What's New in Cardiac MRI? — October 20, 2026
AI-summarised digest of 63 PubMed articles on Cardiac MRI published in the last 7 days.
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What’s New in Cardiac MRI?
October 20, 2026 · 63 articles · 15 research themes · covering October 13, 2026 – October 20, 2026
Overview
Across this week’s papers, a dominant theme is the move toward more precise risk stratification using advanced cardiac imaging—especially cardiac MRI—paired with better phenotyping. Multiple studies show that “simple” clinical proxies (BMI, single echocardiographic thresholds, or presence/absence of a single imaging finding) can miss important biology: regional fat distribution predicts mortality in LV systolic impairment beyond BMI; HFpEF response to dapagliflozin depends on myocardial fibrosis status; and CMR-derived extracellular volume (ECV) or LGE patterns refine amyloid and aortic regurgitation risk beyond basic measures. In parallel, several methodological advances aim to make these biomarkers more practical—non-contrast or faster CMR approaches, improved reconstruction from sparse slices, and reliability/standardization work (including how field strength/contrast protocols shift radiomic features).
A second major thread is the integration of physiology and tissue injury mechanisms into prognosis. In STEMI and ischemia-reperfusion contexts, Lp(a), iron status, and CMR fibrosis/ECV improve prediction of myocardial and microvascular injury and subsequent events. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) emerges as a recurring mechanistic bridge to HFpEF-like physiology, linking impaired LV relaxation and elevated filling pressures to invasive microvascular testing. For chronic remodeling, longitudinal blood pressure trajectories and diffuse fibrosis mapping techniques (e.g., spin-lock T1ρ/RAFF2) suggest that earlier exposures can be detected as later focal or diffuse fibrotic change.
Finally, the digest highlights growing attention to inflammatory, genetic, and thrombotic causes of cardiac dysfunction—often revealed or clarified by multimodality imaging. Case reports and reviews expand the differential for myocarditis/Takotsubo-like syndromes (COVID-19, mpox, EGPA, eosinophilic disorders, and therapy-related cardiotoxicity), while thrombus/embolism-focused reports show how CMR can prevent misdiagnosis (e.g., cancer-associated thrombus mimicking metastasis) and guide management. Machine learning appears as an enabling layer—ranging from cross-modality CMR+ECG models and artifact prediction to AI-driven imaging pipelines—while congenital heart disease studies emphasize how acquisition parameters and mechanical markers (strain/EMD) affect downstream risk assessment.
Heart Failure (HFrEF) Treatment Optimization & Device Timing
Effects of testosterone on exercise capacity in postmenopausal women with stage B heart failure.
In a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial, transdermal testosterone (5 mg/day) was tested for effects on exercise capacity in postmenopausal women with stage B heart failure. The study evaluated whether testosterone improves V˙O2peak compared with identical placebo over 4 months. If effective, this would suggest a hormonal intervention that targets skeletal muscle/vascular contributors to reduced exercise capacity in early HF.
Grant J, Alexander SE, Marwick TH et al. · Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society · (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 evaluated 65 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Germany who received contemporary quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (beta-blocker, angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and SGLT2 inhibitor) and assessed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) recovery to determine the need for primary-prevention ICD or CRT-D implantation. The study found that LVEF recovery under quadruple therapy influenced whether ICD/CRT-D implantation was required, supporting reassessment after at least ~3 months of optimized therapy rather than immediate device placement. These real-world findings are clinically significant because they refine timing of ICD/CRT-D decisions in HFrEF patients treated with modern “four-drug” regimens, potentially reducing unnecessary device implantation when LVEF improves.
Ajmi I, Frings MP, Forkmann M et al. · Expert review of cardiovascular therapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Heart Failure with Preserved EF (HFpEF) Mechanisms & Therapies
Dapagliflozin in phenotypically stratified HFpEF without myocardial fibrosis: the STADIA-HFpEF randomized crossover trial.
The STADIA-HFpEF 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 improved LV distensibility compared with placebo specifically in the fibrosis-negative HFpEF phenotype, supporting a titin/cardiomyocyte stiffness–related mechanism rather than extracellular-matrix remodeling. These findings extend SGLT2-inhibitor benefits to a clinically defined HFpEF subgroup and suggest myocardial fibrosis status may help predict response.
Scheffer M, van Maarschalkerwaart W, Dong C et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular effects of metyrapone treatment in patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion: a secondary analysis.
This secondary analysis of a prospective, open-label, single-center study assessed cardiovascular effects of cortisol-lowering therapy with metyrapone in 15 patients with mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). After 12 weeks of evening metyrapone dosing (500 mg at 6 pm and 250 mg at 10 pm), the study evaluated changes in blood pressure regulation, cardiac fat depots, cardiac morphology/function, and other cardiovascular risk factors. The findings inform whether targeting cortisol excess with metyrapone translates into measurable cardiovascular benefit 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 ↗
Cardiac Imaging Biomarkers in Heart Failure (Adiposity, Fat, Strain, ECV)
Diffuse elevations of T1 and T2 are common in newly transplanted pediatric cardiac grafts without rejection and decrease over time.
This prospective CMR study evaluated 14 pediatric heart transplant recipients without acute rejection (22 non-contrast 1.5T CMR scans) and compared early graft (≤6 months) versus established graft (≥12 months) parametric T1 and T2 trajectories and their relationship to diastolic function. The key finding was that diffuse elevations of T1 and T2 are common in newly transplanted pediatric grafts without rejection and decrease over time. Clinically, this helps prevent misclassification of normal post-transplant myocardial remodeling as rejection by providing expected CMR parametric mapping evolution.
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 ↗
Left ventricular myocardial strain impairment correlates with cerebral small vessel disease burden in patients with normal ejection fraction.
This cross-sectional study enrolled 139 participants who underwent concurrent cardiac and brain MRI to test whether subclinical left ventricular dysfunction relates to cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden in individuals with preserved ejection fraction. The key finding was that left ventricular myocardial strain impairment correlated with CSVD burden on neuroimaging. This supports a heart–brain vascular link and suggests that sensitive cardiac strain measures may serve as markers of systemic microvascular disease risk.
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 assessed 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 magnetic resonance (CMR) extracellular volume (ECV) as a surrogate of cardiac amyloid burden. The key finding was that the MST/QRS-voltage ratio in lead I/aVR tracked CMR-derived ECV, supporting the index as a simpler, widely available estimator of amyloid burden. This is significant for clinical practice because it may enable more accessible risk stratification in patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis when ECV measurement is limited.
Sclafani M, Arcari L, Tini G et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 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 evaluated whether the cardiac MRI-derived epicardial adipose tissue index (EATI) predicts major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) (n=265). The key finding was that higher EATI measured on cardiac MRI cine images was associated with worse clinical outcomes, including MACE defined as cardiac death or HF-related readmission. This is significant because it positions EATI as a potentially useful, noninvasive imaging biomarker for 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 ↗
Regional fat distribution as a determinant of mortality in populations with left ventricular systolic dysfunction: challenging the obesity paradox.
This UK Biobank Imaging Enhancement Programme analysis studied whether regional fat distribution predicts mortality in participants with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-defined left ventricular systolic impairment (LVEF <50%), addressing the “obesity paradox” where higher BMI sometimes correlates with better outcomes. The key finding was that specific patterns of regional adiposity (beyond BMI) were associated with mortality risk, indicating that metabolically adverse fat distribution can drive outcomes even when overall BMI appears protective. This is significant because it suggests that risk stratification in left ventricular systolic dysfunction should incorporate regional fat phenotypes measured by CMR rather than relying on BMI alone.
Khanna S, Ho W, Takeuchi F et al. · European journal of preventive cardiology · (2026) · 9 citations · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI/Imaging Methods, Reconstruction & Standardization
Visualization of post-STEMI myocardial infarction and microvascular obstruction with non-contrast, free-breathing whole- heart iT2prep-IR BOOST.
This study validated a non-contrast, free-breathing 3D whole-heart T1/T2 CMR technique (iT2prep-IR BOOST) for visualizing post–ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) myocardial injury and microvascular obstruction in STEMI patients, comparing it against conventional contrast-enhanced CMR. Using an iT2prep-IR BOOST scan time under 8 minutes, the method enabled rapid quantitative assessment of myocardial injury without breath-holding or contrast administration. This supports broader CMR risk stratification in acute STEMI by reducing logistical barriers associated with contrast and breath-hold imaging.
Liu X, He J, Zhang B et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Temporal Changes in LGE-CMR Enhancement After Monopolar Biphasic Focal Pulsed Field Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation.
This study characterized acute and chronic lesion formation after monopolar biphasic focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by performing serial late gadolinium enhancement CMR (LGE-CMR) in six consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. It used the CENTAURI system with focal point-by-point lesion delivery and tracked how LGE enhancement evolved from the index procedure through later follow-up to reflect lesion maturation. The findings help define the temporal imaging signature of PFA lesions, informing optimization of PVI strategies and post-procedure assessment.
Moersdorf M, Forkmann M, Abou-Khalil M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Multi-center study of CMR versus cardiac catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy for pediatric transplant surveillance: study protocol.
This study protocol describes a multi-center pediatric transplant surveillance investigation comparing cardiac MRI (including T1 and T2 parametric mapping) and blood biomarkers (cell-free DNA [cfDNA] and microRNA [miRNA]) against the reference standard of cardiac catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) for detecting acute allograft rejection. The trial is designed to validate non-invasive predictive modeling approaches in pediatric heart transplant recipients, where EMB remains invasive and burdensome. If successful, the work could enable safer, less frequent EMB use by providing validated non-invasive rejection surveillance tools in children.
Heimerl AT, Crum K, Lockard CA et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Latent Interpolation Learning Using Diffusion Models for Cardiac Volume Reconstruction.
This study proposed a diffusion-model-based method, Cardiac Latent Interpolation Diffusion (CaLID), for reconstructing 3D cardiac volumes from sparsely acquired 2D CMR short-axis slices without relying on predefined interpolation rules or extra semantic inputs. The key finding was that CaLID improves cardiac volume reconstruction quality under sparse-slice acquisition compared with conventional interpolation approaches. This is important for expanding the clinical utility of CMR when full volumetric sampling is limited, enabling more accurate downstream cardiac assessment.
Bubeck N, Shit S, Chen C et al. · IEEE transactions on medical imaging · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
3D magnetic nanocomposite modified with molybdenum disulfide: preparation and application in aqueous Cr(vi) remediation.
This materials 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 its performance for aqueous hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] remediation. The key finding was that solution pH strongly influenced Cr(VI) removal and that the fabricated 3DMMB enabled effective adsorption-based remediation under tested conditions. This is significant for environmental science because it offers a low-cost, high-efficiency adsorbent strategy using waste-derived precursors for toxic Cr(VI) removal.
Duan X, Zhang J, Wang Y et al. · Nanoscale advances · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Multimodality Imaging of a Massive Intrapericardial Mediastinal Hemangioma: A Diagnostic Challenge.
This case report studied the diagnostic workup of a massive intrapericardial mediastinal hemangioma in a 68-year-old man with a severe iodinated contrast allergy, using an iodine-free multimodality imaging strategy. The key finding was that combining 2′-deoxy-2′-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT), cardiac magnetic resonance, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound—guided by 3D reconstruction—enabled safe complete surgical resection. The clinical significance is that iodine-free multimodality imaging can overcome contrast contraindications while preserving diagnostic accuracy for complex cardiac/mediastinal masses.
Weng J, Han J, Mao Y et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Establishing the reliability of non-contrast 4D flow in congenital heart disease at 1.5T.
This prospective reliability study evaluated non-contrast 4D flow cardiac MRI at 1.5T in pediatric and young adult patients with suspected or confirmed congenital heart disease (CHD). Non-contrast 4D flow (NC 4D Flow) was compared against standard 2D phase-contrast (2D PC) flow and ventricular stroke volumes using correlation analyses and Bland–Altman comparisons. Demonstrating agreement would support NC 4D flow as a less burdensome imaging option that avoids contrast while preserving quantitative flow assessment in CHD.
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 paper studied the development of BHSMS, a new software package for finding the most stable (global-minimum) cluster structures using an improved basin-hopping algorithm. BHSMS integrates structure relaxation, structure similarity recognition, planarity recognition, and molecular rotation constraints, and is designed to interface with quantum chemistry tools such as xTB. The software contribution is significant for accelerating and standardizing global-minimum searches in atomic and molecular cluster science, improving reproducibility and efficiency of computational structure prediction.
Zhang YY, Cheng Y, Zhang SW et al. · Physical chemistry chemical physics : PCCP · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cardiac MRI Radiomics & Acquisition Effects
Impact of Field Strength and Contrast Agents on Cardiac MRI Radiomic Features of the Myocardium and Blood Pool.
This study investigated how magnetic field strength (1.5T vs 3T) and gadolinium-based contrast agents affect cardiac MRI radiomic features of the myocardium and blood pool in eight healthy volunteers using a Modified Look-Locker Inversion Recovery (MOLLI) sequence. Radiomic feature values differed by field strength and by contrast agent type, comparing gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) versus gadofosveset trisodium, indicating that acquisition and contrast conditions materially change extracted radiomic signatures. The results are important for standardizing cardiac MRI radiomics workflows and for ensuring that radiomic biomarkers are comparable across scanners and contrast protocols.
Lin K, Sarnari R, Gordon DZ et al. · Journal of imaging informatics in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Machine Learning & AI for Cardiovascular Imaging/Diagnostics
HeartFusion: A Cross-Modality Transformer for Accurate Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis and Severity Assessment.
HeartFusion developed and evaluated a cross-modality Transformer that integrates wavelet-derived ECG time-frequency representations with cardiac MRI using Cardioformer and TransUNet, respectively, for cardiovascular disease diagnosis and severity assessment. The model aligned modality-specific embeddings in a shared latent space via cosine-similarity-based cross-modal attention and used a transformer classifier with an ordinal regression head for ordered severity prediction. This provides a technique for combining electrophysiology and anatomy to improve CVD diagnostic accuracy and severity stratification.
Ji Y, Hu Y · Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Machine Learning and Post-Hoc Feature Attribution for Predicting Cardiac MRI Motion Artifacts: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
This retrospective cohort study trained machine-learning models to predict cardiac MRI motion artifacts in 514 adult patients using 15 baseline clinical features reflecting psychological and physiological factors. XGBoost achieved the best discrimination for artifact occurrence (AUC 0.875) compared with other algorithms. Clinically, this could enable risk-based mitigation strategies to reduce rescans and improve non-sedated CMR workflow.
Li Y, Cai Q, Li L et al. · Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
AI and Deep Learning in Cardiovascular Imaging: From Risk Stratification to Precision Phenotyping.
This 2026 review article summarized how artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning are being applied across cardiovascular imaging modalities for tasks ranging from risk stratification to precision phenotyping. The key finding was that modern AI approaches can extract quantitative imaging biomarkers and improve prognostic/phenotypic characterization beyond conventional interpretation, though performance depends on model design, training strategy, and validation. Scientifically and clinically, it provides a roadmap for translating AI models into cardiovascular practice while addressing methodological and implementation challenges.
Diao K, Lu J, Dimitrakakis A et al. · Arteriosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pattern and texton-based feature descriptors for diabetic foot ulcer detection.
This 2026 study developed and evaluated a deep learning framework for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) detection, using wavelet transform–based Wiener filtering (WT-WF) for preprocessing, followed by segmentation, feature extraction using pattern/texton descriptors, and classification. The key finding was that the proposed DLS-DFUD pipeline combining WT-WF denoising with pattern/texton-based feature descriptors improved DFU detection performance compared with simpler image-processing or feature approaches. Scientifically and clinically, this supports more accurate, earlier DFU identification from medical images, which could help reduce infection and amputation risk in people with diabetes.
Mastanvali, Rajini NH, Laxmaiah M · Expert review of medical devices · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Valvular Heart Disease Imaging & Risk Stratification
Optimizing Echocardiographic Evaluation of Chronic Mitral Regurgitation: Comparison With Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Implications for Guideline Recommendations.
This prospective study compared American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) native mitral regurgitation (MR) guideline criteria against quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in 177 patients undergoing near-simultaneous transthoracic echocardiography and CMR. The key finding was that optimizing the ASE criteria performance—especially in cases where fewer than 4 criteria are present—improved agreement with CMR-based MR severity classification. These results support refining echocardiographic guideline thresholds to better identify definite severe MR when CMR is not available, improving clinical decision-making for MR management.
El-Tallawi KC, Angulo C, Chamsi-Pasha M et al. · JACC. Cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) Imaging, Interventions & Hemodynamics
Septal dysfunction and Abnormal Systolic Stretch Are Associated with Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.
In 126 pediatric patients after tetralogy of Fallot repair, this retrospective study examined whether septal dysfunction and abnormal systolic stretch are associated with right-ventricular (RV) dysfunction driven by electro-mechanical dyssynchrony (EMD). Septal mechanics quantified by strain-derived systolic stretch were linked to the development of EMD-induced RV dysfunction. This identifies septal mechanical abnormalities as a potential imaging marker to better predict and stratify post-repair RV risk.
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 CMR study evaluated 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. Pre- and post-procedural CMR measures were used to identify CMR parameters associated with persistent RV/PR abnormalities after PPVI. The results can refine post-procedural risk assessment beyond RV volume thresholds used for standard pulmonary valve replacement.
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 MRI in a fetus with suboptimal great-vessel visualization on ultrasound. Fetal MRI demonstrated the characteristic heart-shaped appearance of the great vessels consistent with the diagnosis. The case supports fetal cardiac MRI as a complementary tool when echocardiography is limited for complex outflow tract anomalies.
Verley M, Anquetil S, Ferreira LN et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 from the Tetralogy of Fallot Registry of Energetics and Kinetics (TREK) examined how 4D flow CMR acquisition parameters (including magnet vendor, sequence, and signal quality) influence derived hemodynamic biomarkers in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF). The key finding was that 4D flow measurements of the aorta and right ventricle show real-world variability that correlates with technical acquisition factors. This is important scientifically and clinically because it informs standardization and interpretation of 4D flow biomarkers 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 ↗
Guiding Pacemaker Implantation With Multimodality Imaging in an Adult With Ventricular Septal Defect.
This case report studied pacemaker implantation planning in a 57-year-old adult with congenital ventricular septal defect and complete heart block, using multimodality imaging to guide lead placement. The key finding was that multimodality imaging helped identify optimal strategies for pacing lead positioning in complex septal anatomy, improving procedural safety. The clinical significance is that imaging-guided planning can reduce technical difficulty and risk during 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 measurements of RV free-wall longitudinal strain and regional RV strain, along with right atrial (RA) reservoir and contraction strain, were used to quantify changes pre-procedure, post-operative day 1, and at six-month follow-up. The results aim to establish STE as a practical alternative to cardiac magnetic resonance for monitoring RV systolic function after TPVR.
Kucuk M, de Alba CG, Zablah J et al. · Pediatric cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Pulmonary Hypertension & Right-Sided Hemodynamics
4D-Flow MRI-Derived Wall Shear Stress as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for the Detection and Hemodynamic Characterization of Pulmonary Hypertension.
This study evaluated 4D-flow MRI-derived pulmonary artery wall shear stress (WSS) in adults with pulmonary hypertension (PH) versus non-PH, using retrospective (41 PH, 23 non-PH) and prospective (23 PH, 17 healthy controls) cohorts and applying the 2022 hemodynamic criteria. WSS in the main, right, and left pulmonary arteries enabled non-invasive detection of PH and provided hemodynamic characterization, including prediction of right ventriculo-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) uncoupling as a marker of disease severity. These findings support 4D-flow MRI WSS as a clinically scalable biomarker to reduce reliance on invasive right heart catheterization for PH assessment and risk stratification.
Statton B, Armour C, Leong K et al. · Pulmonary circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (CMD) & INOCA
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 coronary flow reserve (CFR) and microvascular resistance changes, and prognostic impact on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The key finding was that CMD is relatively common after TAVI and that baseline CMD meaningfully influences subsequent MACE risk, with trajectories depending on the diagnostic modality and microvascular indices. This is significant for risk stratification after TAVI and for identifying patients who may benefit from targeted microvascular assessment or therapy.
Panyawongkhanti M, Chintrakulchai P, Tanking C et al. · PloS one · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
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 evaluated whether coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) relaxation and elevated LV end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) enrolled in the WISE-CVD cohort (n=253). Invasive coronary functional testing (CFT) measured resting LVEDP and coronary microvascular function, with a predefined subset undergoing cardiac MRI (CMR) to further characterize physiology. These findings are clinically significant because they link CMD-related LV relaxation impairment to higher LV filling pressures, informing mechanisms and potential targets for HFpEF risk in INOCA women.
Ranasinghe S, Tjoe B, Chang J et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury & STEMI Prognostic Biomarkers
Association of lipoprotein(a) with ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
This prospective MARINA-STEMI cohort study assessed whether lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is associated with ischemia-reperfusion injury in 518 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Lp(a) levels were linked to multiparametric CMR measures of myocardial and microvascular damage and to clinical outcomes, indicating that Lp(a) contributes to the extent of ischemic myocardial injury beyond traditional lipid markers. These results support Lp(a) as a potential biomarker for identifying STEMI patients at higher risk of adverse myocardial and microvascular injury.
Holzknecht M, Tiller C, Lechner I et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Development and Prospective Validation of an Interpretable Machine Learning Model Integrating Cardiac MRI Extracellular Volume for 1-Year MACE Prediction Post-STEMI.
The study developed and prospectively validated an interpretable machine learning model using clinical variables plus cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) extracellular volume (ECV) to predict 1-year major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention. The key finding was that integrating CMR-ECV improved 1-year MACE prediction and produced an interpretable model suitable for prospective use. This supports CMR-derived myocardial fibrosis burden (ECV) as a clinically actionable imaging biomarker for post-STEMI risk stratification.
Zhao Z, Zhang Z, Yang Y et al. · Academic radiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Complex relationship between iron status and outcomes of STEMI: hypothesis-generating study.
This hypothesis-generating observational cohort study examined how iron status affects outcomes after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 167 patients without prior heart failure, with iron markers sampled at presentation. The study systematically evaluated prognostic relationships across short-, mid-, and long-term outcomes and assessed how these associations change depending on iron deficiency definitions and sampling timepoints. Clinically, clarifying the iron–outcome relationship in STEMI could inform whether iron deficiency should be routinely assessed and potentially targeted to improve prognosis.
Vera-Aviles M, Kabir SN, Christodoulou MD et al. · Cardiovascular research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Myocardial Fibrosis & Tissue Characterization (LGE/Parametric Mapping)
Life-Course Blood Pressure Trajectories and Focal Myocardial Fibrosis in Older Age in MyoFit46.
This study examined whether life-course blood pressure (BP) trajectories predict later-life focal left ventricular fibrosis in older adults in the MyoFit46 cohort (~500 participants) using LGE-CMR with 3-SD and 5-SD methods. Mixed-effects modeling showed that cumulative BP burden and/or BP change rates across adulthood were associated with the extent of focal LV fibrosis measured by LGE. The findings suggest that longitudinal BP exposure can be used to anticipate myocardial fibrotic remodeling in late life, supporting earlier cardiovascular risk intervention.
Topriceanu CC, Webber M, Shiwani H et al. · Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) · (2026) · 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 study tested whether rotating frame spin-lock continuous wave (CW) T1ρ and relaxation along a fictitious field with Rank 2 (RAFF2) methods at 9.4 T can characterize diffuse myocardial fibrosis in mice with progressing hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and diastolic dysfunction. Using an angiotensin II infusion model for 28 days (with sham controls) and comparing CW-T1ρ/RAFF2 to native T1 and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), the key finding was that these spin-lock techniques can detect and characterize diffuse fibrosis progression. This is significant because it may provide more sensitive CMR methods for diffuse fibrotic remodeling than conventional LGE in hypertensive heart disease.
Kiviluoto R, Törmä D, Tawfek A et al. · Magnetic resonance in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Impact of the Extent, Pattern, and Location of Replacement Myocardial Fibrosis on Clinical Outcomes in Aortic Regurgitation.
This study assessed prognostic implications of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) replacement myocardial fibrosis in patients with chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) who underwent contrast-enhanced CMR (2010–2024; moderate-to-severe AR without significant coronary stenosis). The key finding was that the extent, pattern, and location of LGE-detected replacement fibrosis were associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, heart transplantation, or HF rehospitalization. This is clinically significant because it refines how CMR fibrosis characteristics can be used for risk stratification in AR beyond a simple presence/absence of LGE.
Li B, Dai L, Liu Y et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular Imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Inflammatory Myocarditis & Systemic Inflammatory Disease
[Cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies].
This scoping review summarized evidence on cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), focusing on prevalence, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and treatment options. The review highlights that subclinical myocarditis is often under-recognized and that multimodality evaluation (including CMR-based approaches) is needed to detect cardiac disease that drives increased morbidity and mortality. Clinically, the paper provides practical guidance for rheumatologists to improve detection and management of cardiac complications in IIM.
Wilhelmi T, Treiber J, Müller-Ladner U et al. · Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: A comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
This narrative review summarized the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, imaging modalities, biomarkers, and management of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) in patients with liver cirrhosis. It reports that CCM prevalence varies widely (29% to 67.2%) depending on the diagnostic criteria used and emphasizes advanced imaging (including global longitudinal strain) for detection. The review highlights CCM’s underrecognition and supports more systematic cardiovascular assessment, particularly around liver transplantation.
Zhang L, Yi J · Medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Prospective Cardiac MRI study comparing Recovered COVID-19 patients with Recovered Non-COVID-19 Viral Respiratory Infection Patients (R-COVID-CMR).
The R-COVID-CMR prospective longitudinal study compared recovered COVID-19 patients with recovered non-COVID viral respiratory infection patients using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to quantify myocardial inflammation. It assessed and contrasted the extent and severity of myocardial involvement between the two post-infection groups over follow-up. Scientifically, it clarifies whether COVID-19 confers a distinct CMR-detectable myocarditis/inflammation burden beyond other viral illnesses.
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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗
FOLFOX-Associated Ventricular Fibrillation Arrest in a Patient With Colon Cancer.
This JACC Case Reports report describes 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). The key finding was that coronary angiography showed nonobstructive coronaries and cardiac MRI demonstrated recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction without myocardial edema or late gadolinium enhancement, supporting a transient toxic mechanism rather than ischemic injury. Clinically, it highlights the need for rapid recognition and cardiac imaging in patients receiving 5-FU-based chemotherapy who develop life-threatening arrhythmias.
Al Osta S, Ahmed M, Xu WD et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Loeffler’s Endomyocarditis: Clinical characteristics and outcomes from a tertiary care centre registry.
This retrospective single-center registry study characterized clinical features and outcomes of Loeffler’s endomyocarditis (the hypereosinophilic syndrome cardiac manifestation) using clinical data, biomarkers, echocardiography, cardiac MRI (CMR), and endomyocardial biopsies (n=8) in 18 patients diagnosed between 2017 and 2025. Hierarchical clustering identified two clinical patterns, including an acute inflammatory form with elevated troponin T, C-reactive protein, fever, and subepicardial late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The results are important because they refine phenotyping and prognostic understanding of this restrictive cardiomyopathy, potentially guiding monitoring and treatment intensity.
Buske P, Krieghoff C, Lücke C et al. · International journal of cardiology · (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 study investigated myocardial perfusion abnormalities in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) using fully quantitative CMR rest perfusion to measure myocardial blood flow (MBF) corrected for heart rate–blood pressure product (MBFcor), and examined associations with left ventricular (LV) remodeling. The key finding was that KD patients demonstrated measurable MBF abnormalities on rest perfusion CMR, and these perfusion deficits were associated with patterns of LV remodeling. This is clinically significant because it provides a quantitative imaging biomarker of myocardial injury in KD that may help predict or characterize subsequent structural remodeling.
Zhou Z, Ye P, Wang C et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Fulminant Eosinophilic Myocarditis in Steroid-Refractory Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: Navigating the Thrombotic Stage With Targeted Biologic Therapy.
This case report described fulminant eosinophilic myocarditis in a 57-year-old woman with steroid-refractory hypereosinophilic syndrome, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to characterize thrombotic and necrotic myocardial involvement. The key finding was that CMR identified a large laminar thrombus and subendocardial necrosis, and targeted biologic therapy with mepolizumab (anti–interleukin-5) was used after relapse despite pulse-dose steroids and hydroxyurea. The clinical significance is that IL-5 blockade may be a rational targeted option for high-risk eosinophilic myocarditis when conventional steroid-based therapy fails.
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 report studied Loeffler’s endomyocarditis in a 77-year-old man with chronic eosinophilic leukemia with therapy-related molecular features, with diagnosis supported by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and echocardiography. The key finding was that the patient developed an apical left ventricular mural thrombus and diffuse endomyocardial involvement consistent with eosinophil-mediated injury in the setting of a clonal eosinophilic disorder after prior R-CHOP chemotherapy. The scientific significance is that therapy-related clonal eosinophilia can present as high-risk endomyocardial disease with thromboembolic potential, warranting early multimodality imaging and targeted hematologic management.
Ramesh S, Yousif N, Affas Z et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Acute Myocarditis as an Immune-Mediated Complication of Mpox Infection.
This case report studied acute myocarditis as an immune-mediated complication of mpox infection in a 32-year-old man with well-controlled HIV, using high-sensitivity troponin testing and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with the updated Lake Louise Criteria. The key finding was nonischemic myocardial injury on CMR—lateral-wall edema on T2-weighted imaging and nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement—with preserved ejection fraction after exclusion of coronary and embolic causes. The clinical significance is that mpox can trigger myocarditis, and CMR-based criteria can enable timely diagnosis and supportive management.
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 report studied relapsing-remitting perimyocarditis as an initial presentation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a 66-year-old man after Coxsackievirus B exposure. Initial cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and work-ups were unrevealing, but repeat CMR later demonstrated biventricular dysfunction with myocardial edema and new late gadolinium enhancement plus a circumferential pericardial effusion, and endomyocardial biopsy confirmed severe lymphocytic myocarditis. The findings emphasize that persistent or relapsing myocarditis/perimyocarditis can be an early clue to underlying AML, supporting repeat CMR and tissue diagnosis when symptoms recur despite initial negative evaluations.
Zipperer-Giblin MB, Bowman JI, Patel N 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 case report studied cardiac manifestations of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in a 42-year-old woman with asthma who developed acute left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The patient had antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-negative EGPA with lymphocyte-predominant myocardial inflammation and a Takotsubo-like syndrome complicated by an LV thrombus, linking inflammatory myocardial injury to transient TTS-like physiology. The report is clinically important because it broadens the differential diagnosis of Takotsubo-like presentations to include EGPA-related inflammatory myocarditis and highlights the need to evaluate for thrombus and systemic vasculitis.
Shalit B, Buonomo G, Shaw DG et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiac Thrombus, Embolism & Hypercoagulable States
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 case report described a young, asymptomatic patient who presented with abdominal pain and was ultimately diagnosed with severe heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and a left ventricular apical thrombus. The key finding was that incidental evaluation (elevated BNP, cardiomegaly, and new ECG changes) enabled early cardiac diagnosis and management, leading to complete thrombus resolution. This is clinically significant because it highlights abdominal pain as a potential atypical first presentation of severe HFrEF with LV thrombus and supports prompt cardiac workup in similar scenarios.
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 report studied paradoxical coronary embolism causing myocardial infarction in a 36-year-old man, using coronary angiography, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and transthoracic/transesophageal echocardiography to identify the mechanism. The key finding was concordant imaging showing a distal thrombotic coronary occlusion with CMR-confirmed infarction in the matching vascular territory, alongside a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with right-to-left shunting. The clinical significance is that multimodality imaging can establish causality in MI without atherosclerosis by linking coronary thrombus to a venous-to-arterial shunt.
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 report studied intracardiac masses in a 50-year-old man with lung adenocarcinoma and venous thromboembolism, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and histopathology to differentiate metastases from thrombus. The key finding was that CMR-suggested metastases but surgical pathology showed organizing thrombus, and the remaining ventricular lesion resolved after 1 month of therapeutic enoxaparin. The clinical significance is that cancer-associated thrombi can mimic metastatic disease on CMR, so integrating clinical context and response to anticoagulation can prevent misdiagnosis.
Lembo M, De Vivo R, La Mura L et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Cardiovascular Genetics, Rare Cardiomyopathies & Exercise/Behavioral Phenotypes
Sustained improvement in sickle cell cardiomyopathy after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is superior to that with disease-modifying therapy.
This prospective clinical trial followed children and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with serial cardiac MRI and echocardiography up to 36 months, comparing outcomes to those receiving disease-modifying therapy. HSCT produced sustained improvement in sickle cell cardiomyopathy that was superior to disease-modifying therapy over follow-up. The study supports HSCT as a more effective strategy for long-term reversal of SCD-related myocardial remodeling.
Rai P, Selukar S, Bi Y et al. · British journal of haematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Rapid Progression of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy With Sudden Cardiac Death Within the First Year of Heart Transplantation: A Case Report.
This case report describes a 56-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent orthotopic heart transplantation after left ventricular assist device implantation and developed sudden cardiac death due to rapidly progressive cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) within the first year. The clinical presentation included atypical chest discomfort early after transplant, with sudden cardiac death occurring as the initial manifestation of CAV in the setting of denervation. The report underscores the need for vigilant early CAV surveillance and risk assessment in the first year post-heart transplantation, even when symptoms are atypical or absent.
Dix M, Iskandar JP, He L et al. · Transplantation proceedings · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
Real-time assessment of mitotic rate in malignant melanoma by ex vivo confocal microscopy.
This pilot study assessed whether ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (EVCM) can reliably measure mitotic rate in malignant melanoma tissue to support prognostic stratification. The key finding was that EVCM can be used to estimate mitotic activity, aligning with the prognostic role of mitotic rate in melanoma. Scientifically and clinically, this suggests a rapid intraoperative/near-intraoperative imaging approach that could complement histopathology and influence decisions such as sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Hartmann D, Wex K, Braun A et al. · Clinical and experimental dermatology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗
The Innocent Delta Wave in Progressive Cardiomyopathy - Culprit vs Bystander.
This case report described a 34-year-old man with progressive cardiomyopathy and recurrent palpitations who had a short PR interval after cardioversion, in the context of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) phenotype and a family history of HCM with conduction disease. The key finding was that the electrocardiographic “delta wave” pattern was interpreted as the culprit mechanism rather than a bystander finding in progressive cardiomyopathy. Clinically, it underscores the importance of careful ECG interpretation and family-history-driven evaluation for conduction and arrhythmia risk in HCM.
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 cohort study analyzed 253 low-risk hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients and stratified them by reliably documented stable exercise habits during follow-up into sedentary, mild exercise (<30 METs/week), and vigorous exercise groups. The key finding was that maintaining stable exercise habits over time identified a subgroup with a more favorable clinical phenotype and outcomes compared with sedentary behavior. This is significant for counseling low-risk HCM patients on exercise participation while supporting evidence-based guidance on long-term activity patterns.
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 report studied an LGL-phenocopy presentation with dual atrioventricular (AV) nodal physiology and malignant supraventricular tachycardia in a 45-year-old man with sudden death in multiple siblings, using ECG and echocardiography. The key finding was that symptomatic ECG showed supraventricular tachycardia with Hisian extrasystole and QRS variability, followed by postconversion ECG demonstrating short PR with dual AV nodal physiology. The clinical significance is that “benign” short-PR phenotypes can mask malignant arrhythmogenic substrates, so careful electrophysiologic assessment is warranted in patients with family history of sudden death.
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 report studied sudden cardiac death risk stratification challenges in a familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) setting involving compound MYH7 mutations, using genetic testing and clinical evaluation. The key finding was that the daughter carried two pathogenic MYH7 variants (Ala655Thr and Gly571Arg) with severe phenotype requiring myomectomy and an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator after cardiac arrest, while the father carried only Ala655Thr with mild hypertrophy and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. The clinical significance is that MYH7 genotype-phenotype relationships can be complex, making individualized risk assessment difficult even within the same family.
Hammad A, Yeung A, Goldschmidt H et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Apical-to-Mid-Ventricular Phenotypic Shift in Recurrent Takotsubo Syndrome After Minor Trauma.
This case report studied recurrent Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) in an 84-year-old woman with a prior apical TTS episode who sustained minor blunt chest trauma after a ground-level fall. Instead of classic apical ballooning, repeat imaging showed a mid-ventricular TTS phenotype with mid-ventricular akinesia and a hyperkinetic apex, confirmed by left ventriculography and supported by cardiac magnetic resonance after obstructive coronary disease was excluded. The report highlights that trauma can trigger a phenotypic shift in recurrent TTS, which is clinically important for recognizing atypical variants and guiding appropriate cardiac imaging and management.
Khoury F, Chandi M, Johal M 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 initially treated as infection. Echocardiography followed by cardiac magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography, along with histopathology and immunohistochemistry, confirmed the diagnosis, and the patient remained alive at 20 months while receiving systemic therapy. The report underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge of this rare, aggressive cardiac malignancy and the need for multimodality imaging plus immunohistochemical confirmation to enable timely treatment planning.
Calzadilla-Gutierrez HR, Blanco-Adrian N, Vaca-Villarroel JM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 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 DES variant (desmin-related cardiomyopathy risk). Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) identified an apical true aneurysm with normal coronary arteries and guided surgical treatment, and five years later CMR detected a new inferolateral basal aneurysm associated with recurrent ventricular tachycardia. The report supports CMR as a key technique for detecting evolving aneurysmal disease in genetic DES variant carriers, which is important for surveillance and arrhythmia risk management.
Garcia NP, Forti D, Tassine Penatti LA et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗
Concentric macular rings: ultrawide-field biomarker in pediatric albinism.
This retrospective study evaluated the prevalence and clinical relevance of concentric macular rings (CMR) on ultrawide-field (UWF) imaging as a noninvasive biomarker of foveal hypoplasia (FH) in pediatric albinism patients. Compared with optical coherence tomography (OCT) (often limited by nystagmus and poor fixation), the authors assessed CMR sign morphology/size on green-filter UWF and other UWF modalities and related it to best-corrected visual acuity and FH grade. The work suggests UWF-based CMR imaging could provide a practical surrogate marker for FH severity in children where OCT is difficult, supporting more feasible phenotyping and prognosis.
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 ↗
Generated automatically on October 20, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published October 13, 2026 – October 20, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.