What's New in Cardiac MRI? — October 17, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 59 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
Jump to category
What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
October 17, 2026 · 59 articles · 15 research themes · covering October 10, 2026 – October 17, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s set of papers, cardiovascular research is strongly converging on multimodality imaging—especially cardiac MRI—to resolve diagnostic uncertainty, quantify subtle myocardial injury, and improve risk prediction. Several case reports highlight how CMR (often alongside echocardiography and PET/CT) can distinguish mimics of malignancy or ischemia (e.g., thrombi masquerading as metastases, pancreatitis mimicking STEMI, immune- or eosinophil-driven myocarditis) and can directly guide management decisions such as anticoagulation, immunotherapy, or surgical planning.
A second dominant theme is the push toward better, more accessible biomarkers and workflows. Studies evaluate new or refined CMR-derived metrics (LGE extent cutoffs, native T1 entropy, feature-tracking strain, ECV-based models, and advanced fibrosis mapping) and compare imaging modalities or acquisition strategies (non-contrast 4D flow, STE after TPVR, and standardization issues in 4D flow). In parallel, machine learning appears repeatedly as a tool for reconstruction, interpretation, and prognostication—aiming to translate complex imaging signals into practical clinical decision support.
Finally, the digest reflects ongoing efforts to personalize care in both cardiology and adjacent health domains. In heart failure and cardiomyopathy, contemporary medical therapy and phenotyping (including fat distribution, exercise patterns in HCM, and device timing after LVEF recovery) are used to refine who benefits from interventions. In congenital heart disease, CMR-based mechanics and hemodynamic assessment help anticipate residual dysfunction after repair. Outside cardiology, the included studies range from automated diabetic foot ulcer detection and melanoma mitotic-rate imaging to public health outcomes (post-prison suicide risk) and environmental remediation—showing how imaging and analytics are spreading beyond traditional cardiovascular boundaries.
Cardiac oncology and rare cardiac tumors
Multimodality Imaging of a Massive Intrapericardial Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This case studied diagnostic and treatment planning for a massive intrapericardial mediastinal hemangioma in a 68-year-old man with a severe iodinated contrast allergy. An iodine-free multimodality strategy using 2’-deoxy-2’-[F-18] fluoro-D-glucose PET/CT, cardiac magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound—guided by 3D reconstruction—enabled safe complete surgical resection of an adventitial mixed hemangioma. The report demonstrates a practical imaging framework for cardiac/mediastinal mass evaluation when iodinated contrast is contraindicated.
Weng J, Han J, Mao Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Primary Cardiac Leiomyosarcoma in a Young Patient: A Therapeutic Challenge.
This case report studied primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma in a 29-year-old man presenting with respiratory symptoms and a cardiac mass. Diagnosis was confirmed using echocardiography plus cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography, with histopathology and immunohistochemistry establishing the sarcoma, and the patient remained alive at 20 months on systemic therapy. The report highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainty of this rare, aggressive cardiac malignancy and supports multimodality imaging with tissue confirmation to guide management.
Calzadilla-Gutierrez HR, Blanco-Adrian N, Vaca-Villarroel JM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac thromboembolism and intracardiac masses
Abdominal Pain as the First Presentation of Severe Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Left Ventricular Thrombus in a Young Asymptomatic Patient: A Diagnostic Interception.
This clinical case report described a young, asymptomatic patient who presented with abdominal pain and was incidentally found to have severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and a left ventricular apical thrombus. Early cardiac evaluation enabled appropriate management and led to complete thrombus resolution (details truncated). The case highlights that atypical presentations such as abdominal pain can mask severe HFrEF with LV thrombus, emphasizing the value of prompt cardiac assessment to prevent embolic complications.
Alarfaj MO, Alsuwailem BS, Aljeezan MK et al. · Clinical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
PFO-Mediated Paradoxical Coronary Embolism Causing Myocardial Infarction: Concordant Imaging Findings.
This case studied paradoxical coronary embolism causing myocardial infarction in a 36-year-old man with a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Coronary angiography showed distal thrombotic occlusion without atherosclerosis and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated infarction edema/late gadolinium enhancement confined to the corresponding vascular territory, while echocardiography identified right-to-left shunting through the PFO. The findings emphasize the clinical value of multimodality imaging to establish a venous-to-coronary embolic mechanism when coronary disease is absent.
Shrestha A, Wong C, Theuerle J et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Intracardiac Thrombi Mimicking Cardiac Metastases in a Patient With Lung Adenocarcinoma.
This case studied intracardiac thrombi that mimicked cardiac metastases in a 50-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma and venous thromboembolism. Cardiac magnetic resonance raised concern for metastases, but histopathology of an excised atrial mass showed organizing thrombus and the remaining ventricular lesion resolved after 1 month of therapeutic enoxaparin. The report highlights that fibrin-rich cancer-associated thrombi can produce overlapping CMR features with metastases, so tissue diagnosis and anticoagulation response may be decisive.
Lembo M, De Vivo R, La Mura L et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Papillary fibroelastoma of the coumadin ridge as an unusual cause of recurrent ischemic stroke: a case report.
This case report studied a 51-year-old woman with recurrent ischemic stroke to identify the embolic source using multimodal cardiac imaging. The key finding was that transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) detected a highly mobile pedunculated papillary fibroelastoma (PFE) attached to the coumadin ridge near the left atrial appendage ostium. This is clinically significant because it highlights PFE as an uncommon but high-emboligenic cause of recurrent stroke and demonstrates the diagnostic value of TEE plus CMR for localization.
Suchodolski A, Ogrodzka A, Kemona-Kałwa R et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Myocarditis and immune-mediated myocardial injury
Prospective Cardiac MRI study comparing Recovered COVID-19 patients with Recovered Non-COVID-19 Viral Respiratory Infection Patients (R-COVID-CMR).
This prospective longitudinal CMR study compared recovered COVID-19 patients with recovered non-COVID viral respiratory infection patients to quantify myocardial involvement and inflammation after infection. It aimed to determine whether the extent and severity of CMR-detected myocardial inflammation differs between COVID-19 and non-COVID viral illnesses. If COVID-19 shows greater or more persistent CMR abnormalities, it would strengthen post-infection surveillance strategies and inform myocarditis/heart-failure risk assessment.
Ho LK, Hei ST, Yan HS et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Acute Myocarditis as an Immune-Mediated Complication of Mpox Infection.
This case studied acute immune-mediated myocarditis as a complication of mpox infection in a 32-year-old man with well-controlled HIV and PCR-confirmed mpox. After excluding coronary and embolic causes, cardiac magnetic resonance met updated Lake Louise Criteria with lateral-wall edema on T2 imaging and nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement, and the patient recovered fully with supportive care. The report supports mpox as a trigger for myocarditis and reinforces CMR-based diagnosis when ischemic etiologies are not found.
Khoury F, Kim JHJ, Baghdasaryan E et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Relapsing-Remitting Perimyocarditis and Emerging Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
This case studied relapsing-remitting perimyocarditis as an emerging presentation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a 66-year-old man after Coxsackievirus B exposure. Initial evaluations and CMR were unrevealing, but repeat CMR showed biventricular dysfunction, new lateral wall late gadolinium enhancement, myocardial edema, and a circumferential pericardial effusion, and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed severe lymphocytic myocarditis. The patient’s failure of corticosteroid tapers but improvement with colchicine (and subsequent AML emergence) underscores the need to consider evolving hematologic malignancy when perimyocarditis relapses despite standard therapy.
Zipperer-Giblin MB, Bowman JI, Patel N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Acute Pancreatitis Presenting With ST-Segment Elevation and Marked Troponin Elevation: A Diagnostic Dilemma in a Resource-Limited Setting-A Case Report.
This case report studied a patient with acute pancreatitis presenting with ST-segment elevation and markedly elevated troponin in a resource-limited setting. The key finding is that the presentation can mimic type 1 acute coronary syndrome, making it difficult to distinguish pancreatitis-associated myocardial injury from true myocardial infarction when coronary angiography, CMR, and serial high-sensitivity troponin testing are unavailable. This is significant because it underscores the diagnostic pitfall and the need for careful clinical algorithms in settings lacking advanced cardiac testing.
Aweke SK, Assale NM, Mengistu AG et al. · Clinical case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiotoxicity from drugs and systemic therapies
FOLFOX-Associated Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest in a Patient With Colon Cancer.
This case report described a 43-year-old man with stage IIIB colon cancer who developed fluoropyrimidine-associated cardiotoxicity manifesting as ventricular fibrillation arrest about 72 hours after the first FOLFOX cycle (leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin). Despite initial ECG anterior ST-segment elevations, coronary angiography showed nonobstructive coronary arteries and cardiac imaging demonstrated reversible left ventricular dysfunction without myocardial edema on cardiac MRI. The report highlights the need for prompt recognition and management of life-threatening arrhythmias from 5-FU–related cardiotoxicity in patients receiving FOLFOX.
Al Osta S, Ahmed M, Xu WD et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Takotsubo syndrome and stress cardiomyopathy
Apical-to-Mid-Ventricular Phenotypic Shift in Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome After Minor Trauma.
This case studied recurrent Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) triggered by minor trauma and characterized by an apical-to-mid-ventricular phenotypic shift in an 84-year-old woman. After a ground-level fall, troponin rose and echocardiography showed mid-ventricular akinesia with a hyperkinetic apex, with coronary angiography excluding obstructive disease and cardiac magnetic resonance confirming myocardial involvement consistent with the mid-ventricular variant. The report suggests that trauma can precipitate atypical TTS phenotypes and that CMR and ventriculography are important for accurate variant identification during recurrence.
Khoury F, Chandi M, Johal M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Coronary microvascular dysfunction and INOCA/HFpEF physiology
Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease: The women’s ischemia syndrome evaluation - Coronary microvascular dysfunction study (WISE-CVD).
This study in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) evaluated whether coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) contributes to elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and impaired LV relaxation. Using invasive coronary functional testing (CFT) to measure resting LVEDP and coronary microvascular function (with a subset undergoing cardiac MRI), the study tested the hypothesis that CMD-mediated relaxation impairment underlies higher LVEDP. If confirmed, the findings would strengthen the mechanistic link between CMD and HFpEF physiology and support targeted evaluation of LV filling pressures in INOCA/CMD.
Ranasinghe S, Tjoe B, Chang J et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Valvular heart disease and TAVI/AR/MR outcomes
Optimizing Echocardiographic Evaluation of Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: Comparison With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Implications for Guideline Recommendations.
This prospective study compared transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) against quantitative cardiac MRI (CMR) as the reference standard to optimize ASE guideline criteria for diagnosing definite severe chronic mitral regurgitation (MR). Across 177 patients undergoing near-simultaneous CMR and TTE, the performance of ASE criteria—especially when fewer than four criteria are present—was evaluated on a CMR-based MR severity scale. The work is clinically important because it could refine guideline thresholds to reduce misclassification of severe MR and improve decision-making for intervention.
El-Tallawi KC, Angulo C, Chamsi-Pasha M et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized evidence on coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), focusing on pooled CMD prevalence, post-TAVI changes in coronary flow reserve (CFR) and microvascular resistance, and the prognostic impact of baseline CMD. The analysis found that CMD is common after TAVI and that baseline CMD is associated with worse major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with effects varying by diagnostic modality. These findings support routine consideration of CMD assessment in severe aortic stenosis/TAVI pathways to refine prognosis and potentially target microvascular risk.
Panyawongkhanti M, Chintrakulchai P, Tanking C et al. · PloS one · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Fully quantitative CMR rest perfusion reveals myocardial perfusion abnormality in Kawasaki disease: Association with left ventricular Remodeling.
This prospective single-center study evaluated children with Kawasaki disease (KD) who underwent fully quantitative CMR rest perfusion to measure myocardial blood flow (MBF) corrected for heart rate–blood pressure product (MBFcor) and related perfusion abnormalities to left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The key finding was that myocardial perfusion abnormality was detectable on quantitative rest perfusion CMR and was associated with subsequent LV remodeling (full statistical results truncated in the abstract). Quantifying rest perfusion abnormalities in pediatric KD could improve risk stratification and guide monitoring for myocardial injury and remodeling.
Zhou Z, Ye P, Wang C et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Impact of the Extent, Pattern, and Location of Replacement Myocardial Fibrosis on Clinical Outcomes in Aortic Regurgitation.
This study evaluated consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation (AR) who underwent contrast-enhanced CMR (2010–2024) to determine how the extent, pattern, and location of replacement myocardial fibrosis detected by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) relate to clinical outcomes. The key finding was that specific characteristics of LGE-defined replacement fibrosis were associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, or heart-failure rehospitalization (full effect sizes truncated). Clinically, mapping LGE extent/pattern/location in AR may improve prognostic assessment and help identify patients who need closer follow-up or earlier intervention.
Li B, Dai L, Liu Y et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary artery imaging in Kawasaki disease: recent updates in imaging techniques and clinical indications.
This review studied current and emerging imaging techniques for coronary artery assessment in Kawasaki disease across acute and chronic stages, emphasizing computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) alongside echocardiography. The key finding is that multimodality imaging is recommended throughout disease stages, with CT angiography and MRI providing updated technical options for diagnosing coronary artery lesions when echocardiography is insufficient. Scientifically and clinically, this helps guide selection of imaging modalities to improve detection and characterization of coronary involvement in Kawasaki disease.
Patharateeranart K, Goo HW, Kotoku A et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Heart failure risk stratification and remodeling (HFrEF/HFpEF)
Dapagliflozin in phenotypically stratified HFpEF without myocardial fibrosis: the STADIA-HFpEF randomized crossover trial.
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial studied whether dapagliflozin improves left-ventricular (LV) distensibility in phenotypically stratified HFpEF patients without significant myocardial fibrosis. Dapagliflozin was tested over a 34-week period against placebo to assess effects on LV mechanical properties in this specific HFpEF subgroup. If effective, this would support SGLT2-inhibitor–mediated cardiomyocyte distensibility benefits even when myocardial extracellular matrix fibrosis is absent, refining HFpEF patient stratification for therapy.
Scheffer M, van Maarschalkerwaart W, Dong C et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
This narrative review synthesized evidence on cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) in patients with liver cirrhosis, focusing on pathophysiology, diagnosis, imaging/biomarkers, and management. It reports that CCM prevalence varies widely (29% to 67.2%) depending on diagnostic criteria and highlights advanced imaging approaches for detection. Clinically, better recognition and standardized diagnostic strategies could improve outcomes in cirrhosis—particularly around liver transplantation.
Zhang L, Yi J · Medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Effects of testosterone on exercise capacity in postmenopausal women with stage B heart failure.
This single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial tested whether transdermal testosterone 5 mg/day improves exercise capacity in postmenopausal women with stage B heart failure. Participants (women ≥55 years with reduced age-predicted peak VO2) were randomized to testosterone versus identical placebo for 4 months, with exercise capacity outcomes assessed across conditions. If testosterone improves functional capacity, it would suggest a potential endocrine-based adjunct strategy for early HF with preserved or diastolic dysfunction phenotypes.
Grant J, Alexander SE, Marwick TH et al. · Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular effects of metyrapone treatment in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion: a secondary analysis.
This secondary analysis evaluated cardiovascular effects of cortisol-lowering therapy with metyrapone in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). Fifteen MACS patients (12 women; mean age ~59 years) received evening metyrapone (500 mg at 6 pm and 250 mg at 10 pm) for 12 weeks, and outcomes included blood pressure regulation, cardiac fat depots, heart function/morphology, and cardiovascular risk factors. The results are significant because they test whether targeting cortisol excess can translate into measurable cardiovascular improvements in MACS.
Niziolek H, Just I, Baumgartner C et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · (2026) · 2 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Association of Cardiac MRI-Derived Epicardial Adipose Tissue Index With Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction.
This retrospective study assessed whether the cardiac MRI-derived epicardial adipose tissue index (EATI), quantified on 1.5T cine images (balanced steady-state free precession), predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in 265 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The key finding was an association between higher EATI and worse clinical outcomes/MACE in HFpEF (full hazard ratios and model details truncated). If validated, EATI could serve as a noninvasive CMR biomarker to refine prognosis and risk stratification in HFpEF.
Ma S, Qian L, Lou K et al. · Journal of magnetic resonance imaging : JMRI · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Recurrent Nonischemic Left Ventricular Aneurysms: A Cardiac MRI-Driven Diagnosis in a DES Variant Carrier.
This case report studied recurrent nonischemic left ventricular aneurysms in a 24-year-old man who carried a variant associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DES variant carrier). Initial cardiac MRI identified an apical true aneurysm with normal coronary arteries and the patient underwent successful surgical treatment, but five years later cardiac MRI detected a new inferolateral basal aneurysm in a previously normal postoperative region after recurrent ventricular tachycardia. The findings emphasize that CMR can detect evolving aneurysm formation in nonischemic cardiomyopathy and that DES-associated disease may require long-term imaging surveillance.
Garcia NP, Forti D, Tassine Penatti LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 study examined left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery and subsequent need for ICD/CRT-D implantation in 65 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) treated with contemporary quadruple guideline-directed therapy. The key finding was that under modern therapy (beta-blocker, angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and SGLT2 inhibitor), many patients achieved LVEF improvement, informing whether deferral strategies for primary-prevention device implantation remained appropriate. The study is significant for real-world decision-making on ICD/CRT-D timing after reassessment of LVEF in the era of quadruple therapy.
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 investigated whether regional fat distribution predicts mortality in people with left ventricular systolic dysfunction, challenging the “obesity paradox,” using UK Biobank Imaging Enhancement Programme participants who underwent cardiac MRI. The key finding was that CMR-defined left ventricular systolic impairment (LVEF <50%) combined with specific patterns of adiposity/regionally distributed fat was associated with mortality risk beyond what BMI alone captures. Scientifically and clinically, it suggests that fat distribution phenotypes may better stratify risk in LV systolic dysfunction than BMI, informing future prognostic models.
Khanna S, Ho W, Takeuchi F et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 9 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac imaging methods, quantification, and reconstruction (CMR/echo/AI)
Latent Interpolation Learning Using Diffusion Models for Cardiac Volume Reconstruction.
This study proposed a Cardiac Latent Interpolation Diffusion (CaLID) framework to reconstruct 3D cardiac volumes from sparsely acquired 2D short-axis cardiac MRI slices without relying on predefined interpolation rules or additional semantic inputs. CaLID demonstrated improved cardiac volume reconstruction accuracy compared with conventional interpolation approaches by learning latent-space interpolation via diffusion modeling. Clinically, this could enable more reliable 3D cardiac assessment from routine, time-limited CMR acquisitions, improving downstream evaluation of cardiac structure and function.
Bubeck N, Shit S, Chen C et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
AI and Deep Learning in Cardiovascular Imaging: From Risk Stratification to Precision Phenotyping.
This narrative review summarized how artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning are being applied to cardiovascular imaging for tasks ranging from risk stratification to precision phenotyping across modalities such as chest radiography and computed tomography. The key finding is that modern deep learning models can extract quantitative imaging biomarkers that improve prognostic prediction and phenotypic classification beyond conventional interpretation, though performance depends on model design, training strategy, and data quality. Scientifically and clinically, the review frames current opportunities and limitations for translating AI imaging tools into routine cardiovascular care.
Diao K, Lu J, Dimitrakakis A et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
4D Flow Acquisition Parameters as Technical Correlates of Hemodynamic Measurements: An Analysis of the multicenter Tetralogy of Fallot Registry of 4D flow Energetics and Kinetics (TREK).
This multicenter observational analysis used data from the Tetralogy of Fallot 4D flow Registry of Energetics and Kinetics (TREK) to determine how 4D flow CMR acquisition parameters (including vendor, sequence, and signal quality) affect hemodynamic biomarkers such as kinetic energy (KE), vorticity (ω), and viscous energy loss (VEL) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). The key finding was that 4D flow measurements show real-world variability that correlates with technical acquisition factors (specific quantitative results truncated). Understanding these technical correlates is important for standardizing 4D flow CMR biomarkers and improving comparability across sites and scanners.
Loke YH, Lee M, O’Hara R et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Establishing the reliability of non-contrast 4D flow in congenital heart disease at 1.5T.
This prospective cohort study evaluated whether non-contrast 4D flow MRI at 1.5T correlates with standard 2D phase-contrast (2D PC) flow and ventricular stroke volumes in pediatric and young adult patients with suspected or confirmed congenital heart disease. The key finding was that non-contrast 4D flow measurements showed strong agreement/correlation with 2D PC and ventricular stroke volume metrics using correlation and Bland–Altman analyses. Scientifically, this supports NC 4D flow as a practical, radiation-free alternative that may reduce reliance on contrast-enhanced protocols in CHD imaging.
Brown NK, Romberg EK, Schmitt C et al. · Pediatric radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
BHSMS: a new software for searching the most stable structure of clusters based on the improved basin hopping algorithm.
This methods-focused study introduced BHSMS, a new global-minimum search software package for atomic and molecular clusters that integrates an improved basin-hopping algorithm with additional structure-handling modules. The key finding is that BHSMS combines structure relaxation, structure similarity recognition, planarity recognition, and constraints on molecular rotation to improve efficient searching for the most stable cluster structures. This is significant for computational chemistry workflows that require reliable global-minimum identification without excessive manual intervention.
Zhang YY, Cheng Y, Zhang SW et al. · Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A Milestone in the Globalization of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance and a Legacy for Brazil and Latin America.
This article describes the 2026 SCMR Rio meeting and its role in expanding cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) capacity in Brazil and Latin America, focusing on regional leadership, education, certification, and multidisciplinary collaboration. The key finding is that SCMR Rio 2026 marked a shift from international participation to building durable regional scientific infrastructure and access to high-quality CMR. This is significant because it provides a model for how global CMR networks can translate into sustained local training and certification pathways in Latin America.
Rochitte CE, Azevedo C, Fernandes JL · Arquivos brasileiros de cardiologia · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 overall patient experience affect breath-hold performance and image quality during cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 53 early post-infarction patients. The key finding is that emotional state and MRI-specific anxiety were examined as determinants of breath-hold effort/duration and physiological responses, with subgroup comparisons by prior MRI experience, sex, and beta-blocker therapy (results were truncated). This is significant because it suggests modifiable patient-centered factors that could improve CMR image quality and diagnostic reliability.
Wahlström S, Rosendahl L, Lundvall LL et al. · Radiography (London, England : 1995) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
CMR biomarkers and prognostic modeling (T1/T2/LGE/ECV/entropy/strain)
Left ventricular myocardial strain impairment correlates with cerebral small vessel disease burden in patients with normal ejection fraction.
This cross-sectional study assessed whether subclinical left ventricular dysfunction, measured by left ventricular myocardial strain on cardiac MRI, correlates with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden in 139 participants with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. The study found that impaired LV myocardial strain was associated with greater CSVD burden on brain MRI. These results suggest a heart–brain microvascular link and support myocardial strain as a potential noninvasive marker for identifying individuals at higher risk of cerebral small vessel injury.
Wang W, Zhang X, Liang M et al. · Brain research bulletin · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Septal thickness to QRS voltage ratio in Lead I/aVR: A simple tool for estimating cardiac amyloid burden.
This study evaluated whether an integrated echocardiographic–electrocardiographic (echo-ECG) index—maximum septal thickness (MST) divided by QRS voltage in lead I and/or aVR—correlates with cardiac amyloid burden measured by cardiac MRI extracellular volume (ECV). The key finding was that the MST/QRS voltage ratio showed a meaningful association with CMR-derived ECV, suggesting it can serve as a simpler surrogate for amyloid burden. If validated, this tool could improve accessible screening and risk stratification for cardiac amyloidosis where CMR ECV is limited.
Sclafani M, Arcari L, Tini G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Rotating Frame Spin-Lock Cardiac MRI Method at 9.4 T Can Characterize Diffuse Fibrosis in Progressing Hypertensive Heart Disease in Mice.
This preclinical mouse study investigated whether a rotating frame spin-lock cardiac MRI approach—continuous wave T1ρ and relaxation along a fictitious field with Rank 2 (RAFF2)—can characterize diffuse myocardial fibrosis in progressing hypertensive heart disease (HHD). HHD was induced by angiotensin II infusion for 28 days, and the key finding was that CW-T1ρ/RAFF2 methods provided complementary characterization of diffuse fibrosis compared with native T1 and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (full comparative results truncated). This supports advanced quantitative CMR techniques for detecting diffuse fibrosis progression in hypertensive cardiomyopathy before overt focal scar.
Kiviluoto R, Törmä D, Tawfek A et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Development and Prospective Validation of an Interpretable Machine Learning Model Integrating Cardiac MRI Extracellular Volume for 1-Year MACE Prediction Post-STEMI.
This research developed and prospectively validated an interpretable machine learning model to predict 1-year MACE after STEMI treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, integrating cardiac MRI extracellular volume (ECV) with clinical variables. The key finding was that adding CMR-derived ECV improved 1-year MACE prediction performance in a prospective cohort (exact metrics truncated), with feature selection performed using Boruta algorithms. An interpretable ECV-based ML model could support more personalized post-STEMI risk stratification and follow-up planning.
Zhao Z, Zhang Z, Yang Y et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Prognostic Value of Entropy from T1 Mapping in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
This prospective CMR study evaluated whether myocardial native T1–derived entropy (along with native T1 and extracellular volume fraction [ECV]) predicts outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who underwent CMR within 72 hours of right heart catheterization (RHC). The key finding is that entropy from T1 mapping was assessed as a prognostic biomarker for the composite endpoint of all-cause mortality or lung transplantation, using Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan–Meier analyses (results were truncated in the abstract provided). Clinically, if validated, T1-mapping entropy could improve risk stratification in PAH using a noninvasive CMR metric obtained near the time of RHC.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Quantitative assessment of myocardial dysfunction in mild focal left ventricular hypertrophy using CMR feature tracking.
This retrospective CMR feature-tracking study compared left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) deformation parameters in 36 patients with mild focal left ventricular hypertrophy (MF-LVH), 44 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without late gadolinium enhancement (HCM-non-LGE), and 32 healthy controls. The key finding is that CMR-FT–derived strain measures were used to characterize myocardial dysfunction in MF-LVH and to distinguish it from HCM-non-LGE and healthy controls, with multivariable logistic regression and ROC analyses performed (numerical results were truncated). Scientifically, this supports CMR feature tracking as a quantitative approach to detect early or subtle dysfunction in focal hypertrophy phenotypes.
Wang X, Yao Y, Yang W et al. · Cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
A Visual LGE Extent Cutoff for Mortality Risk Stratification in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy.
This bicentric retrospective CMR study evaluated whether a semi-quantitative late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) extent cutoff can stratify mortality risk in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%. The key finding is that an optimal ischemic LGE segments cutoff was sought in 3,591 ICM patients with ischemic LGE, using outcomes analyses (the abstract results were truncated). Clinically, a practical LGE extent threshold could simplify risk stratification in ICM when fully quantitative LGE methods are not feasible.
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 ↗
Congenital heart disease imaging and post-repair surveillance
Septal dysfunction and Abnormal Systolic Stretch Are Associated with Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.
This retrospective study evaluated pediatric patients after repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rToF) to determine whether septal dysfunction and abnormal systolic stretch relate to right-ventricular (RV) dysfunction and electro-mechanical dyssynchrony (EMD). Among 126 children (median age 14.7 years) with contemporaneous ECG, echocardiography, and cardiac MRI, septal mechanics measured by strain-derived systolic stretch were associated with RV dysfunction in the EMD context. The findings suggest septal strain abnormalities could help identify rToF patients at higher risk for RV deterioration, enabling earlier risk stratification and follow-up.
Fournier E, Joye R, Bitterman Y et al. · Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography : official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Predictors of Residual Pulmonary Regurgitation and Biventricular Recovery After Pulsta Valve Implantation.
This retrospective pediatric study used paired pre- and post-procedural cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to identify predictors of residual pulmonary regurgitation (PR), residual right-ventricular enlargement (RVE), and residual biventricular imbalance (BVI) after Pulsta self-expanding percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). In 98 patients, CMR-derived right-ventricular outflow tract anatomy and baseline/post-procedural metrics were evaluated to explain heterogeneous residual PR and RVOT physiology. Clinically, CMR predictors could improve procedural planning and follow-up by anticipating incomplete RV recovery after PPVI.
Baek SM, Ahn C, Lee SY et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Prenatal Diagnosis of Distal Aortopulmonary Window by Fetal Cardiac MRI.
This JACC Case Reports report described prenatal diagnosis of a distal aortopulmonary window using fetal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a fetus with suboptimal great-vessel visualization on ultrasound. Fetal cardiac MRI demonstrated the characteristic “heart-shaped” great-vessel appearance consistent with the anomaly. The case supports fetal cardiac MRI as a complementary tool when echocardiography is limited for complex outflow tract defects.
Verley M, Anquetil S, Ferreira LN et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Diffuse elevations of T1 and T2 are common in newly transplanted pediatric cardiac grafts without rejection and decrease over time.
This prospective CMR study followed pediatric heart transplant recipients without acute rejection to characterize how diffuse T1 and T2 elevations evolve over time in newly transplanted grafts. In 14 recipients undergoing 22 non-contrast 1.5T CMR scans, newly transplanted grafts (≤6 months) showed diffuse parametric map elevations that decreased over time and were assessed for correlation with diastolic function. Scientifically, it helps define the normal post-transplant trajectory of CMR parametric changes, improving interpretation of T1/T2 elevations when screening for subclinical injury or rejection.
Vegulla RV, Blackwell S, Ceneri NM et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Guiding Pacemaker Implantation With Multimodality Imaging in an Adult With Ventricular Septal Defect.
This case studied how multimodality imaging can guide pacemaker implantation in a 57-year-old adult with congenital ventricular septal defect and complex repaired anatomy (including bicuspid aortic valve repair and coarctation repair) who developed complete heart block. Preprocedural multimodality imaging was used to plan optimal lead positioning strategies to reduce procedural difficulty and improve safety in complex septal anatomy. The report underscores that tailored imaging planning can be critical for safe device implantation in adult congenital heart disease.
Singh AK, Eastwood C, Wong C · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Right Ventricular Function Assessed by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement.
This study assessed right ventricular (RV) function using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in 50 pediatric patients undergoing transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR). STE demonstrated measurable changes in RV free-wall longitudinal strain and related RV and right atrial strain parameters from pre-procedure to post-operative day 1 and at 6-month follow-up, supporting STE as a feasible surrogate for RV systolic assessment when CMR is impractical. The results are significant for longitudinal monitoring of RV remodeling after TPVR using a widely available technique.
Kucuk M, de Alba CG, Zablah J et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Arrhythmias, inherited cardiomyopathies, and risk prediction
The Innocent Delta Wave in Progressive Cardiomyopathy - Culprit vs Bystander.
This case report evaluated the clinical significance of an “innocent” delta wave in a 34-year-old man with progressive cardiomyopathy, comparing whether the delta wave represented a culprit arrhythmogenic substrate versus a bystander finding. The patient’s presentation included recurrent palpitations, atrial fibrillation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype, and a family history of HCM with conduction disease, with the delta wave appearing not to fully explain the clinical course. The report underscores that pre-excitation/delta-wave findings may require careful interpretation in progressive cardiomyopathy and inherited HCM contexts.
Ansari AG, Shanmugam S, Vijay J et al. · The American journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Clinical phenotype and outcomes of low-risk HCM patients who maintained stable exercise habits during follow-up.
This observational study characterized clinical phenotype and outcomes in 253 low-risk hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients who maintained stable exercise habits during follow-up, stratifying them into sedentary, mild exercise (<30 METs/week), and vigorous exercise groups. The key finding was that reliably documented stable exercise participation identified a subgroup with distinct clinical/morphological/arrhythmic profiles and potentially more favorable follow-up outcomes compared with sedentary behavior. Clinically, the results support refining counseling for low-risk HCM patients by incorporating objectively tracked exercise patterns into risk assessment.
Pelliccia A, Ferrera A, Daniello CD et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
LGL-Phenocopy With Dual AV Nodal Physiology and Malignant SVT: A Diagnostic Pitfall With Sudden Deaths.
This case studied an LGL-phenocopy presentation with dual AV nodal physiology and malignant supraventricular tachycardia in a 45-year-old man with family history of sudden cardiac death. ECG during symptoms showed supraventricular tachycardia with Hisian extrasystole and QRS variability, and postconversion ECG revealed short PR with dual AV nodal physiology, with subtle regional wall-motion abnormalities on echocardiography. The report warns that “benign” short-PR phenocopies can conceal malignant arrhythmogenic substrates and may require aggressive risk assessment.
Negm AY, Zhfan S, Khalil M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Compound MYH7 Mutations: Risk Stratification Challenges in an Affected Family.
This case studied hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) risk stratification challenges in an affected family with compound MYH7 mutations. The proband carried only one of two pathogenic MYH7 variants (Ala655Thr) while his daughter had two variants (Ala655Thr and Gly571Arg) and experienced obstructive HCM requiring septal myomectomy and an ICD after cardiac arrest; the proband had mild septal hypertrophy and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. The report illustrates that genotype-phenotype discordance with MYH7 variant combinations can complicate sudden cardiac death risk prediction in genotype-positive relatives.
Hammad A, Yeung A, Goldschmidt H et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Eosinophilic disorders (HES/EGPA/Loeffler) and cardiac involvement
Loeffler’s Endomyocarditis: Clinical characteristics and outcomes from a tertiary care centre registry.
This retrospective single-center registry studied clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with Loeffler’s endomyocarditis (cardiac hypereosinophilic syndrome) between 2017 and 2025, using biomarkers, echocardiography, cardiac MRI (CMR), and endomyocardial biopsies (n=8). The analysis identified two clinical phenotypes, including an acute inflammatory form with elevated troponin T, C-reactive protein, fever, and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), alongside a second pattern (details truncated in the abstract). These findings help clinicians recognize distinct disease patterns in Loeffler’s endomyocarditis and may inform prognosis and management strategies in this high-risk eosinophilic cardiomyopathy.
Buske P, Krieghoff C, Lücke C et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis in Steroid-Refractory Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: Navigating the Thrombotic Stage With Targeted Biologic Therapy.
This JACC Case Reports article described a 57-year-old woman with steroid-refractory hypereosinophilic syndrome who developed fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis with a thrombotic/embolic course. Cardiac MRI identified a large laminar thrombus and subendocardial necrosis, and after relapse on pulse-dose steroids and hydroxyurea, targeted biologic therapy with mepolizumab (anti–interleukin-5) was initiated (subsequent outcome details truncated). The case underscores the role of CMR in detecting thrombotic myocarditis and supports IL-5–targeted therapy as a strategy for refractory hypereosinophilic cardiac disease.
Althobaiti M, Aldlgan D, Alfehaid L et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Loeffler’s Endomyocarditis With Embolic Stroke Secondary to Chronic Eosinophilic Leukemia With Therapy-Related Molecular Features.
This case studied Loeffler’s endomyocarditis with embolic stroke in a 77-year-old man with chronic eosinophilic leukemia and therapy-related molecular features after prior R-CHOP for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Imaging showed a large apical left ventricular thrombus and cardiac magnetic resonance demonstrated diffuse subendocardial involvement consistent with eosinophil-mediated myocardial injury leading to embolic stroke. The report highlights that clonal hypereosinophilic disorders can present years after lymphoma therapy and require prompt recognition to prevent catastrophic thromboembolic and end-organ complications.
Ramesh S, Yousif N, Affas Z et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Manifestations of EGPA: An Overlap Phenotype of Inflammatory Myocardial Injury and Takotsubo-Like Syndrome.
This JACC Case Reports article studied cardiac manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in a 42-year-old woman with asthma and systemic features. The key finding was an overlap phenotype combining lymphocyte-predominant myocardial inflammation with a Takotsubo-like syndrome and left ventricular thrombus, confirmed by clinical findings including antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies-negative EGPA. The report is clinically important because it broadens the recognized spectrum of EGPA-related cardiac injury and underscores the need to consider Takotsubo-like mechanisms and thrombus in acute LV dysfunction in EGPA.
Shalit B, Buonomo G, Shaw DG et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pediatric ophthalmology biomarkers (albinism) and imaging surrogates
Concentric macular rings: ultrawide-field biomarker in pediatric albinism.
This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence and clinical relevance of concentric macular rings (CMR sign) on ultrawide-field (UWF) imaging as a noninvasive biomarker of foveal hypoplasia in pediatric albinism patients. The key finding was that the CMR sign on UWF imaging (including green-filter and red-filter modalities) correlated with foveal hypoplasia grading and visual outcomes when OCT was limited by nystagmus and poor fixation. Clinically, UWF CMR sign assessment could provide a practical alternative biomarker for foveal development in pediatric albinism where OCT is difficult.
Caminal-Caramés M, Català Mora J, Díaz-Cascajosa J et al. · Journal of AAPOS : the official publication of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Non-cardiac clinical research and public health (incl. suicide, melanoma, DFU, environmental remediation)
Real-time assessment of mitotic rate in malignant melanoma by ex vivo confocal microscopy.
This pilot study evaluated whether ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (EVCM) can reliably quantify mitotic rate in fresh malignant melanoma tissue samples. EVCM-derived mitotic-rate assessment showed feasibility for intraoperative, rapid evaluation of a prognostic melanoma feature (mitotic activity) alongside established morphological criteria. If validated in larger cohorts, EVCM could improve early risk stratification and guide decisions such as sentinel lymph node indication by adding real-time mitotic-rate information.
Hartmann D, Wex K, Braun A et al. · Clinical and experimental dermatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
3D magnetic nanocomposite modified with molybdenum disulfide: preparation and application in aqueous Cr(vi) remediation.
This study developed a 3D molybdenum disulfide magnetic biochar nanocomposite (3DMMB) using traditional Chinese medicine residues as biomass feedstock and iron-based sludge as an iron source, then tested it for aqueous hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] remediation. The key finding was that solution pH significantly influenced Cr(VI) removal, with the abstract indicating high-performance adsorption behavior for the fabricated 3DMMB (specific removal metrics truncated). This provides a low-cost, high-efficiency adsorbent approach for treating Cr(VI)-contaminated water using waste-derived materials.
Duan X, Zhang J, Wang Y et al. · Nanoscale advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Pattern and texton-based feature descriptors for diabetic foot ulcer detection.
This paper studied a deep learning framework for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) detection using image-based feature descriptors. The key finding was that the proposed DLS-DFUD pipeline—using wavelet transform-based Wiener filtering for preprocessing, followed by segmentation, feature extraction, and classification—aimed to improve DFU detection accuracy for timely diagnosis. Clinically, improved automated DFU detection could help reduce delays that lead to infection and amputation risk.
Mastanvali, Rajini NH, Laxmaiah M · Expert review of medical devices · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Sociodemographic, Criminological and Clinical Determinants in Suicide After Release From Prison: A 23-Year National Cohort Study.
This national cohort study examined sociodemographic, criminological, and clinical determinants of suicide after release from prison in all people incarcerated in Norway from 2000–2022, using linked registry data (Norwegian Prison Release Study, cause of death, prison, patient, and statistics registries). The key finding is that suicide mortality after prison release is elevated and varies over time, with risk factors assessed across the post-release period (detailed results were truncated in the abstract provided). This is clinically and policy significant because it identifies targets for post-release suicide prevention interventions based on measurable determinants.
Bukten A, Mehlum L, Fazel S et al. · Acta psychiatrica Scandinavica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Generated automatically on October 17, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published October 10, 2026 – October 17, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.