D) versus pacemaker (CRT-P) contexts. The key finding was that lack of LGE (i.e., no myocardial scar/fibrosis signal) is associated with better CRT response and lower ventricular arrhythmia (VA) risk. Scientifically and clinically, this supports using CMR LGE status to help tailor device selection (potentially favoring CRT-P over CRT-D in low-arrhythmic-risk, LGE-negative patients).

Sánchez-Vega J, Anguera I, Leyva F et al. · JACC. Advances · (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 assessed incremental diagnostic value of right atrial (RA) strain in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) by comparing 38 ARVC patients with preserved RV function, 38 with reduced RV function, and 38 healthy controls. ARVC patients with preserved RV function showed impaired RA reservoir and conduit strain and reduced RA passive emptying fraction despite otherwise preserved RA indices, improving discrimination from controls. This is significant because RA phasic strain may detect early ARVC-related functional changes before overt RV dysfunction is evident.

Xu W, Zhao J, Song Y et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cardiac MRI-Derived Right Ventricular Strain for Risk Stratification in Pediatric and Adolescent Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

This multicenter cohort study evaluated pediatric and adolescent patients (≤21 years) with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) to determine whether cardiac MRI-derived right ventricular global longitudinal strain (RVGLS) improves risk stratification beyond conventional clinical and CMR markers. The study found that RVGLS provided prognostic and incremental value for predicting severe cardiac outcomes in this younger ACM population. These results support using CMR-based RV deformation metrics as an evidence-based tool to refine risk stratification and guide clinical management in pediatric/adolescent ACM.

Xu W, Sa F, Song Y et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · 2 citations · 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 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 with ventricular arrhythmia risk. The results support LAS as a potential CMR-based risk stratification biomarker for arrhythmia in adults after r-ToF.

Missana A, Nunes LF, Foulon T et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Left ventricular deformation predicts major adverse cardiac events following acute myocardial infarction independently of afterload and ventricular-arterial coupling.

This multicenter CMR prognostic study assessed whether left ventricular (LV) deformation metrics 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 global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) predicted major adverse cardiac events even after accounting for load-related influences and ventricular–arterial coupling. The clinical significance is that deformation imaging may provide robust, load-independent risk prediction after AMI beyond conventional hemodynamic considerations.

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 ↗

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 patient presented with severe ischemic chest pain, ST-segment elevation, and cardiogenic shock, and CMR demonstrated extensive ischemic myocardial involvement consistent with the rare saw-tooth phenotype. The case is significant because it documents a previously unreported dual diagnosis that may influence diagnostic suspicion and management in young patients with SCAD and atypical cardiomyopathy.

Young D, Mok D, Wilson S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 denetworking and myocardial substrate modification. Procedures were performed under advanced mechanical circulatory support (venoarterial ECMO and/or ECMO with Impella) and guided by electroanatomic mapping with multimodality imaging integration. The report is clinically significant because it suggests a feasible “Lazarus Protocol” strategy for VF termination by targeting Purkinje substrate in patients with otherwise refractory electrical storm.

Chahal CAA, Galanti K, AlKhayat M et al. · JACC. Clinical electrophysiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiomyopathies and Myocarditis (including autoimmune/inflammatory)

Hypereosinophilia With Organ Damage Secondary to Dupilumab Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

This case report and literature review described a 22-year-old man with atopic dermatitis and asthma who developed hypereosinophilia with organ damage after starting dupilumab (IL-4/IL-13 signaling blockade) 300 mg every 2 weeks. The key finding was that dupilumab therapy was temporally associated with clinically significant eosinophilic organ involvement, prompting recognition of this rare adverse event. This is important for clinicians because it highlights the need for monitoring for eosinophilia and organ symptoms in patients receiving dupilumab.

Alotaibi M, AlHelal S, Alotaibi N et al. · Case reports in dermatological medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Recurrent myocarditis masquerading as acute myocardial infarction: unmasking Behçet’s disease.

This case report studied a 27-year-old man with recurrent myocarditis that clinically mimicked acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and was ultimately linked to Behçet’s disease. Serial coronary angiography was repeatedly normal, while cardiac magnetic resonance and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography showed a migratory pattern of myocardial inflammation with new lesions as prior ones resolved, alongside recurrent oral ulcers, folliculitis, arthralgias, and pathergy-like skin reactions. The report highlights that in young patients with AMI-like presentations and normal coronaries, multimodality imaging can unmask recurrent myocarditis due to Behçet’s disease and guide appropriate diagnostic suspicion.

Atta M, Alqatati F, Alkhanafsa M et al. · Oxford medical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Eosinophilia and the Heart: Evolving Concepts.

This narrative review studied the evolving concepts of cardiac involvement in eosinophilia, focusing on eosinophilic myocarditis (EM) and related diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The key finding was that up to 43% of patients with histologically proven eosinophilic myocarditis have no peripheral blood eosinophilia, and that interleukin-5 pathway abnormalities are central to EM pathophysiology with emerging evidence for IL-5 pathway inhibition. Clinically, it emphasizes that normal eosinophil counts do not exclude EM and supports targeted anti–IL-5–pathway therapies in appropriate etiologic contexts.

Habasko J, Kuchynka P, Bonatto ME et al. · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis: a silent threat.

This review summarized evidence on myocardial injury in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN), focusing on how subclinical cardiac involvement is detected and how it relates to cardiovascular risk. The key finding is that modern cardiovascular imaging can identify myocardial injury earlier in SLE/LN—before overt symptoms—highlighting a clinically important cardiorenal/immune-driven risk pathway. Clinically, this supports earlier recognition and monitoring of myocardial injury in SLE patients (especially those with LN) to enable timely intervention and risk reduction.

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, with imaging at 2, 7, and 28 days post-myocardial infarction (MI). The key finding was that young mice exhibited increased relative ventricular remodeling compared with aged mice over the post-MI time course. This is significant for preclinical trial design and for understanding age-dependent differences in remodeling and healing mechanisms after MI.

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 MRI studies that assessed left atrial (LA), right atrial (RA), and right ventricular (RV) function in patients receiving potentially cardiotoxic oncological treatments. The key finding is that cardiotoxicity surveillance focused only on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain (GLS) can miss clinically relevant injury to other cardiac chambers. Scientifically and clinically, the review supports broader multi-chamber imaging during cancer therapy to improve detection of subclinical cardiotoxic effects.

Żak M, Suchodolski A, Niklewski T et al. · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) cardiac MRI findings and C-reactive protein (CRP) predict prognosis in acute myocarditis. Among 76 patients (41 fulminant myocarditis, including 17 without mechanical circulatory support and 24 with MCS; and 35 non-fulminant), it used CMR cine, native T1/T2, post-T1 mapping, and LGE to characterize myocardial injury and related these parameters to adverse clinical outcomes. The significance is that combining CMR tissue injury metrics with CRP could improve prognostic stratification in acute myocarditis, including fulminant cases.

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 article reports inaugural complete heart block (CHB) in a 21-year-old woman with anti-SSA-negative systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), focusing on diagnostic testing with anti-PM-Scl 100 antibodies. Despite negative anti-SSA/Ro association, 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 SLE-related etiology. Clinically, it highlights that anti-PM-Scl 100 testing can be crucial for diagnosing SLE-associated CHB in anti-SSA-negative patients.

Dammene Debbih N, Laouar L, Dekdouk N et al. · Lupus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance differentiates pediatric dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies.

This study evaluated diffusion tensor cardiovascular magnetic resonance (DTI-CMR) metrics—apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA)—to differentiate pediatric dilated versus hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. Pediatric patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and those with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy showed distinct myocardial microstructural patterns on DTI, enabling differentiation using quantitative ADC/FA measures. These findings support DTI-CMR as a noninvasive tool to improve microstructural phenotyping of pediatric cardiomyopathy beyond conventional CMR functional and tissue characterization.

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 assessed whether HIV infection duration is associated with left ventricular concentric remodeling and myocardial fibrosis in 83 HIV-infected participants (short-duration <5 years vs long-duration ≥5 years) and 34 matched HIV-negative controls. Using 1.5T SSFP cine and MOLLI T1 mapping, longer HIV infection duration was linked to worse LV remodeling parameters and greater myocardial fibrosis burden compared with shorter-duration infection and HIV-negative controls. These results suggest cardiac MRI markers may help identify HIV-related cardiac injury risk and disease progression 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 ↗

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 by cardiac MRI (using updated Lake-Louise criteria) can identify disease despite preserved left ventricular systolic function, enrolling 51 pediatric patients with acute myocarditis and 40 age-matched healthy controls. LA stiffness was abnormal in the myocarditis group even when left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved (>55%). Clinically, LA stiffness may serve as a sensitive MRI-derived marker of pediatric acute myocarditis and early diastolic/myocardial involvement when LV systolic function appears normal.

Numata R, Calderon-Anyosa R, Vaiyani D et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Type 1 Kounis Syndrome Presenting as Coronary Pseudostenosis During Status Asthmaticus.

This case report studied a 46-year-old atopic man with status asthmaticus who developed Kounis syndrome, an allergic acute coronary syndrome, with coronary vasospasm mimicking obstructive disease. Emergent coronary angiography showed multivessel vasospasm with apparent stenoses up to 90%, and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated ischemic injury without myocarditis; repeat angiography on hospital day 20 showed nonobstructive coronary artery disease, supporting transient vasospasm. Clinically, the findings highlight that severe allergic asthma exacerbations can trigger coronary vasospasm (type 1 Kounis syndrome) and that follow-up imaging can distinguish vasospasm from true atherosclerotic obstruction.

Yu AM, Mohmand B, Li AZ et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Heart Failure and Hemodynamic Congestion Monitoring

From snapshot to trajectory: A multimodality right-heart monitoring framework across the heart failure spectrum.

This narrative review examined physiological principles and multimodality imaging strategies for serial right-heart monitoring across the heart failure spectrum (HFrEF, HFmrEF, HFpEF), emphasizing a trajectory framework rather than a left-ventricle–centric approach. It proposes a therapy-agnostic “snapshot to trajectory” framework integrating clinical status, biomarkers, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance, using SGLT2 inhibition with dapagliflozin as an illustrative mechanistic example. The significance lies in enabling more longitudinal, right-heart–focused assessment of disease progression and treatment response across HF phenotypes.

Albulushi A, Al Habsi M, Al-Kharusi A · American heart journal plus : cardiology research and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

MRI staging of haemodynamic congestion and clinical outcomes.

This European radiology study assessed whether cardiovascular MRI-derived hemodynamic congestion measures—MRI-wedge pressure (from left atrial volume and left ventricular mass) and pulmonary blood volume index (PBVi, from first-pass transit)—predict clinical outcomes and relate to myocardial fibrosis. Patients were stratified into four MRI hemodynamic stages (normal, isolated volume overload, isolated pressure overload, combined overload), and these stages were evaluated for prognostic value and association with noninvasive fibrosis markers. The work supports MRI-based hemodynamic staging as a clinically meaningful framework for risk prediction in congestion-related disease.

Mantini C, Sorella A, Falco D et al. · European radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Valvular and Structural Heart Disease (ASD, MR, TOF, congenital lesions)

The grey zone before pulmonary valve replacement in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: a paediatric perspective on the 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement.

This commentary-style pediatric perspective discussed the 2024 American Heart Association scientific statement on risk assessment in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), focusing on a subgroup with borderline right ventricular (RV) size metrics. The key finding is the proposed “grey zone” where indexed RV end-diastolic volume is ~140–160 mL/m² and indexed end-systolic volume is ~70–80 mL/m², in which no single parameter clearly determines timing of pulmonary valve replacement. Clinically, this highlights the need for longitudinal trends and integrated risk assessment rather than relying on a single RV volume threshold for pulmonary valve replacement decisions.

Ulug Murt N, Ramcharan T · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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. The key finding is that because secundum ASD anatomy is often non-circular, accurate measurement requires a multiplanar approach (e.g., multiplanar 2D TEE alongside transthoracic echocardiography) rather than relying on single-plane measurements. This is significant because it can improve procedural planning and device selection for transcatheter ASD closure by reducing measurement error.

Poyraz E, Asarcikli LD · Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The evolution of a novel technique for treatment of intercostal hernias and restoration of costal margin rupture.

This study describes three patients with intercostal hernias (IH) in whom costal margin rupture (CMR) was identified as a key factor guiding surgical management. The authors report that incorporating CMR recognition into the operative approach improved management after an initial failure in one case and informed technique selection in the other two. Scientifically and clinically, the work supports standardized suspicion for CMR in IH to reduce high surgical failure rates and improve outcomes.

Sharma R, Rafael A, Pailthorpe C et al. · Injury · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 diagnosis was made on cardiac imaging in the context of evaluation for family history of thoracic aortic aneurysms, despite DCRV typically being diagnosed in childhood. The clinical significance is that DCRV can present in adulthood and may be found incidentally, so awareness can prevent missed diagnosis during cardiac imaging workups.

Saliba T, Rotzinger D, Fahrni G et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Congenital Heart Disease Imaging, Modeling, and Longitudinal Trajectories

Central aortic pressure and LV remodeling after surgical versus transcatheter repair of coarctation of aorta: Prospective data from the MACHD-biobank.

Using prospective MACHD-biobank data (2019–2024), this study compared central aortic pressure, arterial function, left ventricular (LV) remodeling, and cardiovascular biomarkers in adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta (COA) who underwent surgical repair (COA_SR, n=62) versus transcatheter repair (COA_TR, n=34), with normal controls. The key finding was that repair modality was associated with differences in central hemodynamics and LV remodeling/bio-marker profiles. This is significant for informing long-term cardiovascular risk stratification and follow-up planning after COA repair.

Egbe AC, Miranda WR, Connolly HM et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Successful staged anatomic repair for congenitally corrected transposition with both atrioventricular valves’ regurgitation: a case report.

This case report described a 4-year-old boy with dextrocardia and congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA), pulmonary valve stenosis, and ventricular septal defect who had progressive hypoxemia and atrioventricular valve regurgitation. The key finding was that a staged anatomic strategy—initial palliative systemic-to-pulmonary shunt plus mitral valve repair to promote right ventricular growth—enabled later successful Senning-Rastelli-type anatomical repair. This is clinically significant because it illustrates a practical staged approach when right ventricular volume is initially insufficient and surgical risk is elevated due to valve regurgitation.

Fuchigami Y, Toda K, Hirano A et al. · General thoracic and cardiovascular surgery cases · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A Knowledge Graph Framework for Longitudinal Congenital Heart Disease Modeling: Methodology Corner.

This methodology paper studied a knowledge graph framework designed to model longitudinal congenital heart disease (CHD) trajectories using electronic health record (EHR) data. The key finding was that integrating patients, encounters, diagnoses, and procedures into a longitudinal knowledge graph preserves clinical context and disease progression better than static feature representations for trajectory-aware analysis. Scientifically, it provides a foundation for more accurate prediction and phenotyping of CHD over time using graph-based longitudinal modeling.

Xu H, Cunge L, Ming Z et al. · JACC. Advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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 performed before 1 year of age in neonates and infants with critical aortic stenosis, comparing those with and without endocardial fibroelastosis (EFE). The key finding was that left ventricular rehabilitation outcomes after Ross surgery can be characterized long-term, with EFE status informing functional recovery trajectories. This is significant for guiding follow-up and management strategies in infants with EFE-associated diastolic impairment after early Ross repair.

Jacob KA, Korsuize NA, van Wijk A et al. · The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Tumors and Masses (myxoma, vascular tumors, hydatid, intracardiac masses)

Inflammatory burden and oedema provide complementary information on subsequent pericardial tethering in tuberculous pericarditis: a longitudinal segment-level CMR study.

In a longitudinal segment-level CMR study of patients with tuberculous (TB) pericarditis, investigators assessed whether baseline inflammatory burden and myocardial/pericardial oedema (via CMR) predicted subsequent pericardial tethering at 6-month follow-up. The key finding was that inflammatory burden and oedema provided complementary prognostic information, and segments without oedema were more likely to show tethering later than oedematous segments. This is significant because it refines CMR-based risk prediction for constrictive progression in TB pericarditis beyond LGE alone.

Giliomee LJ, Doubell AF, Maposa I et al. · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Inferior vena cava hyperechoic structure in a patient with cardiac myxoma: a surgical case report and literature review.

This surgical case report studied a 62-year-old woman with a cardiac myxoma who had an inferior vena cava (IVC) hyperechoic structure detected on echocardiography. The key finding was that the IVC hyperechoic finding could not be confirmed by multimodality imaging (CT/MRI), despite concurrent evidence of systemic embolic phenomena including left atrial mass, subclavian artery occlusion, and splenic infarction. Clinically, it underscores the diagnostic complexity of echocardiographic IVC abnormalities and the need for multimodality confirmation in patients with cardiac tumors.

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 article reports a primary intracranial myxoma (PIM) case in a previously healthy 10-year-old male who presented with a first-time generalized tonic-clonic seizure and focal features. Imaging identified a left frontoparietal extra-axial, dura-based lesion consistent with PIM, distinguishing it from the more common cardiac myxoma with CNS embolization. Clinically, recognizing PIM as a rare de novo CNS mesenchymal tumor can guide appropriate neurosurgical and diagnostic workup 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 83-year-old woman with chest pain and shortness of breath in whom an intracardiac left atrial mass was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, coronary angiography, and cardiac MRI with gadolinium. Across modalities, the mass showed a tumor blush on angiography and increased gadolinium uptake on cardiac MRI, supporting a tumor-like process rather than a purely thrombotic lesion. The integrated multimodality imaging strategy demonstrates a practical diagnostic workflow for characterizing intracardiac masses when differential diagnoses are broad.

Mahdy T, Doos G, Mansour M et al. · Radiology case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac Echinococcosis: Rare and Challenging Presentations-A Case Series.

This case series reviewed five patients with cardiac echinococcosis (hydatid cysts) presenting with rare and challenging manifestations of Echinococcus infection. In all cases, initial evaluation with X-ray or transthoracic echocardiography was followed by cardiac MRI confirmation, with cysts involving intramyocardial/epicardial layers, the interventricular septum, or the right atrium. The report emphasizes that cardiac MRI is crucial for diagnosing cardiac hydatid disease in endemic regions when cystic cardiac masses are encountered.

Delibaş D, Soylu BG, Yumak T et al. · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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 right atrial mass and tamponade physiology, and the tumor was excised under cardiopulmonary bypass 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 clinical significance is that rare primary cardiac vascular tumors can present as tamponade in adolescents and may require combined imaging, surgical management, and (in this case) gemcitabine/docetaxel-based adjuvant therapy.

Chandran R, Srimurugan B, Pandey AK et al. · World journal for pediatric & congenital heart surgery · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac Imaging Methods, AI, and Workflow/Protocol Optimization

A framework for increasing scanner efficiency: the utility of a ‘Short aorta’ protocol to increase cardiac MRI capacity at the Yorkshire Heart Centre.

This service-development project at the Yorkshire Heart Centre in the United Kingdom studied how a “Short aorta” cardiac MRI protocol (thoracic aorta only, with a 30-minute slot) compared with a “Full aorta” protocol (including aortic valve and left ventricle assessment) to improve scanner efficiency and reduce scanning/reporting time. The key finding was that limiting the protocol to thoracic aorta assessment enabled shorter scan slots and improved operational throughput. This is significant for scaling CMR capacity in high-demand settings while maintaining a focused diagnostic workflow for aortic indications.

Procter H, Tan JH, Cash L et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Personalized Cine Cardiac MRI Protocol Optimization Using a Retrieval-Augmented Large Language Model: A Prospective Comparison With Technologist-Optimized Protocol.

This prospective intra-individual comparison studied whether an AI framework using a retrieval-augmented large language model (LLM-RAG) can optimize personalized cine cardiac MRI protocols in 68 patients referred for clinical cardiac MRI. The key finding was that the AI-generated cine protocol was equivalent or noninferior to technologist-optimized protocols for cine acquisition despite patient-specific constraints such as arrhythmia and limited breath-hold capacity. Clinically, this supports deploying LLM-RAG–guided protocol selection to improve feasibility and consistency of cine CMR across heterogeneous patients.

Dehghani S, Farashahi A, Hammood IR · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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-hold CMR for quantifying degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR). The key finding was that free-breathing acquisition using the Sonic DL Cine approach produced MR quantification accuracy comparable to standard breath-hold CMR in patients with degenerative MR. This is significant because it can reduce breath-hold burden while preserving quantitative reliability for MR assessment.

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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗

A new Dawn: Advances and innovation in heart transplantation part I - cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in heart transplantation.

This review studied advances in heart transplantation surveillance and innovation, with a specific focus on the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in heart transplant recipients. The key finding was that CMR is increasingly used as a complementary noninvasive imaging tool alongside echocardiography and endomyocardial biopsy to monitor graft dysfunction from cellular rejection or antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and to assess coronary allograft vasculopathy (CAV). Scientifically, it supports expanding CMR-based surveillance strategies to improve timely detection and management of major post-transplant complications.

Sormani P, Ammirati E, Villaschi A et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Deep Learning Predicts Hematopoietic Stem Cell Aging From 3D Chromatin Images.

This study developed and validated ChromAgeNet, an interpretable deep learning model (convolutional neural networks) to predict hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) aging from 3D chromatin images. The key finding is that chromatin architecture features learned from 3D DAPI-based microscopy images can quantitatively infer HSC aging state. This is significant because it provides a scalable, image-based biomarker approach for measuring hematopoietic aging and potentially for evaluating interventions that target aging-related decline.

Picazo PI, Mejía-Ramírez E, Di Bari D et al. · Aging cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

T-FDR: Trust-guided frequency-aware diffusion refinement for reliable cardiac MRI segmentation under limited annotations.

The study developed and evaluated a trust-guided frequency-aware diffusion refinement (T-FDR) semi-supervised segmentation framework for cardiac MRI, targeting low-contrast, boundary-ambiguous structures using limited annotations. T-FDR uses three sequential stages—suppressing unreliable pseudo-supervision, recovering boundary-sensitive features, and aligning latent semantic distributions—via a trust-guided feature structuring module to improve segmentation reliability under sparse labels. This is significant because it can make cardiac MRI segmentation more robust in real-world settings where expert annotations are limited and pseudo-label noise degrades boundary accuracy.

Chen K, Wei C, Yan Y et al. · Computerized medical imaging and graphics : the official journal of the Computerized Medical Imaging Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

A Comparison of Tissue Property Values Estimated Using Conventional Cardiac MRF and MT-Cardiac MRF.

This study compared tissue property estimation from conventional cardiac magnetic resonance fingerprinting (cMRF) versus magnetization-transfer–modeled cMRF (MT-cMRF) in simulations, phantom experiments, and 14 healthy human subjects. Explicitly modeling magnetization transfer during reconstruction improved quantification of T1 and T2 parameters by estimating free-water T1f/T2f and bound pool fraction (BPF) as free parameters rather than ignoring MT effects. The work supports MT-aware cMRF for more accurate cardiac tissue characterization, which can improve downstream clinical interpretation of T1/T2-derived biomarkers.

Kaplan S, Liu Z, Hamilton J et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Optimization of Respiratory Training Methods for Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

This prospective study evaluated 93 patients undergoing cardiac MRI at 3T to determine how different respiratory training and breath-holding methods affect image quality and respiratory motion artifacts. The key finding was that respiratory training with optimized breath-hold strategies reduced respiratory motion artifacts and improved cardiac MRI image quality across commonly used sequences (including single-shot fast spin-echo, SSFP-based cine, first-pass perfusion, and late gadolinium enhancement). Clinically, the results provide an actionable approach to standardize patient preparation to improve diagnostic image quality in routine cardiac MRI.

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 assessed performance of gadolinium-enhanced free-running whole-heart 5D MRI using a fast-interrupted steady-state sequence in 45 congenital heart disease (CHD) patients, comparing it with 2D and 3D MRI. The 5D approach showed comparable or improved measures of ventricular volumes and ejection fractions relative to 2D/3D imaging while also evaluating image quality and scan time. These findings support gadolinium-enhanced 5D MRI as a feasible, potentially more efficient 3D/4D-capable acquisition strategy for CHD imaging.

Roy CW, Vogeli E, Megalo A et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Nurses’ Clinical Decision-Making During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Dressing Application and Removal: A Qualitative Study.

This qualitative study used a Think Aloud method to examine how registered nurses in adult and pediatric cancer wards in Brisbane, Australia make clinical decisions when applying and removing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dressings and securement devices. Nurses’ reasoning reflected structured decision-making processes that varied by dressing/securement combination and by the task phase (application vs removal). Understanding these decision pathways can inform targeted training and standardization to improve PICC dressing safety and consistency in oncology care.

Larsen EN, Wickins J, Marsh N et al. · Seminars in oncology nursing · (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 assessed whether multiparametric cardiac MRI—specifically T1- and T2-mapping—can detect acute cellular rejection (ACR) in 17 adult orthotopic heart transplant recipients within 1 month after transplantation, compared with 10 controls without structural heart disease. The key finding was that quantitative T1/T2 mapping provides rejection-relevant signal changes that can serve as noninvasive tools for rejection monitoring across serial post-transplant scans. This is clinically significant because it could reduce reliance on frequent endomyocardial biopsies for ACR 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 article proposed and reviewed 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, cardiac MRI, PET/scintigraphy, biomarkers, and electronic health record features. The key finding was that AI-driven fusion of tissue and clinical data can improve diagnostic suspicion, tissue-based phenotyping, and risk-directed triage compared with conventional multimodality interpretation alone. This is clinically significant because it targets underrecognition and delays in diagnosis that lead to advanced myocardial dysfunction.

Adrejiya P, Alkhatib DA, Aljaroudi W · Current problems in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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. These developments are clinically significant because they may expand CMR availability and enable broader cardiovascular screening at scale.

Li X, Sprinkart AM, Isaak A et al. · The British journal of radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Reviewing the Effectiveness of Machine Learning Algorithm for Detecting Risk Behaviours Through Speech Patterns.

This narrative review evaluated the effectiveness of machine learning (ML) algorithms that detect risk behaviors using speech patterns, summarizing diagnostic performance and reported clinical impacts. Across included studies, ML/deep learning approaches were used to classify or flag risk behaviors from speech-derived features and to estimate diagnostic characteristics and treatment-related outcomes. Scientifically, the review highlights speech-based ML as a promising, scalable behavioral signal for targeted interventions, while emphasizing the need for continued validation.

Nagasubramanian H, T S S · Annals of neurosciences · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Quantitative Imaging Biomarkers and Computational Cardiology (strain, flow, mechanics, HRF)

Heart rate fragmentation and variability from real-time cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging using TREND-CMR software.

This study developed TREND-CMR software to quantify heart rate fragmentation (HRF) and temporal variability from real-time cardiovascular MRI (rtCMR) by extracting temporal parameters using principal component analysis and corroborating them with ECG and left ventricular blood-pool segmentation. The key finding was that TREND-CMR could characterize aberrant cardiac cycles in rtCMR and generate HRF-related metrics and visual outputs linked to specific heartbeat variability patterns. This is clinically and scientifically important because it provides a software framework to interpret irregular cardiac rhythms captured by rtCMR.

Luan Z, Thornburgh C, Xu J et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Myocardial strain evaluation from cardiovascular MRI and CT: physiological principles and clinical perspectives.

This narrative review synthesized physiological and clinical evidence on using myocardial strain as a local marker of myocardial function, comparing cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) approaches. It concludes that strain reflects emergent deformation driven by mesostructural changes in myocardial fiber and sheetlet architecture across the cardiac cycle, enabling more specific insight than global functional metrics. The review is clinically significant because it supports broader adoption of CMR/CCT-derived strain for improved diagnosis, risk stratification, and monitoring of myocardial disease.

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 used 4D flow cardiac MRI to investigate biventricular intracardiac flow remodeling in marathon athletes, aiming to identify hemodynamic imaging biomarkers of exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. The key finding was that marathon athletes exhibited measurable alterations in ventricular flow components compared with conventional expectations for non-remodeled hearts, supporting 4D flow MRI as a sensitive tool for early remodeling physiology. Scientifically, this helps distinguish exercise-induced remodeling from early cardiomyopathy by adding intracardiac hemodynamic information to structural and functional assessment.

Tang M, Ren W, Liu G et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (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 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 undergoing 1.5T cardiac MRI. The key finding was that the semiautomatic peak-velocity quantification method improved reliability and reproducibility compared with labor-intensive current approaches. This supports more efficient, standardized 4D flow CMR assessment of LVOTO severity, potentially improving clinical workflow and consistency for HCM management.

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/cardiac cycle at 1.6 mm isotropic resolution) plus cuff systolic and 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 using the higher-resolution imaging data and measured pressures enhances model calibration and consistency relative to lower-quality routine imaging inputs. This is scientifically significant because it can increase the accuracy 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 ↗

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Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Public Health Disparities

The additive value of coronary calcium in identifying cardiovascular risk in ageing people with HIV.

This observational study evaluated whether coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) add predictive value for cardiovascular risk in ageing people with HIV compared with Q-risk scores. In 779 individuals with HIV undergoing CACS scanning (median age 55), CACS better predicted adverse outcomes such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), death, and heart failure than Q-risk. The significance is that CACS may improve cardiovascular risk stratification in HIV populations where traditional risk models may be insufficient.

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 examine demographic and regional disparities in co-occurring diabetes mellitus (DM) and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the United States from 1999 to 2023. The key finding was that mortality trends varied by population and geography, identifying groups and regions at higher risk for DM–CVD co-mortality. The public health significance is that these disparities can inform targeted prevention and resource allocation to reduce DM-related cerebrovascular deaths.

Faheem MSB, Hassan ST, Asghar T et al. · Journal of the National Medical Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Temporal Trends in Mortality in Portugal, 1913-2022.

This time-series study analyzed mortality in Portugal from 1913 to 2022, with additional trend analyses from 1940, using official death and population statistics stratified by sex and age group. The authors estimated annual crude mortality rates and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and characterized long-term temporal trends in mortality decline and shifts across demographic periods. These findings provide a century-scale epidemiologic benchmark for understanding how demographic and public health transitions have shaped mortality patterns in Portugal.

Aniceto C, Leite A, Rodrigues M et al. · Portuguese journal of public health · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Clinical and Community Factors’ Correlation With NT-proBNP in First Nations: A Cross-sectional Analysis of the CAHHM-FN Cohort.

This cross-sectional analysis examined associations between NT-proBNP levels and sociocultural, clinical, and community factors in 579 First Nations adults from the CAHHM-FN cohort. The key finding was that NT-proBNP correlates with specific clinical and community factors in this population, highlighting determinants of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction and heart failure risk. This is significant because it informs more equitable, context-specific risk assessment and potential intervention targets for cardiovascular care in First Nations communities.

Marchand M, Labiba ZS, Schulze K et al. · The Canadian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Therapeutics and Pharmacology (cardioprotection, anti-inflammatory, incretins, GLP-1/GIP, etc.)

Semaglutide, independent of weight loss, attenuates cardiac and hepatic remodelling in experimental heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

This preclinical study tested whether semaglutide exerts weight loss-independent effects on cardiac and hepatic remodeling in two cardiometabolic HFpEF models: ZSF1 obese rats and Göttingen HFpEF minipigs with a two-hit protocol. The key finding was that semaglutide attenuated cardiac and hepatic remodeling even when effects were independent of weight loss. This is scientifically and potentially clinically important because it supports GLP-1 receptor agonist benefits in HFpEF that may extend beyond weight reduction.

Elbatreek MH, Li Z, Yu X et al. · European heart journal · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardioprotective effects of CDP-choline in ischemia/reperfusion injury using a swine model of acute myocardial infarction.

This randomized, closed-chest swine acute myocardial infarction model tested whether intravenous CDP-choline reduces ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, with 16 Yorkshire pigs undergoing 60 minutes of left anterior descending coronary occlusion followed by reperfusion and receiving CDP-choline (1,000 mg after 30 minutes of occlusion) versus placebo. The key finding was that CDP-choline administration produced cardioprotective effects that reduced I/R injury outcomes compared with placebo (consistent with smaller infarct injury in the treated group). These results support CDP-choline as a potential therapeutic strategy to limit infarct size and improve outcomes after STEMI-relevant reperfusion.

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 evaluated the clinical pharmacokinetics and disposition of imrecoxib, a COX-2–preferential nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug approved in China for osteoarthritis, including special populations and drug-drug interactions. After oral dosing, imrecoxib reached peak plasma concentrations within 2–3 hours, food increased systemic exposure, and metabolism proceeded sequentially from imrecoxib (M0) to 4’-hydroxymethylimrecoxib (M1), 4’-formylimrecoxib (M-CHO), and 4’-carboxyimrecoxib (M2). This is significant for clinicians because it informs dosing considerations, interaction risk assessment, and potential need for adjustments in specific patient groups.

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 tested sex differences and dose-dependent cardiovascular remodeling after 1-month continuous infusion of GIPR or GLP-1R agonists in lean and diet-induced obese mice. It found that chronic GIPR versus GLP-1R stimulation produced distinct, sex-specific cardiac remodeling patterns across multiple doses (0.1–1.0 mg/kg/day), indicating receptor- and sex-dependent cardiovascular effects. This is significant because it clarifies mechanistic uncertainty around GIPR stimulation and informs how incretin-based therapies might differentially affect cardiovascular outcomes in men versus women.

Göktaş SŞ, Francisco A, Duarte JMN et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Non-cardiac/Other Biomedical Case Reports (e.g., rare systemic immune syndromes affecting heart)

Spectral cardiac CT in type 1 Kounis syndrome presenting as myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries following anaphylactic shock.

This case report describes a 62-year-old woman with type 1 Kounis syndrome who developed myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) after anaphylactic shock from a Hymenoptera sting. Coronary CT angiography excluded obstructive coronary disease, while delayed dual-energy spectral CT demonstrated myocardial late iodine enhancement consistent with multifocal infarction, later confirmed by cardiac MRI. The significance is that spectral cardiac CT can provide actionable evidence of myocardial injury in anaphylaxis-associated MINOCA 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 ↗

Correlation Between Computer-Assisted Ultrasonographic Parameters and Histological Findings in Glomerular Diseases: A Multivariate Ordinal Analysis.

This study correlated computer-assisted renal ultrasonographic and Doppler parameters with kidney biopsy histology in glomerular diseases using multivariate ordinal analysis. Quantitative ultrasound indices—including cortical-to-liver (or spleen) echogenicity ratio, corticomedullary ratio (CMR), renal resistivity index (RRI), splenic resistivity index (SRI), and the derived DI-RISK—were compared against lupus nephritis activity and chronicity histologic components. The findings indicate that standardized, image-quantified ultrasound metrics may reflect biopsy-defined glomerular injury severity and support noninvasive disease assessment.

Araújo NC, da Silveira Rioja L, Suassuna JHR · Journal of clinical ultrasound : JCU · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Non-cardiac/Environmental Science (biogeochemistry, neuropathy, etc.)

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 across 0.1–2.1 MPa. Increasing hydrostatic pressure significantly accelerated sediment organic carbon mineralization, with the apparent mineralization rate at 2.1 MPa substantially higher than at lower pressures in non-sterilized sediment-water incubations. The results suggest that reservoir-induced pressure changes can meaningfully alter carbon cycling, improving predictions of biogeochemical responses to impoundment.

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 experimental study investigated whether coumarin (CMR) protects against diabetes-induced sciatic nerve damage in Wistar rats and whether this involves modulation of the TRPV1 signaling pathway. Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (45 mg/kg i.p.), and coumarin treatment (100 mg/kg/day) for 14 days improved outcomes consistent with reduced nerve injury while implicating TRPV1 modulation as a mechanistic contributor. The findings suggest coumarin as a potential therapeutic candidate for diabetic peripheral neuropathy via TRPV1-targeted pathways.

Yıldızhan K, Altındağ F, Bayir MH et al. · Experimental neurology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Generated automatically on October 07, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published September 30, 2026 – October 07, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.