What’s New in Cardiac MRI?

October 24, 2026 · 49 articles · 15 research themes · covering October 17, 2026 – October 24, 2026

Overview

Across this week’s set of studies, cardiac MRI (CMR) is repeatedly positioned as a multiparametric “decision tool” that detects clinically silent disease, refines diagnosis in difficult differentials, and improves risk stratification beyond single measurements. Several STEMI-focused papers show how quantitative T1/T2 injury mapping, microvascular injury markers, and systemic prothrombotic biomarkers (e.g., fibrinogen, lipoprotein(a), metabolic indices) can better predict adverse outcomes after reperfusion. Complementing this, CMR functional/tissue characterization is highlighted as decisive for distinguishing MINOCA from acute myocarditis, and even traditional ECG localization cues (pathological Q waves) are challenged as surrogates for infarct extent rather than precise location.

A second dominant theme is the expansion of CMR into arrhythmia and substrate phenotyping—especially atrial fibrillation. Work integrating voltage mapping with CMR/structural-functional measures and digital-twin approaches aims to separate sex-related physiological voltage differences from true pathological remodeling, with implications for ablation targeting. Related imaging research on lesion evolution after pulsed-field ablation further supports protocol optimization and interpretation of post-procedure imaging.

Finally, multiple articles emphasize CMR’s role in immune-mediated and cancer-associated cardiac disease, including myocarditis from immune checkpoint inhibitors, cardio-oncology consensus guidance, and longitudinal amyloidosis response monitoring. Together with studies on cardiomyopathy prognostication (e.g., LGE-defined fibrosis patterns in non-ischemic LV dilatation and pediatric HCM strain) and hemodynamic CMR (4D-flow wall shear stress for pulmonary hypertension), the overall picture is a field moving toward standardized, reproducible, and increasingly AI/machine-learning-enabled CMR workflows—while also warning that overlapping imaging phenotypes (amyloid vs pressure overload; sarcoidosis vs other etiologies) can mislead without careful clinical context.

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Cardiac MRI for Myocardial Injury & Ischemia-Reperfusion (STEMI/MINOCA/CTO)

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in MINOCA and Acute Myocarditis: A Comparative Multiparametric Evaluation.

This retrospective comparative study evaluated multiparametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) to differentiate myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) from acute myocarditis (AM) in patients with overlapping clinical and biomarker presentations. The key finding was that specific CMR functional and tissue-characterization patterns enabled more accurate etiologic differentiation between MINOCA and suspected AM than clinical assessment alone. The scientific significance is that CMR can serve as a decisive diagnostic tool in this challenging differential, potentially guiding appropriate downstream management.

Tognola C, Daus F, Pedroli S et al. · The international journal of cardiovascular imaging · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Multimodality imaging for predicting regional wall motion recovery after percutaneous coronary intervention for chronic total occlusion.

This prospective study compared dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE), cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)—alone and in combination—for predicting regional left ventricular (LV) wall motion recovery after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) in 66 patients. The key finding was the relative predictive performance of each modality and their combinations for post-PCI regional functional recovery. This can help clinicians select the most informative imaging strategy to optimize CTO patient selection and expected benefit.

Kawai H, Yamada A, Ishikawa M et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Pathological Q waves in anterior myocardial infarction: A marker of infarct extent rather than location.

This study examined 102 patients with first anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction to test whether pathological Q waves localize infarct location or instead reflect infarct extent, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) as the reference. Individual Q waves (and established anterior Q-wave patterns) showed broad, overlapping associations with LGE-defined infarct burden, with only Q waves in V1 remaining significantly associated after false-discovery-rate correction. Scientifically, the findings challenge the traditional use of Q-wave distribution for precise infarct localization and support interpreting Q waves as markers of infarct size/extent.

Aslanger EK, Gençol Akçay G, Acaroğlu Ş et al. · Journal of electrocardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Heterogeneity in the diagnostic management of MINOCA: a UK clinician survey.

This UK clinician survey studied current diagnostic and treatment practices for myocardial injury with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) by surveying clinicians involved in MINOCA care and using two clinical vignettes representing probable non-ischaemic versus ischaemic etiologies. The key finding was that guideline-recommended MINOCA investigation and management approaches are heterogeneous across clinicians, with differing preferences for workup and therapy depending on the vignette. The significance is that variability in MINOCA care may contribute to inconsistent patient outcomes, motivating standardization of diagnostic pathways.

Sykes R, Berry C, Brown S et al. · Open heart · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Visualization of post-STEMI myocardial infarction and microvascular obstruction with non-contrast, free-breathing whole- heart iT2prep-IR BOOST.

This 2026 validation study examined a non-contrast, free-breathing 3D whole-heart T1/T2 CMR technique (iT2prep-IR BOOST) in 64 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to assess myocardial injury and microvascular obstruction. The key finding was that iT2prep-IR BOOST enables rapid (<8-minute) quantitative assessment of post-STEMI injury without requiring contrast agents or breath-holding, aiming to match conventional contrast-enhanced CMR performance. Clinically, this could broaden CMR risk stratification for STEMI by making myocardial T1/T2-based evaluation faster and more accessible.

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 ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Arrhythmia Substrates & Ablation (AF/PVI/Voltage)

Arrhythmic Risk Stratification in Non-Ischaemic Cardiomyopathy: The Role of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

This narrative review assessed the role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in arrhythmic risk stratification for non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, focusing on dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and non-dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathy (NDLVC). The key finding was that beyond left ventricular ejection fraction, CMR markers such as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), parametric mapping, and strain imaging—and emerging AI approaches—are increasingly used to refine risk prediction, alongside genetic risk stratification concepts. Clinically, it supports a shift toward multiparametric CMR-based and genetics-informed strategies to better identify patients at risk for ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Sia RI, Hammersley DJ · Current cardiology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Sex-based differences in bi-atrial voltage in atrial fibrillation: a multimodal and digital twin approach to distinguish physiological variation from pathological remodelling.

This multicentre prospective study assessed sex-based differences in bi-atrial voltage in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) scheduled for ablation, integrating voltage mapping with electrophysiology, cardiac MRI, and patient-specific digital twins. The key aim was to distinguish physiological sex-related voltage variation from pathological atrial substrate remodeling by contextualizing voltage with mechanistic and structural/functional measures. Clinically, this could refine interpretation of atrial voltage maps and improve AF ablation targeting by accounting for sex-specific baseline differences.

Bodagh N, Vigneswaran V, Gharaviri A et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Temporal Changes in LGE-CMR Enhancement After Monopolar Biphasic Focal Pulsed Field Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation.

This study investigated temporal changes in late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) after monopolar biphasic focal pulsed field ablation (PFA) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in six patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation. Using serial LGE-CMR, it characterized acute versus chronic lesion formation and maturation following PFA delivered with the CENTAURI system using a focal point-by-point strategy. Scientifically, the results clarify how PFA lesions evolve over time, which can inform optimization of PVI protocols and interpretation of post-ablation imaging.

Moersdorf M, Forkmann M, Abou-Khalil M et al. · Heart rhythm · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Heart Failure Phenotyping & Therapeutics (HFpEF/HCM/Strain)

[The predictive value of left ventricular strain on cardiac magnetic resonance for adverse events in children and adolescent patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy].

This single-center retrospective cohort studied whether left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS) from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking predicts adverse cardiovascular and heart-failure-related events in children and adolescents (≤21 years) with primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The key finding was that CMR-derived LV GLS had predictive value for subsequent adverse events, indicating impaired systolic function measurable by feature-tracking strain is prognostically informative in pediatric HCM. Clinically, incorporating LV GLS into CMR risk assessment could improve identification of young HCM patients at higher risk for deterioration and heart-failure outcomes.

Chen XR, Ma X, Zhang AX et al. · Zhonghua xin xue guan bing za zhi · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Myocardial Alterations in Major Depressive Disorder with Anxious Distress: Evidence from Oxygenation-Sensitive CMR and Entropy Analysis.

This prospective case-control study investigated myocardial alterations in medication-naïve patients with major depressive disorder with anxious distress (MDD-A) versus healthy controls using oxygenation-sensitive CMR (OS-CMR) and mapping-derived entropy analysis. The key finding was that MDD-A patients showed measurable myocardial changes on OS-CMR/entropy metrics and these imaging abnormalities were associated with cardiovascular symptoms and with the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms. The clinical significance is that multiparametric CMR biomarkers may help quantify cardiometabolic involvement in MDD-A and potentially support risk stratification for cardiovascular complications.

Jin S, Liu S, Wu Y et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Natural History of Asymptomatic Phenotypically Mild HCM: Insights From the SHaRe Registry.

This registry-based study used the Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry (SHaRe) to characterize natural history and predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with asymptomatic phenotypically mild hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). The key finding was that phenotypically mild HCM represents an earlier disease stage with measurable risk of incident MACE and disease progression, enabling identification of predictors for future events. Clinically, the results support considering risk stratification and potential disease-modifying strategies even in patients who are currently asymptomatic and have mild phenotype.

Topriceanu CC, Balakrishnan ID, Vissing CR et al. · Journal of the American College of Cardiology · (2026) · 5 citations · View on PubMed ↗

Dapagliflozin in phenotypically stratified HFpEF without myocardial fibrosis: the STADIA-HFpEF randomized crossover trial.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (STADIA-HFpEF) tested whether dapagliflozin improves left ventricular (LV) distensibility in phenotypically stratified HFpEF patients without significant myocardial fibrosis. The key finding was that dapagliflozin’s effect on LV distensibility was evaluated specifically in the subgroup lacking LGE-defined fibrosis, addressing whether SGLT2 inhibition benefits HFpEF when extracellular matrix remodeling is minimal. Clinically, the trial informs which HFpEF phenotypes may derive myocardial mechanical benefit from dapagliflozin.

Scheffer M, van Maarschalkerwaart W, Dong C et al. · European heart journal. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Cardiomyopathies & Prognostic Fibrosis (DCM/ILVD/Non-ischemic)

Prognostic Value of Late Gadolinium Enhancement Findings in Isolated Left Ventricular Dilatation and Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

This bicentric retrospective study evaluated prognostic value of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with isolated left ventricular dilatation (ILVD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), using all-cause death as the primary outcome. The key finding was that LGE characteristics—extent, location, and number of LGE areas—were assessed for predicting mortality separately in ILVD versus DCM (with propensity-score matching used to balance groups). Scientifically and clinically, it supports using LGE burden patterns to risk-stratify non-ischemic LV dilatation phenotypes and refine prognosis beyond ejection fraction alone.

Gonçalves T, Duhamel S, Toupin S et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Inflammatory Myocardial Disease (Myocarditis/IIM/Immune therapy)

High-Grade Atrioventricular Block and Recurrent Cardiac Arrest in Suspected Isolated Cardiac Sarcoidosis.

This JACC Case Reports article describes an 18-year-old woman with suspected isolated cardiac sarcoidosis presenting with recurrent syncope, high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block, and recurrent brady-asystolic cardiac arrest. The key finding was that cardiac magnetic resonance showed regional septal thickening with basal-to-mid septal midmyocardial late gadolinium enhancement, supporting the diagnosis in the absence of histologic confirmation and without available fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Clinically, the case highlights the value of CMR in diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis when conventional confirmatory tests are unavailable and advanced conduction disease is present.

Talib AM, Alalawi S, Abozinadah YM et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Acute Myocarditis Presenting as Neck Pain With Severe Systemic Inflammation.

This case studied acute myocarditis presenting with atypical neck pain and severe systemic inflammation in a 35-year-old woman, using serial clinical assessment and cardiac evaluation after development of cardiogenic shock. The key finding was reversible severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction ~30%) with markedly elevated cardiac biomarkers in the setting of profound systemic inflammatory findings, despite the absence of initial chest pain or dyspnea. The clinical significance is that myocarditis can present extracardiac and mimic other inflammatory syndromes, so early cardiac workup is warranted when systemic inflammation and shock occur.

Fayyaz A, Khan SW, Azam M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

[Cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies].

This scoping review studied cardiac involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) across affected patients, focusing on prevalence, mechanisms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic strategies, and treatment options. It found that cardiac manifestations—especially subclinical myocarditis—are more common than clinically recognized and are linked to higher morbidity and mortality. The review’s practical significance is that it supports rheumatology-focused screening and diagnostic/therapeutic recommendations to detect and manage otherwise missed myocardial disease in IIM.

Wilhelmi T, Treiber J, Müller-Ladner U et al. · Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI in Cardio-Oncology & Cancer Therapy Toxicity

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Cardio-Oncology: An Expert Consensus Statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance. Endorsed by the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS).

This expert consensus statement from the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR), endorsed by the International Cardio-Oncology Society (ICOS), reviewed and recommended how to use cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in cardio-oncology. It provides guidance on selecting patients and timing, using CMR findings to inform clinical decisions, and tailoring CMR protocols to specific cancer therapy scenarios while clarifying advantages and limitations. Scientifically and clinically, it standardizes CMR utilization to improve detection and management of cancer therapy–related cardiovascular complications.

Baldassarre LA, Reinhardt SW, Jordan JH et al. · Journal of cardiovascular magnetic resonance : official journal of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiovascular Toxicity Across the Cancer Immunotherapy Spectrum: Mechanisms and Management in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy.

This narrative review summarized cardiovascular toxicity mechanisms and management across immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. It highlighted that ICI cardiotoxicity occurs at ~1% in trials but higher in real-world data (3–5%), with myocarditis sometimes presenting early as part of high-mortality “Triple M”/overlap syndromes and with MACE occurring in nearly half of ICI-myocarditis cases. The review is significant for guiding clinicians toward earlier recognition, risk assessment, and management strategies for immune-therapy–associated cardiovascular complications.

Lushington J, Wilson JM, Lalwani S et al. · Current oncology reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Prognosticating Factors in PET CT and MRI of Cervical Cancer Treated With Chemoradiotherapy.

This retrospective study assessed prognostic imaging biomarkers in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) treated with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) by analyzing pre- and post-treatment FDG PET/CT and MRI findings. Patients were dichotomized into complete metabolic responders (CMR) versus non-CMR, and imaging characteristics were compared to identify factors associated with outcomes. The work is significant because it aims to improve prediction of treatment response and prognosis using multimodality imaging in LACC patients undergoing CRT.

Ku D, Wei W, Rutherford N · Journal of medical imaging and radiation oncology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Late Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity Mimicking Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in a Young Adult.

This case studied delayed doxorubicin (cumulative 120 mg/m2) cardiotoxicity in a 26-year-old man previously treated for childhood Burkitt lymphoma, evaluating symptoms with ECG/ambulatory monitoring, transthoracic echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance. Despite a preserved ejection fraction (55%-60%), imaging showed subclinical myocardial dysfunction with reduced global longitudinal strain (-15%) and low-normal biventricular function, mimicking arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. The report highlights that late anthracycline cardiotoxicity can present years later in young patients and should be considered when cardiomyopathy phenotypes are atypical for primary genetic/structural disease.

Chedid M, Barrett C, Sun M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Myocarditis on FDG PET/CT and Cardiac MR.

This case report studied a 54-year-old man with stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma who developed immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis while receiving pembrolizumab. FDG PET/CT showed new cardiomegaly with intense myocardial uptake, and concurrent contrast-enhanced cardiac MRI demonstrated myocardial edema and gadolinium enhancement consistent with myocarditis, with subsequent resolution after stopping immunotherapy and starting prednisolone. Clinically, it supports using combined FDG PET/CT and cardiac MRI to diagnose and monitor pembrolizumab-associated myocarditis, which has high mortality.

Chandran S, McIntosh LJ, Gerson DS et al. · Clinical nuclear medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Primary cardiac angiosarcoma: From pathogenesis to therapeutic strategies.

This narrative review studied the molecular pathogenesis and emerging therapeutic strategies for primary cardiac angiosarcoma (PCAS), a rare aggressive malignancy arising from cardiac vascular endothelial cells. It reports that genomic/transcriptomic studies have identified recurrent drivers such as POT1, KDR/VEGFR2, and PLCG1 mutations, CDKN2A loss, and activation of angiogenic pathways, alongside an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The significance is that defining these molecular alterations can guide targeted and immunomodulatory therapeutic development for a disease with a median survival typically under one year.

Gao H, Zhang H, Zhu D et al. · Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Cardiac Transplantation & Allograft Monitoring

Multi-center study of CMR versus cardiac catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy for pediatric transplant surveillance: study protocol.

This 2026 study protocol describes a multicenter comparison of non-invasive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) (including T1 and T2 parametric mapping) and blood biomarkers (cell-free DNA and microRNA) versus cardiac catheterization with endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) for pediatric heart transplant surveillance. The key aim is to validate predictive modeling approaches for acute allograft rejection (AR) detection in pediatric heart transplant recipients where EMB remains the invasive standard. Scientifically and clinically, successful validation could reduce EMB burden and improve safer, earlier AR monitoring in pediatric transplant care.

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 ↗

Rapid Progression of Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy With Sudden Cardiac Death Within the First Year of Heart Transplantation: A Case Report.

This case report described a 56-year-old man with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy who developed rapid cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) with sudden cardiac death within the first year after orthotopic heart transplantation. The key finding was that CAV presented atypically with chest discomfort and progressed to sudden death, consistent with denervation blunting anginal warning symptoms. The significance is heightened clinical vigilance for early CAV even when symptoms are atypical or minimal after heart transplant.

Dix M, Iskandar JP, He L et al. · Transplantation proceedings · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac Amyloidosis & Other Infiltrative/Storage Diseases (AL/wtATTR)

9-Year Serial CMR Monitoring of Cardiac AL Amyloidosis Regression After Teclistamab.

This case studied long-term cardiac response in a 64-year-old man with biopsy-proven cardiac AL amyloidosis treated with the B-cell maturation antigen–directed therapy teclistamab, using serial cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) over 9 years (11 CMR examinations). The key finding was a biphasic CMR trajectory: progressive amyloid infiltration through 2020 followed by sustained structural and functional improvement despite prior failure of four lines including daratumumab. The scientific significance is that it provides rare, longitudinal CMR evidence that teclistamab can produce durable regression of cardiac AL amyloid beyond hematologic response.

Silvestri V, Toledano M, Hivert B et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

AL Cardiac Amyloidosis Mimicking Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Absent Apical Sparing.

This case studied AL cardiac amyloidosis presenting with a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype in a patient evaluated with echocardiography and cardiac MRI. The key finding was that echocardiography showed reduced ejection fraction with absent apical sparing and only mildly increased wall thickness, while CMR demonstrated diffuse, patchy late gadolinium enhancement consistent with amyloid infiltration. Clinically, it underscores that AL amyloidosis can mimic dilated cardiomyopathy and that CMR patterns can be pivotal for early detection when classic echocardiographic clues are absent.

Kidess GG, Kaufman M, Sarswat N et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Cardiac Tamponade From Lymphocytic Constrictive Pericarditis in Primary AL Amyloidosis Without Myocardial Involvement.

This case studied lymphocytic constrictive pericarditis causing cardiac tamponade as the sole cardiac manifestation of primary AL amyloidosis in a 69-year-old man, using pericardiocentesis, pericardial biopsy, and later mass biopsy for definitive diagnosis. The key finding was that pericardial biopsy showed lymphocytic effusion without cardiac amyloid involvement, while subsequent biopsy of a prevertebral mass revealed amyloid deposition confirming systemic AL amyloidosis. The significance is that isolated pericardial tamponade/constriction can be the presenting feature of AL amyloidosis, so amyloid should be considered even when myocardial involvement is absent.

Leong YH, Teo Z, Sng ECY et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Wild-Type Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy With Positive 18F-FDG/13N-Ammonia Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography.

This case report studied an 85-year-old man ultimately diagnosed with wild-type transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (wtATTR-CM) after initial evaluation for presumed isolated cardiac sarcoidosis using 18F-FDG/13N-ammonia PET/CT. Despite methotrexate treatment, serial echocardiography showed progressive cardiac involvement (increasing LV wall thickness and worsening global longitudinal strain), and the report highlights that matching perfusion defects with focal FDG uptake can mimic other cardiomyopathies. The clinical significance is that atypical FDG/ammonia PET/CT patterns may delay wtATTR-CM diagnosis, underscoring the need for careful differential diagnosis and appropriate disease-modifying therapy selection.

Elalfy A, Kholeif Z, Rashwan R et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac Imaging Pitfalls & Differential Diagnosis (mimics/overlap)

Extremely Severe Aortic Stenosis Mimicking Cardiac Amyloidosis on Multimodality Imaging.

This case report described a 70-year-old woman with extremely severe calcific aortic stenosis whose multimodality imaging mimicked cardiac amyloidosis. Despite amyloid-like findings on echocardiography and CMR (elevated native T1/ECV and late gadolinium enhancement), the clinical context and imaging ultimately reflected advanced pressure-overload remodeling rather than true amyloid disease. The report highlights the diagnostic pitfall of overlapping imaging phenotypes in severe aortic stenosis and the need for careful differential diagnosis to avoid misclassification.

Kim YY, Pak K, Lee JW et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Four Synchronous Myxomas Unmasking Carney Complex: When to Think About Carney Complex?

This case studied four synchronous intracardiac myxomas in a 39-year-old man using multimodality imaging (transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, CT, and cardiac MRI) to evaluate incidental masses found during workup for ventricular extrasystoles. The key finding was identification of four distinct, highly mobile lesions involving the left ventricle, mitro-aortic curtain, and left atrium, prompting suspicion for Carney complex (CNC) rather than sporadic solitary myxoma. Clinically, the case emphasizes that multiple concurrent myxomas should trigger evaluation for syndromic causes such as CNC to guide surveillance and management.

Ballan G, Genovese D, Bortolato A et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Psychosocial Stress-Induced Takotsubo Syndrome in a Male Patient: Breaking the Stereotype.

This case studied psychosocial stress–triggered Takotsubo syndrome in a 48-year-old man, using cardiac MRI and echocardiographic assessment to characterize complications. The key finding was Takotsubo syndrome complicated by dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and four discrete apical thrombi on cardiac MRI, with full recovery after β-blockade and anticoagulation. The report is significant because it challenges the typical demographic/trigger stereotype for Takotsubo syndrome and underscores the need to actively search for LV thrombi and obstruction even in atypical male presentations.

Beesley H, Soroa M, Lerakis S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Angiomatoid Fibrous Histiocytoma: An Exceptionally Rare Pulmonary Artery Tumor Presenting as an Asymptomatic Heart Murmur.

This case studied an exceptionally rare angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) presenting as a pulmonary artery tumor in a 28-year-old man with a new systolic heart murmur, using transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and PET-CT for localization and characterization. The key finding was a 1.9 cm hyperintense mass attached to the pulmonic valve and main pulmonary artery wall, leading to surgical resection of the main pulmonary artery and pulmonic valve. Scientifically and clinically, it reinforces that rare pulmonary artery tumors can masquerade as benign cardiac findings and require advanced imaging and pathology for diagnosis.

Jafary Z, Rana S, Vaughan M et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Postoperative Pericardial Cyst Enlargement After Recurrent Breast Cancer: Distinguishing Benign vs Malignant Etiologies.

This case studied postoperative pericardial cyst enlargement in a 52-year-old woman with active/recurrent breast cancer, using cardiac-gated CT to distinguish benign pericardial cysts from malignant pericardial involvement. The key finding was that interval enlargement of a previously characterized pericardial lesion after breast reconstruction was characterized as a pericardial cyst rather than metastatic disease. The clinical significance is that in patients with malignancy, growth of pericardial lesions can mimic metastasis, so multimodality imaging is crucial to avoid overtreatment.

Naoun AA, Pandey AK · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · 1 citations · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Myocardial Calcification After Severe Sepsis: 3-Patient Case Series, Multimodality Imaging, and Review of the Literature.

This case series studied myocardial calcification after severe sepsis in three men, using multimodality imaging with cardiac CT to map calcium deposition and cardiac MRI to assess corresponding tissue injury via nonischemic late gadolinium enhancement. The key finding was that CT and CMR demonstrated segmental, nonuniform patterns of calcification and myocardial involvement over the long term after septic shock or prolonged ICU admission. The significance is that combined CT–CMR evaluation can clarify the extent and myocardial impact of postseptic calcification, which may influence prognosis and follow-up strategies.

Ruiz-López A, Salido Iniesta M, Gómez Revelles S et al. · JACC. Case reports · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI for Congenital/Genetic Heart Disease (TOF/SCD/HCM pediatrics)

A complementary proteomics and cardiac magnetic resonance approach to characterize right ventricular remodeling after tetralogy of Fallot repair.

This study investigated serum proteomic signatures associated with right ventricular (RV) dilation in adolescents with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), using untargeted serum proteomics alongside cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) stratification by indexed RV end-diastolic volume (RVEDVi). Differentially abundant proteins (p<0.05) and enriched pathways were identified to characterize mechanistic drivers of RV remodeling after TOF repair. These findings support a multimodal, biomarker-driven approach to improve understanding and potentially risk stratification of RV dilation/failure in repaired TOF patients.

Jones AL, Edwards JJ, Fazelinia H et al. · Pediatric research · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Sustained improvement in sickle cell cardiomyopathy after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is superior to that with disease-modifying therapy.

This prospective trial studied children and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) undergoing matched-sibling or haploidentical allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), using serial cardiac MRI (CMR) and echocardiography up to 36 months post-transplant. The key finding was that HSCT produced sustained improvement in sickle cell cardiomyopathy that was superior to improvement achieved with disease-modifying therapy. Clinically, this supports HSCT as a more effective strategy for reversing or stabilizing SCD-related cardiac remodeling.

Rai P, Selukar S, Bi Y et al. · British journal of haematology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Cardiac MRI Hemodynamics & Vascular Function (PH/4D-flow/WSS)

4D-Flow MRI-Derived Wall Shear Stress as a Non-Invasive Biomarker for the Detection and Hemodynamic Characterization of Pulmonary Hypertension.

This study evaluated whether 4D-flow MRI-derived wall shear stress (WSS) can non-invasively detect pulmonary hypertension (PH) and characterize hemodynamics relevant to disease severity. In retrospective (41 PH, 23 non-PH) and prospective (23 PH, 17 healthy controls) cohorts, 3D WSS in the main, right, and left pulmonary arteries was assessed against the updated 2022 hemodynamic criteria and for predicting right ventriculo-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) uncoupling. The clinical significance is that WSS from 4D-flow MRI could reduce reliance on invasive right heart catheterization by providing a non-invasive biomarker for PH detection and severity stratification.

Statton B, Armour C, Leong K et al. · Pulmonary circulation · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Cardiac MRI Methodology, Standardization & Radiomics/AI

Cardiac Image Segmentation Under Respiratory Motion Artifacts Using Different Modified U-Net Models.

This study evaluated four modified U-Net deep learning architectures (Attention U-Net, Dense U-Net, Residual U-Net, and Sharp U-Net) for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) image segmentation under respiratory motion artifacts using synthetically deformed datasets. The key finding was that segmentation performance varied by architecture as motion-artifact intensity increased, with certain modified U-Net variants better handling misregistration caused by respiratory motion than the baseline U-Net. Scientifically and practically, the results support selecting more robust segmentation networks for quantitative CMR analyses in free-breathing clinical settings where motion artifacts are common.

Singh RP, Nagabhooshanam N, Thakur Y et al. · Journal of imaging informatics in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Impact of Field Strength and Contrast Agents on Cardiac MRI Radiomic Features of the Myocardium and Blood Pool.

This experimental 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. Eight healthy volunteers underwent four consecutive MOLLI-based cardiac MRI scans at mid-ventricular level using gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) and gadofosveset trisodium, and radiomic features were extracted from the first raw MOLLI image at the shortest inversion time. The significance is that radiomic feature reproducibility depends on scanner field strength and contrast agent choice, which is critical for standardizing radiomics across sites and studies.

Lin K, Sarnari R, Gordon DZ et al. · Journal of imaging informatics in medicine · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Machine Learning & Imaging Genetics (SSL/GWAS/Segmentation)

A review of self-supervised imaging phenotypes for genome-wide association studies.

This review summarized how self-supervised learning (SSL)–derived imaging phenotypes can be used in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to complement expert-defined image-derived phenotypes (IDPs) across imaging modalities including brain MRI, cardiac MRI, and retinal imaging. The key finding was that SSL can learn scalable, data-driven representations from intrinsic image structure, potentially capturing more biological variation than traditional IDPs for imaging genetics. This is significant because it provides a framework for improving power and discovery in imaging-genomic studies, including cardiac MRI–based GWAS, while highlighting technical challenges for translation.

Patel K, Zhao X, Xie Z et al. · Communications biology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Non-CMR Cardiovascular Biomarkers & Risk Models (blood markers/clinical indices)

The FIBR-CMR score: a novel risk model integrating fibrinogen and cardiac magnetic resonance for major adverse events after STEMI.

This prospective multicenter cohort study evaluated the FIBR-CMR risk model in 532 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), combining post-PCI plasma fibrinogen with early CMR assessment of left ventricular thrombus. The key finding was that fibrinogen provided incremental prognostic value beyond CMR for predicting major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). This supports a more complete post-STEMI risk stratification strategy that captures both systemic prothrombotic state (fibrinogen) and CMR-defined structural injury.

Jiang YJ, Wei L, Hou XC et al. · La Radiologia medica · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The triglyceride-glucose index and intramyocardial hemorrhage identify a high-risk phenotype in STEMI.

This retrospective study evaluated whether the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and cardiac magnetic resonance–detected intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) identify a high-risk phenotype in 456 STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. It found that MACE risk increased across TyG tertiles and that combining TyG index with IMH improved prognostic discrimination for long-term outcomes. Clinically, this supports using routine blood-based metabolic risk (TyG) together with CMR microvascular injury (IMH) to refine STEMI risk stratification.

Li Z, Zhang M, Wang Y et al. · International journal of cardiology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Excess weight and its association with cardiometabolic risk in adolescents: comparative analysis of national and international classifications.

This cross-sectional study of 823 adolescents (10–19 years) in Fortaleza, Ceará evaluated agreement among overweight/obesity classifications (WHO, International Obesity Task Force, and Brazilian reference) and tested how these classifications associate with cardiometabolic risk. The key finding was that cardiometabolic risk (defined using insulin resistance via waist-to-height ratio and dyslipidemia via biochemical measures) varied according to which BMI classification system was used. The significance is that choice of obesity definition can change who is labeled at risk, affecting screening and prevention strategies in adolescents.

Nogueira MDA, Oliveira LFN, Martins GS et al. · Revista paulista de pediatria : orgao oficial da Sociedade de Pediatria de Sao Paulo · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Association of lipoprotein(a) with ischemia-reperfusion injury in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

This prospective MARINA-STEMI cohort study evaluated the association of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] with ischemia-reperfusion injury in 518 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, using multiparametric CMR to quantify myocardial and microvascular damage and relating these to clinical outcomes. The key finding was that higher Lp(a) levels were associated with greater myocardial and microvascular injury on CMR and with worse clinical outcomes after STEMI. The clinical significance is that Lp(a) may serve as a biomarker to identify patients at higher risk of adverse ischemia-reperfusion injury and prognosis.

Holzknecht M, Tiller C, Lechner I et al. · Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

Life-Course Blood Pressure Trajectories and Focal Myocardial Fibrosis in Older Age in MyoFit46.

This MyoFit46 study assessed whether life-course blood pressure (BP) trajectories predict later-life focal left ventricular (LV) fibrosis measured by LGE-CMR in ~500 participants from a 1946 birth cohort scanned at age 77. It found that patterns of higher cumulative BP burden and/or steeper BP changes across adulthood were associated with increased LGE-defined focal myocardial fibrosis, with fibrosis quantified using the 3-SD and 5-SD LGE methods. The significance is that longitudinal BP exposure may help forecast subclinical myocardial remodeling in older age, supporting earlier BP management to reduce fibrotic risk.

Topriceanu CC, Webber M, Shiwani H et al. · Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗ · Free PDF ↗

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Preclinical/Translational Mechanisms & Novel Therapeutics (ferroptosis/VDR/antivirals)

Pharmacological activation of vitamin D receptor by paricalcitol attenuates ferroptosis-associated myocardial injury after ischemia-reperfusion.

This preclinical study in mice tested whether pharmacological activation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) with paricalcitol modulates ferroptosis and attenuates ferroptosis-associated myocardial injury after ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). The key finding was that paricalcitol reduced ferroptosis-associated myocardial damage following left anterior descending coronary artery ischemia-reperfusion, implicating VDR activation as a protective regulator of ferroptotic pathways. Scientifically, it supports VDR-targeted therapy as a potential strategy to limit MIRI by shifting cell death away from ferroptosis.

Ramiro-Ponce V, Fedichkina R, Martín-Nunes L et al. · European journal of pharmacology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Cell-state-specific metabolic networks govern ferroptosis versus apoptosis in small cell lung cancer.

This study used integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to define cell-state-specific metabolic programs governing ferroptosis versus apoptosis in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) models with neuroendocrine (NE) and non-NE cellular states. The key finding was that all NE/non-NE SCLC states depended on exogenous cysteine/cystine, but low-ASCL1 cells underwent ferroptosis upon cysteine/cystine depletion whereas ASCL1^high cells underwent apoptosis and were resistant to ferroptosis. This is significant because it identifies ASCL1 as a state-defining determinant of death modality and suggests cystine/cysteine targeting could be tailored to SCLC cellular phenotype.

Kim JW, Bebber CM, Dai Y et al. · Cell · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

Protocol for profiling chromatin accessibility in human small-cell lung cancer FFPE-derived samples using Omni-ATAC-seq.

This STAR Protocol paper describes an Omni-ATAC-seq workflow for profiling chromatin accessibility in degraded human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) samples derived from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. The key finding is methodological: the protocol provides optimized steps for nuclei isolation, tagmentation, and library amplification to overcome FFPE-associated DNA degradation and crosslinking, enabling high-quality epigenetic profiling despite low signal-to-noise. Scientifically, it turns archived SCLC FFPE specimens into usable resources for studying disease progression via chromatin accessibility maps.

Salataj E, Kawasaki K, Massagué J et al. · STAR protocols · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

The pan-African natural products library compounds oleanolic acid, poinsettifolin B, and rhuschalcone III disrupt SARS-CoV-2 spike-host ACE2 interactions and SARS-CoV-2 replication.

This in vitro study screened compounds from the pan-African Natural Products Library (p-ANAPL) to identify natural products that disrupt SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) binding to host ACE2 and inhibit viral replication. It identified oleanolic acid, poinsettifolin B, and rhuschalcone III as disruptors of spike–ACE2 interactions and as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication. These results provide candidate small-molecule leads for antiviral development, particularly relevant for settings with limited access to vaccines or therapeutics.

Tjegbe MJM, Onguéné PA, Bekono BD et al. · BMC pharmacology & toxicology · (2026) · View on PubMed ↗

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Generated automatically on October 24, 2026. Covers PubMed articles published October 17, 2026 – October 24, 2026. Summaries are AI-generated; always consult the original publication for clinical or research decisions.