What's New in Cardiac MRI? — October 13, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 45 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
October 13, 2026 · 45 articles · 15 research themes · covering October 06, 2026 – October 13, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of studies and reviews, a dominant theme is the expanding role of cardiac MRI (CMR) in turning “imaging findings” into actionable risk stratification. Multiple cohorts link CMR-derived tissue characterization—such as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) patterns (including nonischemic septal NI-LGE), mapping-based metrics (native T1/ECV-derived entropy), and quantitative or semi-quantitative LGE extent—to subsequent heart failure, mortality, or transplant outcomes. Importantly, several papers emphasize that prognostic value often depends on careful interpretation context (e.g., LGE pattern specificity, discordance with symptoms/phenotype, or accounting for confounders like focal scar when measuring T1 in metabolic syndrome).
A second major thread is improving measurement reliability and clinical usability of advanced imaging. Scientific statements and methodological work focus on standardizing myocardial strain acquisition/analysis and reporting, while other studies develop or validate tools that make CMR more reproducible or scalable—such as real-time imaging analytics (heart rate fragmentation), contour-based geometric indices for pediatric pulmonary hypertension, and operational workflow changes to increase scanner throughput. Complementing this, several studies show that “how you scan” matters: contrast injection rate, breath-hold performance influenced by anxiety, and protocol scope (e.g., “short aorta”) all affect image quality and feasibility.
Finally, the digest highlights broader precision cardiovascular care beyond routine echocardiography: mechanism- and phenotype-driven approaches in valvular/right-heart disease (e.g., effective RVEF in severe tricuspid regurgitation), multimodality strategies for ischemic infarct characterization when CMR is limited (CT-LE vs LGE-CMR), and recognition of less common but high-impact conditions (cardiac amyloidosis, rare coronary aneurysm/tumor entities, and immune/infectious myocarditis syndromes). Together, these works point toward a future where imaging biomarkers, standardized methods, and clinical context are integrated to guide follow-up intensity, therapy selection, and—when needed—timely referral for specialized interventions.
Cardiac MRI biomarkers for prognosis (CMR mapping/entropy/strain/LGE)
Left ventricular ejection fraction recovery under contemporary quadruple guideline-directed therapy and the need for ICD/CRT-D implantation in HFrEF: a retrospective single-center cohort study.
This retrospective single-center cohort studied left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery and subsequent need for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) in 65 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Germany treated with contemporary “quadruple” guideline-directed medical therapy (beta-blocker, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and SGLT2 inhibitor). Patients were managed with reassessment of LVEF after at least ~3 months of therapy, and the study found that LVEF recovery under this regimen meaningfully reduced the proportion requiring ICD/CRT-D implantation compared with historical expectations for deferral strategies. These real-world data support guideline-based timing of primary-prevention device decisions using LVEF reassessment after modern quadruple therapy rather than immediate ICD/CRT-D implantation.
Ajmi I, Frings MP, Forkmann M et al. · Expert review of cardiovascular therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Regional fat distribution as a determinant of mortality in populations with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: challenging the obesity paradox.
This study evaluated whether regional fat distribution measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in UK Biobank Imaging Enhancement Programme participants with left ventricular systolic impairment (LVEF <50%) predicts mortality beyond body mass index (BMI), addressing the “obesity paradox.” The key finding was that specific patterns of regional adiposity were associated with higher mortality risk in people with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, indicating that BMI can miss metabolically adverse fat phenotypes. Clinically, this suggests that risk stratification in left ventricular systolic impairment should incorporate regional fat distribution rather than relying on BMI alone.
Khanna S, Ho W, Takeuchi F et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 8 citations · View on PubMed ↗
A Visual LGE Extent Cutoff for Mortality Risk Stratification in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.
This bicentric retrospective French study evaluated whether a semi-quantitative late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent cutoff can stratify mortality risk in 3,591 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), LVEF <50%, and ischemic LGE on CMR. The key finding was that an optimal LGE segments cutoff identified a subgroup with significantly different mortality risk, supporting a practical threshold approach even when full quantitative LGE methods are not used. Clinically, this provides a potentially implementable CMR-based rule for mortality risk stratification in ICM patients with reduced ejection fraction.
Unger A, Garot J, Duhamel S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Comparison of Septal Region-of-Interest and Whole-Myocardium Contouring Methods for Myocardial T1 Measurement in Metabolic Syndrome.
This JoVE experimental study compared two CMR T1 mapping quantification strategies in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients—septal region-of-interest (ROI) measurements that avoid focal late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scar regions versus conventional whole-myocardium contouring. The key finding was that the choice of ROI/contouring method meaningfully changed measured myocardial T1 values and influenced predictive performance for outcomes related to diffuse remodeling in the presence of focal LGE. Scientifically, it informs best practices for T1 quantification in MetS when focal scar is present, and clinically it may improve the interpretability of T1 mapping biomarkers.
Zhao Y, Yang H, Zhang M et al. · Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Native Spleen T1 Mapping for the Assessment of Hepatic Congestion in Children With Congenital Heart Disease.
This study evaluated whether spleen native T1 relaxation time (ST1) measured by cardiac magnetic resonance can assess hepatic congestion and liver injury in 120 children with congenital heart disease (CHD), including biventricular repair, bidirectional Glenn, and Fontan circulation. ST1 was investigated for associations with hemodynamic parameters from cardiac catheterization and biomarkers of liver injury, extending prior liver native T1 (LT1) findings to a spleen-based surrogate in Fontan physiology. If validated, ST1 could provide a noninvasive CMR biomarker to monitor congestive hepatopathy/portal hypertension risk in pediatric CHD patients, particularly those with Fontan circulation.
Tao K, Yamamura K, Sato M et al. · Circulation reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Age-specific reference values for pulse wave velocity in paediatric populations: a systematic review with meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis compiled observational studies to generate age-specific reference values for pulse wave velocity (PWV) in healthy pediatric populations. The key finding was that PWV varies with age (and potentially sex), and pooled estimates with confidence intervals can be used to create reference standards for arterial stiffness in children. These reference values are significant for interpreting PWV in pediatric research and for identifying early vascular aging or risk in clinical studies.
Martínez-Cifuentes Ó, Nilsson PM, Saz-Lara A et al. · Journal of hypertension · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cytomegalovirus Latency Fuels Inflammation Following Myocardial Infarction.
This experimental study investigated how latent murine cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection alters cardiac immune cell dynamics at baseline and during post–myocardial infarction (MI) repair in C57BL/6J mice. The key finding was that latent CMV reshapes inflammatory responses after MI, characterized using spectral flow cytometry plus bulk and single-cell RNA/T-cell receptor sequencing. Mechanistically, this supports a causal link between CMV latency and post-infarct inflammation, which may help explain epidemiologic associations between CMV seropositivity and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Dapergola E, Šustić M, Ashour D et al. · Circulation research · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary Vasculitis and Myocarditis in Acute Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Flares With Macrophage Activating Syndrome.
This case report described two patients with acute systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) flares complicated by macrophage activating syndrome, presenting with coronary vasculitis and myocarditis. Cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated both lupus myopericarditis patterns (e.g., subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement and pericardial enhancement) and vascular-appearing myocardial injury (including transmural and subendocardial involvement). The clinical significance is that CMR can reveal atypical, vasculitis-associated myocardial injury in severe SLE, supporting more accurate diagnosis and management during flares.
Qamar S, Luo M, Ijaz N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
From Sudden Cardiac Death Prevention to Performance Optimization: A Conceptual Framework for Cardiovascular Assessment in Elite Athletes.
This conceptual framework article proposed how to evolve cardiovascular pre-participation assessment in elite athletes from sudden cardiac death prevention toward performance optimization. It emphasized integrating structural, electrical, and functional assessment—building on standard history, physical exam, and resting 12-lead ECG—while using advances in sports cardiology, imaging, and exercise physiology to tailor evaluation. The significance is that it provides a hypothesis-generating roadmap for more personalized cardiovascular screening that balances safety with athletic performance goals.
Torun A · Anatolian journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
PET in Cardiac Sarcoidosis.
This review article summarized how 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET is used to diagnose cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) and how interpretation should be integrated with myocardial perfusion imaging. The key finding was that abnormal FDG uptake patterns relative to perfusion—especially abnormal uptake with perfusion defects—predict major adverse cardiac events such as death and ventricular arrhythmias, and that serial PET can monitor treatment response. Clinically, standardized preparation and combined PET/perfusion interpretation improve diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification in suspected CS.
Patel CD, Tilak A, Shiva C · PET clinics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multimodality Molecular Profiling Nominates Targetable Mechanisms in Progressive RV Dysfunction.
This multiomic study profiled right ventricular (RV) tissue from pulmonary artery banded pigs stratified by RV ejection fraction into mild (38±4%) versus severe (20±8%) right ventricular dysfunction, compared with controls. The authors identified severity-associated cellular and molecular alterations that nominate targetable mechanisms underlying progressive RV dysfunction. Scientifically, the work links RV functional decline to actionable pathways, providing a rationale for mechanism-driven therapeutic development.
Blake MJ, Mendelson JB, Sternbach JD et al. · Circulation research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Septal Nonischemic Late Gadolinium Enhancement After Myocardial Infarction Is Associated With Adverse Remodeling and Improves Risk Stratification for Heart Failure Outcomes.
This 2026 JAMA Heart Association study analyzed 948 patients with prior myocardial infarction on cardiac magnetic resonance (excluding nonischemic cardiomyopathies or myocarditis) to characterize septal nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement (NI-LGE) patterns and their prognostic value for heart failure outcomes. Septal NI-LGE was associated with adverse LV remodeling and improved risk stratification for subsequent heart failure events compared with patients without NI-LGE, using competing-risk analysis to account for alternative outcomes. Clinically, identifying septal NI-LGE on CMR could help refine prognosis and guide closer follow-up or risk-directed management in post–myocardial infarction patients.
Zhou P, Zhao K, Aisikaier K et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Glycemic Status, Cardiac Structure, and Function by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: The Jackson Heart Study.
Using data from the Jackson Heart Study (Black adults, 2008–2012), this study assessed how glycemic status and related markers relate to LV remodeling measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, including LV mass, volumes, ejection fraction, and a LV remodeling index. The key finding was that worse glycemic status/markers were associated with more adverse LV remodeling parameters on CMR, indicating subclinical myocardial dysfunction in relation to diabetes risk. This supports CMR-based detection of early remodeling as a tool for identifying Black adults at higher risk of future heart failure, potentially before overt clinical disease.
Kaze AD, Ani C, Fox ER et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR strain standardization & workflow/analysis tools
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance derived myocardial strain: applications, acquisition techniques, analysis, and reporting. A Scientific Statement of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance, Radiological Society of North America, and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging of the ESC.
This Scientific Statement reviewed the evidence and standardized guidance for CMR-derived myocardial strain, focusing on acquisition techniques, analysis approaches, and reporting practices across cardiac diseases. It concluded that CMR strain provides incremental diagnostic and prognostic value beyond conventional imaging, but routine adoption is limited by lack of protocol/analysis consensus and insufficient robust normative reference ranges. Establishing standardized methods and reference values is significant for improving reproducibility and enabling broader clinical implementation of CMR strain.
Gulsin GS, Ambale-Venkatesh B, Axel L et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Artificial intelligence in paediatric cardiac critical care: from predictive analytics to continuous physiologic intelligence.
This narrative review summarized 2018–2026 evidence on artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and deep learning applications in pediatric cardiac critical care, covering imaging, electrocardiography, predictive analytics, waveform intelligence, and postoperative outcome prediction. The key finding was that AI methods are increasingly being used to extract prognostic and physiologic information from complex pediatric congenital heart disease (CHD) and ICU datasets, with applications spanning from prediction to continuous monitoring support. The significance is that AI is moving toward “continuous physiologic intelligence” in pediatric cardiology, potentially improving early detection of deterioration and outcome prediction in high-risk postoperative patients.
Savorgnan F, Pilla P, Loomba R et al. · Cardiology in the young · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
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 magnetic resonance (rtCMR) by extracting temporal parameters using principal component analysis and validating them against ECG and left ventricular blood-pool segmentation. The authors showed that TREND-CMR can generate plots and video excerpts of aberrant heartbeats and adapt HRF concepts to rtCMR data. Scientifically, it enables more robust interpretation of irregular cardiac cycles captured by rtCMR, potentially improving diagnostic and research use of real-time imaging.
Luan Z, Thornburgh C, Xu J et al. · American journal of physiology. Heart and circulatory physiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
CMR in heart failure phenotyping and risk stratification (including HFpEF/HFrEF)
Noninvasive Diagnosis of Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction Using the Left Atrioventricular Coupling Index.
This retrospective multicenter study (n=1680) compared three imaging approaches to estimate the left atrioventricular coupling index (LACI)—defined as left atrial minimal volume divided by LV end-diastolic volume—for diagnosing heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) against right heart catheterization as the reference standard. The key finding was that noninvasive LACI assessment had diagnostic performance for HFpEF that could reduce reliance on invasive catheterization, with modality-specific differences in accuracy. Clinically, LACI offers a practical imaging-based pathway to identify HFpEF in settings where right heart catheterization is not feasible.
Janssen-Telders C, Ābele J, Meijboom LJ et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Atrial and ventricular mechanics (feature tracking, coupling, deformation)
Quantitative assessment of myocardial dysfunction in mild focal left ventricular hypertrophy using CMR feature tracking.
This retrospective CMR feature-tracking study assessed myocardial and left atrial (LA) dysfunction in 36 patients with mild focal left ventricular hypertrophy (MF-LVH) compared with 44 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without late gadolinium enhancement (HCM-non-LGE) and 32 healthy controls. The key finding was that MF-LVH already shows measurable impairment in LV and LA deformation parameters on CMR feature tracking, with diagnostic discrimination versus controls and differentiation from HCM-non-LGE. Scientifically, it supports CMR-FT strain metrics as sensitive tools for detecting early myocardial dysfunction in MF-LVH.
Wang X, Yao Y, Yang W et al. · Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Regional strain patterns in patients with mitral valve prolapse.
This study used cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature tracking (FT) strain analysis to quantify regional contraction patterns in 132 patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) compared with 50 cardiac-condition–free controls. Patients with MVP showed distinct regional strain abnormalities on CMR-FT relative to controls, indicating altered myocardial mechanics despite the absence of other cardiac diagnoses in the control group. These findings support CMR-FT as a noninvasive tool to characterize MVP-related regional dysfunction and potentially refine risk stratification and monitoring.
Li JJ, Ching S, Aigner A et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular disease and right-heart dysfunction (TR/mitral valve disease)
Uncovering right ventricular impairment in severe TR: Insights from novel volumetric indices.
This multicentre CMR study evaluated 289 adults with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) to compare conventional right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) with two novel volumetric CMR indices: a volumetric RV–pulmonary artery (PA) coupling surrogate (Vol RV–PA coupling index) and effective RVEF that accounts for regurgitant volume. The key finding was that these regurgitant-volume–adjusted volumetric measures better identified right ventricular impairment and had superior prognostic value compared with conventional RVEF, which can overestimate RV systolic function in severe TR. Clinically, using effective RVEF and Vol RV–PA coupling on CMR may improve risk stratification and guide management in patients with severe TR where standard RVEF is misleading.
Hinojar R, Fernández-Golfín C, Palomares JR et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction characterization (CT-LE/CMR-LGE)
Diagnostic performance of shuttle-mode myocardial CT late enhancement: Comparison with late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular MR.
In a prospective multicenter trial, 56 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease underwent shuttle-mode dual-source cardiac CT myocardial late enhancement (CT-LE) and late gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR) to detect myocardial infarction (MI) and assess transmural extent. Shuttle-mode myocardial CT-LE demonstrated diagnostic performance for MI detection and transmural assessment when benchmarked against LGE-CMR. Clinically, this supports CT-LE as a potential alternative or complement to CMR for infarct characterization, especially where CMR availability is limited.
Kokawa T, Nakamura S, Nakamori S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular computed tomography · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Giant Thrombosed Coronary Aneurysm Causing Recurrent Ischemic Events: Insights From Multimodality Imaging and Surgical Management.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 56-year-old man with non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction due to a giant thrombosed coronary aneurysm causing recurrent ischemic events, managed with multimodality imaging and surgery after failed percutaneous revascularization. Multimodality imaging characterized diffuse coronary ectasia/aneurysms and myocardial involvement, guiding surgical management when complex aneurysmal anatomy prevented successful PCI. The case underscores the need for individualized imaging-based decision-making in rare giant coronary aneurysms with thrombosis and recurrent ischemia.
di Mario R, Esposito A, Bernardi M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rare cardiac tumors and masses (pericardial/PFE/hemangioma)
Papillary fibroelastoma of the coumadin ridge as an unusual cause of recurrent ischemic stroke: a case report.
This case report described a 51-year-old woman with recurrent ischemic stroke who was ultimately found to have a cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) attached to the coumadin ridge near the left atrial appendage ostium. Multimodal imaging—especially transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)—identified a highly mobile pedunculated mass, providing the embolic source after thrombophilia/autoimmune workup and patent foramen ovale exclusion. The report highlights that, despite benign histology, PFE can cause recurrent stroke and should be actively sought with TEE/CMR when standard stroke etiologies are negative.
Suchodolski A, Ogrodzka A, Kemona-Kałwa R et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Mitral Papillary Muscle Papillary Fibroelastoma in Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A Surgically Treated Embolic Source.
This JACC Case Reports case described a 71-year-old woman with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and prior unilateral retinal artery occlusion who was being evaluated for mavacamten therapy and was found to have a mitral papillary fibroelastoma. The key finding was that surgical septal myectomy and mass excision (guided by the embolic risk context) confirmed papillary fibroelastoma on histopathology and addressed both LVOT obstruction and the embolic source. The significance is that in obstructive HCM patients with suspected embolic events, identifying and surgically treating a fibroelastoma can be crucial even when medical therapy such as mavacamten is under consideration.
Rashidi N, Montazeri M, Cao C et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pericardial Hemangioma: An 8-Year Diagnostic Odyssey of Recurrent Pleural Effusion.
This case report described a 54-year-old woman with an 8-year history of recurrent pleural/pericardial effusions initially misattributed to amyloidosis, later evaluated with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). CMR identified a transverse pericardial sinus mass with characteristic T2 hyperintensity and centripetal enhancement, leading to histologic confirmation of pericardial hemangioma after surgical excision. The report highlights the diagnostic value of CMR pattern recognition to avoid prolonged misdiagnosis of rare pericardial tumors.
Castillo M, Ibáñez A, Cuevas O et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Congenital heart disease and late complications (COA/TOF/BT shunt/intercoronary connections)
Coronary artery imaging in Kawasaki disease: recent updates in imaging techniques and clinical indications.
This narrative review summarized current and emerging imaging approaches for coronary artery assessment in Kawasaki disease across acute and chronic stages, focusing on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside echocardiography. The key finding was that multimodality imaging is required throughout disease evolution, with advances in coronary CT angiography improving diagnostic accuracy for coronary artery lesions while echocardiography remains first-line for lesion and ventricular function assessment. The review provides updated guidance on when to use CT/MRI techniques to better characterize coronary involvement in Kawasaki disease.
Patharateeranart K, Goo HW, Kotoku A et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance derived myocardial strain: applications, acquisition techniques, analysis, and reporting.
This European Heart Journal–Cardiovascular Imaging Scientific Statement reviewed how to perform and report CMR-derived myocardial strain, including applications, acquisition, analysis, and standardization. It found that CMR strain has incremental diagnostic and prognostic utility across disease states, but clinical uptake is hindered by variability in protocols/analysis and limited normative reference ranges. Standardizing strain measurement is scientifically significant to improve reproducibility and enable reliable clinical interpretation across centers and patient populations.
Gulsin GS, Ambale-Venkatesh B, Axel L et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The fetal heart-brain axis as a new frontier for long-term outcomes in children with congenital heart disease.
This review discussed the fetal heart–brain axis in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), integrating evidence from fetal MRI, fetal CMR, Doppler hemodynamics, and placental studies to explain how altered fetal circulation may affect brain development before birth. The key finding was that CHD-related brain developmental changes may begin prenatally rather than only after postnatal surgery or intensive care. Scientifically, this reframes long-term neurodevelopmental risk assessment in CHD and supports earlier identification and potential intervention strategies targeting prenatal determinants.
Hou S, Wang J, Mao B et al. · Early human development · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Giant Aneurysm of a Classic Blalock-Taussig Shunt in Adult Tetralogy of Fallot.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 47-year-old woman with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) who previously underwent childhood palliation and later developed a giant aneurysm of a classic Blalock–Taussig (BT) shunt. The key finding was imaging confirmation of a large (72×66 mm) true aneurysm causing severe right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and successful surgical excision with subsequent reconstruction/repair. Clinically, the case highlights a rare but life-threatening late complication of BT shunts in adult TOF patients and supports the role of CT/CMR for diagnosis and surgical planning.
Borjian S, Hosseinsabet A, Aslfallah S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
When the Right and Left Coronary Arteries Join: A Case Report of Intercoronary Communication and Literature Review.
This case report detailed a 41-year-old woman with dyspnea and laboratory abnormalities in whom pulmonary CT angiography showed pulmonary embolism and echocardiography showed apical akinesia with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (45%). Coronary angiography revealed a rare intercoronary communication connecting the distal right coronary artery to the distal left circumflex artery despite no obstructive coronary disease. The report emphasizes that congenital intercoronary connections can present with cardiopulmonary symptoms and should be considered when angiography shows atypical coronary continuity.
Ettagmouti Y, Bejar A, Mounssif A et al. · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Central aortic pressure and LV remodeling after surgical versus transcatheter repair of coarctation of aorta: Prospective data from the MACHD-biobank.
This prospective MACHD-biobank study enrolled adults with repaired coarctation of the aorta (COA) and compared central aortic pressure, arterial function, left ventricular (LV) remodeling indices, and cardiovascular biomarkers between those who had surgical repair (COA_SR) versus transcatheter repair (COA_TR). The key finding was that repair modality was associated with differences in central hemodynamics and LV remodeling, with the transcatheter and surgical groups showing distinct patterns of arterial function and LV structural/biomarker profiles. These results support using central pressure and multimodality imaging (echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance) to refine long-term cardiovascular risk stratification after COA repair and to guide selection of surgical versus transcatheter approaches.
Egbe AC, Miranda WR, Connolly HM et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pulmonary hypertension and right-heart pressure/geometry indices
The Prognostic Value of Entropy from T1 Mapping in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
This prospective study investigated whether myocardial entropy derived from CMR T1 mapping predicts outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who underwent CMR within 72 hours of right heart catheterization (RHC). Higher LV entropy (calculated from native T1, extracellular volume fraction [ECV], and entropy in the mid-ventricular short-axis slice) was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality or lung transplantation. The results support LV T1-mapping entropy as a potential CMR biomarker for prognostication in PAH alongside RHC-based assessment.
Zhao J, Guo J, He J et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Robust Approach to Measure Time-Resolved Septal Curvature in Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Patients Using Standard Short-Axis Ventricular Volume Contours: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study.
This retrospective cross-sectional study in pediatric pulmonary hypertension patients assessed a robust, contour-based method to compute time-resolved septal curvature (SC) from standard short-axis ventricular volume contours, aiming to reduce observer dependence versus manual septal measurements. The key finding was that the contour-based SC computation demonstrated robust performance with acceptable interobserver variability for septal curvature–derived indices (including SC, interventricular septal angle, and eccentricity index). Scientifically and clinically, this technique supports more reproducible CMR-based surveillance of pediatric PH severity without requiring labor-intensive manual septal wall interaction.
Fujiwara T, Lu VI, Frank BS et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac amyloidosis (diagnosis, subtype, imaging discordance, PV loops)
Myocardial work in light-chain and transthyretin-related amyloidosis with preserved ejection fraction: a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study.
This prospective cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study compared pressure–volume loop (PV-loop) parameters derived from CMR cine images and brachial blood pressure in 100 patients with cardiac amyloidosis—86 with light-chain (AL-CA) and 14 with transthyretin-related (ATTR-CA)—versus 40 matched healthy controls. The key finding was that PV-loop changes and derived parameters differed between amyloidosis subtypes with preserved ejection fraction, supporting PV-loop metrics as potential differential diagnostic markers. Clinically, this could improve subtype discrimination and risk assessment in early cardiac amyloidosis where LVEF remains preserved.
Liang S, Chen J, Deng Q et al. · Insights into imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac amyloidosis: what every interventional cardiologist should know.
This 2026 review article synthesized clinical scenarios relevant to interventional cardiologists for recognizing cardiac amyloidosis (CA), focusing on diagnostic “discordance” between apparent coronary/valvular/hemodynamic abnormalities and the patient’s symptoms or myocardial phenotype. The key finding was that CA should be suspected when discordance is present—such as persistent high-sensitivity troponin elevation, low-flow physiology, or symptoms not fully explained by coexisting coronary disease, valve disease, or arrhythmias. The significance is practical: improved recognition of CA during interventional evaluation can prompt appropriate diagnostic pathways and management in a condition that is often missed due to overlapping cardiovascular findings.
Izumiya Y, Kuyama N, Hirakawa K et al. · Cardiovascular intervention and therapeutics · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardio-oncology and cancer therapy cardiotoxicity
Toward Precision Cardio-Oncology: Integrating Biomarkers and Cardiac Imaging for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Patients With Cancer.
This narrative review synthesized evidence on integrating biomarkers and multimodality cardiac imaging to refine cardiovascular risk assessment in patients receiving cancer therapy. It found that high-sensitivity cardiac troponins and natriuretic peptides, combined with imaging (e.g., echocardiography with global longitudinal strain), can better capture treatment-related myocardial injury and hemodynamic stress than conventional cardiovascular risk scores alone. This is clinically important for precision cardio-oncology by enabling earlier detection of cardiotoxicity and more tailored cardiovascular prevention during and after anticancer treatment.
Sabouret A, Giamundo DM, Mamas M et al. · Oncology research and treatment · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Thrombosis/antithrombotic targets and genetics (FXI/FXI inhibition)
Association of F11 Gene Variants With Cardiovascular Events and Cardiac Function.
In a prospective analysis of 408,642 UK Biobank participants of European ancestry, this study tested whether F11 gene variants (used to construct two F11-based genetic scores reflecting genetically predicted FXI inhibition via activated partial thromboplastin time or circulating factor XI levels) were associated with cardiovascular events and cardiac function. The key finding was that genetic proxies for FXI inhibition were linked to differences in incident cardiovascular outcomes and measures of cardiac function, consistent with the concept that FXI biology may influence heart failure and related phenotypes. Scientifically, these results strengthen causal inference from human genetics regarding FXI-targeted antithrombotic strategies and their potential cardiac effects.
Ye Q, Hu S, Yang R et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Infection and immune-mediated cardiac disease (Lyme, lupus, CMV, myocarditis)
Ventricular Fibrillation in PRKAG2 Cardiomyopathy: A Genetic Arrhythmia Substrate Beyond Wolff-Parkinson-White.
This JACC Case Reports report described a 25-year-old woman with genetically confirmed PRKAG2 cardiomyopathy who presented with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Cardiac magnetic resonance showed anterolateral trabecular hypertrophy without myocardial fibrosis, and electrophysiological testing excluded Wolff–Parkinson–White as the mechanism, pointing to a genetic arrhythmia substrate beyond classic pre-excitation. The case is significant because it highlights that PRKAG2-related ventricular arrhythmias can occur even when WPW is not present, informing evaluation and management of sudden death risk in PRKAG2 syndrome.
Visch J, Hopman LHGA, Holtus D et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pediatric acute myocarditis: current evidence and practical recommendations.
This narrative review provided current evidence and practical recommendations for pediatric acute myocarditis, synthesizing guidelines and data from large pediatric cohorts to address epidemiology, diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment. The key finding was that pediatric acute myocarditis has a male predominance and a bimodal age distribution, with early mortality around 5.9% and frequent diagnostic difficulty due to nonspecific initial presentations. The significance is that structured risk stratification and guideline-based management are essential to identify children at risk for fulminant deterioration and to guide timely treatment decisions.
Mori S, Veronese G, Bonanomi E et al. · Trends in cardiovascular medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Lyme Carditis Beyond Atrioventricular Block: Cardiac Arrest and Transient Atrial Fibrillation With Preserved Atrioventricular Conduction.
This case report described a previously healthy man with Lyme carditis presenting with aborted cardiac arrest and transient atrial fibrillation while maintaining normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction and preserved PR intervals. Cardiac magnetic resonance findings supported acute myocarditis, serology confirmed Lyme disease, and the patient recovered completely with oral doxycycline. The clinical significance is that Lyme carditis can cause electrical instability even without typical PR-interval prolongation, so clinicians should not rely solely on AV conduction findings.
Anthony JA, Doktor K · Case reports in cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular epidemiology and public health trends (mortality/suicide/alcoholic cardiomyopathy)
Sociodemographic, Criminological and Clinical Determinants in Suicide After Release From Prison: A 23-Year National Cohort Study.
This 23-year national cohort study examined suicide after release from prison in Norway by linking the Norwegian Prison Release Study (nPRIS; all people in prison, 2000–2022) with national registries for cause of death, prison records, patient care, and demographics. The study found that suicide mortality remained elevated after prison release and varied over time, with identifiable sociodemographic, criminological, and clinical determinants associated with risk trajectories. These findings are significant for targeting post-release suicide prevention interventions using time-sensitive risk factors at the population level.
Bukten A, Mehlum L, Fazel S et al. · Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Trends in Premature Mortality Due to Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy Among Working Adults Aged 25-64 Years in the United States, 1999-2024: A CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) Analysis.
Using the CDC WONDER database, this retrospective epidemiologic analysis examined trends in premature mortality due to alcoholic cardiomyopathy (ICD-10 I42.6) among US working adults aged 25–64 years from 1999–2024. The study quantified changes over time, including potential shifts during the COVID-19 period, in mortality attributable to alcoholic cardiomyopathy. Public-health significance lies in defining long-term and pandemic-era mortality patterns to inform prevention and targeted clinical surveillance for alcohol-related heart failure.
Singh S, Prajapathi S, Yadaw M et al. · Cureus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Imaging protocol optimization & patient experience (contrast injection, anxiety, throughput)
MRI-specific anxiety, patient experience, beta-blocker therapy, and image quality during cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
This mixed-methods study investigated how MRI-specific anxiety, patient experience, beta-blocker therapy, and image quality relate to breath-hold performance during cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 53 early post-infarction patients. The key finding was that emotional distress/anxiety measures were linked to breath-hold effort and duration, which in turn affected image quality, with relationships potentially differing by prior MRI experience and beta-blocker use. The results suggest that managing MRI-specific anxiety and tailoring preparation could improve CMR data quality and patient experience.
Wahlström S, Rosendahl L, Lundvall LL et al. · Radiography (London, England : 1995) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
The Effect of Different Gadolinium Delivery Rates on Objective and Subjective Image Quality in Cardiac Perfusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
This retrospective study of 90 patients undergoing stress perfusion cardiac MRI with suspected ischemic heart disease compared different gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) injection rates to determine effects on objective and subjective image quality. The key finding was that GBCA delivery rate meaningfully influenced perfusion CMR image quality metrics, indicating that injection protocol parameters can affect diagnostic image adequacy. Clinically, optimizing GBCA delivery rate can improve the reliability of stress perfusion CMR for detecting myocardial ischemia.
Mihl C, Pernot JC, Winkens B et al. · Investigative radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 study at the Yorkshire Heart Centre in the United Kingdom evaluated a CMR protocol change by implementing a “Short aorta” protocol that assesses only the thoracic aorta (instead of the “Full aorta” protocol including aortic valve and left ventricle assessment). The key outcome was improved scanner efficiency by fitting the Short aorta protocol into a 30-minute scan slot, thereby increasing cardiac MRI capacity and reducing scanning/reporting time. Operationally, the work provides a practical workflow model to expand CMR throughput without abandoning common thoracic aorta indications.
Procter H, Tan JH, Cash L et al. · European heart journal. Imaging methods and practice · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on October 13, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published October 06, 2026 – October 13, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.