Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann Haugaa

• Hysing, Jan; Thalamus, Jacob; Gibbs, Charlotte Christine; Holla, Øystein Lunde; Jaioun, Keson & Hoff, Geir Svein [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Beta-Blocker Use in Acquired Long QT Syndrome is Associated with Better Survival. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology Research. 10(3), p. 78–86. doi: 10.26502/fjppr.0129. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: To assess whether beta-blocker therapy is associated with improved prognosis in a defined cohort of patients with acquired long QT on ECG (aLQT). Methods: We included patients with prolonged QT at Telemark Hospital, Norway, 2004-2014 with at least one ECG record of QTc > 500 ms. Genetic testing was performed to exclude congenital long QT syndrome (cLQTS). Statistical analyses were performed relating survival to clinical diagnosis, biochemical parameters and pharmacological data from the hospital medical records. Stepwise Cox regression was performed to identify predictors for survival. Primary aim: To assess short (30 days) and long term (12 months) survival rate for patients with aLQT recruited from a hospital-wide ECG database stratified by beta blocker medication. Results: We included ECGs from 1531 patients. Based on genetic testing, 33 patients with cLQTS were excluded, rendering 1498 individuals with acquired long QT (aLQT) for analysis. Mean age was 70.9 years, 59% were female. 47% were on beta blocking treatment at the time of ECG documenting prolonged QT. Patients on beta-blocker were older, and had more frequently heart failure, stroke, diabetes and coronary heart disease than patients who were not on beta-blockers. Short term survival rate (30 days) for patients on beta-blocker medication was 96%, compared to 81% without beta-blocker (p<0.001). Similarly, 12-month survival rate was 80% for patients on beta-blocker compared to 68% without beta-blocker (p<0.001). Conclusions: In this observational study, beta-blocker treatment was associated with a 10-15% better survival in patients with aLQT, both short-term (30-day) and long-term (12-month) follow up.

• Mygind, Naja Dam; Asiki, Gershim; Cupido, Blanche; Gliemann, Lasse; Haugaa, Kristina Hermann & Hellsten, Ylva [Show all 16 contributors for this article] (2026). Translational Perspectives on Cardiac Diseases Disproportionately Affecting Women. Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA). doi: 10.1161/jaha.126.050650. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Significant knowledge gaps persist on cardiovascular conditions that predominantly, disproportionately, or only affect women. Historically overshadowed by the focus on obstructive coronary artery disease, conditions such as myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries, spontaneous coronary artery dissection, and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy have only recently gained research attention, despite substantial prevalence and impact among women. Similarly, coronary microvascular dysfunction and vasospastic angina, long dismissed as symptoms of psychological origin, are now recognized as common and underdiagnosed mechanisms of chest pain. Disparities in research also extend to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, disproportionately affecting more women, and with comparable impacts on prognosis and quality of life, yet poorly understood compared with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Moreover, female hypertension is underestimated, underdiagnosed, and understudied. Furthermore, pregnancy‐related cardiovascular complications, including preeclampsia and peripartum cardiomyopathy underscore the urgent need for research into sex‐specific mechanisms and targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies, particularly in resource‐limited settings. This review consolidates knowledge on cardiovascular conditions with pronounced sex differences, focusing on translational discoveries that direct current strategies, but most of all, emphasizing the need for future research to bridge the gap between mechanistic insights and clinical application. By identifying knowledge gaps, this article provides a road map for advancing sex‐specific understanding and care in cardiovascular disease, ensuring progress in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Bridging the sex gap in cardiac research and care requires a multidisciplinary, globally inclusive approach. By integrating knowledge of biological, clinical, and sociocultural perspectives, we can move toward equitable and effective cardiovascular health for all.

• Wifstad, Sigurd Vangen; Monopoli, Giulia; Kildahl, Henrik Agerup; Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian K. & Bergh, Julie [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2026). Automated Multimodal Measurements of Curling Motion in Patients with Mitral Valve Disorders. Research Square. ISSN 2693-5015. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9924753/v1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Systolic curling of the mitral annulus is a qualitative hallmark of the arrhythmic mitral valve syndrome (AMVS), yet it has lacked standardized, quantitative characterization. Objective We present the first fully automated framework for the quantitative assessment of basal posterior and lateral systolic curling dynamics from transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), enabling objective, reproducible, and large-scale evaluation of this phenomenon. Methods By combining TTE’s high temporal resolution with CMR’s spatial precision, we captured curling as a dynamic event defined by angular deformation, velocity, and regional displacement of the myocardium relative to the annular plane. Metrics including the annulo-ventricular angle (ζ min ) and its first derivative (ζ´ min ) were analyzed across controls and patients with mitral valve disease (MVD), specifically mitral annular disjunction (MAD) and mitral valve prolapse. Results MVD patients exhibited a significantly smaller ζ min , and more negative ζ´ min indicating accentuated, and abrupt posterior curling dynamics. Both metrics correlated inversely with MAD length, confirming their sensitivity to disjunction severity. Temporal analysis revealed that peak curling occurs most commonly just after end-systole, during early diastole, suggesting a post-systolic recoil rather than active contraction. Spatial mapping localized this recoil to the basal lateral wall. Posterior leaflet prolapse further amplified the deformation, while anterior prolapse had minimal impact. Conclusion Automated multimodal quantification reveals that curling is a dynamic, localized, post-systolic recoil phenomenon driven primarily by MAD.

• Andresen, Kristoffer; Selmer, Lisa Marie; Espeland, Torvald; Fadnes, Solveig; Løvstakken, Lasse & Beitnes, Jan Otto [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2026). Mechanical Wave Velocities by High Frame Rate Echocardiography Identifies Myocardial Dysfunction in Acute Coronary Syndrome. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. ISSN 0894-7317. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2026.09.005. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Mechanical waves propagating within the myocardium offer insight into tissue stiffness that can be measured by high frame rate echocardiography. This may provide information on myocardial tissue properties in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) incremental to traditional echocardiographic metrics. Objectives: To investigate whether natural mechanical wave velocities in the left ventricle (LV) are altered in AMI and to establish the feasibility of measuring mechanical wave velocities in all LV regions in AMI patients. Methods: We examined 60 patients (66±9 years, 72% male) with AMI by high frame rate echocardiography within one day after revascularisation therapy. Natural mechanical waves generated by the atrial kick (AK), mitral valve closure (MVC) and aortic valve closure (AVC) were analysed by clutter filter wave imaging for all LV regions. Results: AK wave velocities were faster in regions with wall motion abnormalities (WMA) compared to regions without (2.9 (2.1-4.6) m/s vs. 2.2 (1.7-2.8) m/s, p=0.004), whereas no differences were observed for MVC or AVC waves. Elevated AK wave velocities were associated with myocardial dysfunction assessed by LV longitudinal strain (β=0.49 (0.26-0.71), p<0.001) and WMA (OR 1.6 (1.3-2.0), p<0.001) by multivariable mixed-model regression analyses adjusting for age, gender and parameters of diastolic function, and for WMA also adjusted for LV longitudinal strain (OR 1.4 (1.0-1.8), p=0.022). Feasibility for measuring AK waves was high in all regions (mean 89%), but lower for MVC/AVC waves (mean 44% and 46%, respectively, p<0.001). Feasibility was lower from basal to apical segments for all wave types (p<0.001). Conclusions: AK wave velocities were faster in infarcted territories of AMI patients and were independently associated with myocardial dysfunction assessed by LV longitudinal strain and WMA. AK waves could be measured with good feasibility in all LV regions. The lower feasibility for MVC and AVC waves suggests differences in propagation dynamics or intrinsic wave properties.

• Rakisheva, Amina; Disabato, Giandomenico; Abreu, Ana; Attanasio, Andrea; Bauersachs, Johann & Becker, Michael [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2026). Prevention of heart failure in women: an expert consensus statement on sex-specific risk factors. European Journal of Heart Failure. ISSN 1388-9842. doi: 10.1093/ejhf/xuag215. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, yet sex-specific risk factors are usually not included in conventional predictive models. Specifically, heart failure (HF) in women may be influenced by sex-specific hormones and pathologies that need to be addressed to improve prevention and treatment. This expert consensus statement aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for HF prevention and management across specific conditions affecting women during their life-course. Each section focuses on the impact of a specific female condition on CVD and how to prevent and manage HF in specific settings: (i) Pregnancy with a specific focus on how to deal with hypertensive disorders in the acute and chronic setting and how to prevent and treat peripartum cardiomyopathy; (ii) gynaecological conditions predisposing to HF, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and the menopausal transition. Emphasis is placed on chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and the ‘window of opportunity’ for menopausal hormone therapy; (iii) Cardio-oncology: mitigating cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast and gynaecological cancers, focusing on female-specific cardiotoxicity profiles, the importance of subclinical detection of cardiac dysfunction, and the implementation of cardioprotective strategies (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors) during cardiotoxic treatments. Lifestyle interventions such as the DASH diet and exercise-based rehabilitation are highlighted as essential for maintaining cardiac reserve.

• Guaricci, Andrea Igoren; Faggiano, Andrea; Wahbi, Karim; Barriales-Villa, Roberto; Carella, Maria Cristina & Carugo, Stefano [Show all 21 contributors for this article] (2026). Cardiovascular prognostic impact of missense vs nonmissense lamin A/C variants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm. ISSN 1547-5271. 23(5). doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2025.12.038. Full text in Research Archive
• Marco, Corrado De; Asatryan, Babken; Riele, Anneline S.J.M. te; Marco, Andrea Di; Gasperetti, Alessio & Delinière, Antoine [Show all 35 contributors for this article] (2026). Left Ventricular Late Gadolinium Enhancement for Arrhythmic Risk Prediction in ARVC. Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology. ISSN 1941-3149. 19(2). doi: 10.1161/circep.125.014265. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  BACKGROUND: The arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) risk calculator estimates the risk of incident sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and performs well in ARVC populations meeting 2010 Task Force Criteria. However, the calculator includes no measure of left ventricular (LV) structure and function, while late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance shows promise in arrhythmic risk prediction. This study aims to evaluate whether LV LGE on cardiac magnetic resonance can further refine ARVC VA risk stratification. METHODS: Patients with definite ARVC, no prior sustained VA, and contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance at baseline were followed at 17 centers. Survival analyses were performed to assess LV LGE effect on VA prediction, and its incremental prognostic value on the risk calculator was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models. The presence of high-risk LGE, defined as LV epicardial, transmural, or combined septal and free-wall LGE, was studied as a sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Of 385 patients (39.6±15.4 years, 39.7% male, 54.0% probands), 132 (34.3%) had LV LGE on cardiac magnetic resonance, with 98 (25.5%) having a high-risk pattern. Over 3.1 [1.2–5.8] years of follow-up, 67 (17.4%) patients experienced VA. In univariable analysis, both LV LGE (hazard ratio, 1.82; P =0.014) and high-risk LV LGE (hazard ratio, 1.85; P =0.017) were associated with higher risk for VA. However, after adjusting for the ARVC calculator–estimated risk, the presence of neither LV LGE ( P =0.85) nor high-risk LV LGE ( P =0.87) independently predicted sustained VA. (graphic abstract) CONCLUSIONS: While associated with the risk of VA in ARVC, LV LGE did not provide incremental prognostic value for incident VA risk prediction compared with the ARVC risk calculator.

• Backer, Julie De; Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann; Hasselberg, Nina Eide; Hosson, Michèle de; Brida, Margarita & Castelletti, Silvia [Show all 26 contributors for this article] (2026). Linee guida ESC 2025 per il trattamento delle malattie cardiovascolari in gravidanza. Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia. ISSN 1827-6806. 27(2). doi: 10.1714/4637.46475. Full text in Research Archive
• Verdonschot, Job A J; Spaendonck-Zwarts, Karin Y van; Hellebrekers, Debby M E I; Asselbergs, Folkert W; Behr, Elijah R & Charron, Philippe [Show all 25 contributors for this article] (2026). Genetic counselling implementation in dilated cardiomyopathy. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 47(24), p. 3051–3051. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag159. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Genetic testing has become an integral part of the diagnostic workup of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). While the initial goal of genetic testing was to identify family members at risk, recent advances have now extended their relevance to clinical decision-making. Our knowledge of the genetic architecture of DCM has expanded significantly, promoting a shift from the monogenic dogma towards a broader polygenic spectrum. However, current genetic testing strategies still primarily rely on the model of monogenic inheritance with an incomplete penetrance. Large studies have shown a yield varying from 8% to 36% of genetic testing in patients with DCM, depending on aetiology or family history. Genetic testing is generally warranted for every patient with DCM where genetic results could have an impact on risk stratification, the prognosis or the treatment of the patient, or its family members with an opportunity for reassurance or early disease detection. There are various strategies for genetic testing including broad multigene panels, or more targeted panels limited to specific disease-associated genes. Identified variants are classified by genetic laboratories, where pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants often have actionable clinical implications. It is crucial to interpret these variants in the context of the individual patient considering the phenotype and other contributing factors. When the genetic results are consistent with the patients’ broader phenotype, potential clinical implications may include decision for device therapy, recommendations for family screening, and reproductive options. A comprehensive approach to integrate genetic testing in the clinical care of patients with DCM is proposed.

• Eijsvogels, Thijs M H; Kim, Jonathan H; Aengevaeren, Vincent L; D’Ascenzi, Flavio; Churchill, Tim W & Dineen, Elizabeth H [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2026). Masters athletes with abnormal cardiovascular findings: a clinical consensus statement of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the ESC and the American College of Cardiology. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 47(21), p. 2560–2560. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag040. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Exercise training improves cardiovascular health and reduces the risk for future cardiovascular events and mortality. However, emerging evidence suggests that Masters athletes may have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities, such as atrial arrhythmias, coronary atherosclerosis, aortic dilatation, and myocardial fibrosis, compared to their less active peers. The clinical management of Masters athletes may be challenging as available guidelines for such conditions are generally based on data derived from symptomatic sedentary patients, limiting their applicability to highly trained individuals. Other unique challenges in the clinical assessment of Masters athletes include differences in symptomatic presentations compared to sedentary individuals, potential resistance to the initiation of pharmacologic treatment, and the increasing availability of consumer wearable health data that may provide relevant information on their cardiovascular health status. The purpose of this joint EAPC/ESC and ACC Clinical Consensus Statement is to provide an in-depth update on the current state of knowledge on abnormal cardiovascular findings in Masters athletes. We present an expert-based approach on the diagnostic assessment, management, and prognosis of (i) atrial fibrillation, (ii) bradyarrhythmias, (iii) ventricular arrhythmias, (iv) coronary atherosclerosis, (v) aortic dilatation, (vi) myocardial fibrosis, and (vii) exercise-induced arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Clinical challenges, areas of ongoing controversy, and uncertainty and the potential underlying mechanisms are discussed. We also present future perspectives and research directives to further refine current best practice strategies. This includes the need for clinical outcome studies, dedicated randomized controlled trials in athletes, and international registries with diverse populations and longitudinal follow-up to evaluate the natural history of cardiac abnormalities and facilitate development of evidence-based approaches in the clinical management of Masters athletes with cardiovascular abnormalities.

• Gasperetti, Alessio; Bauce, Barbara; Protonotarios, Alexandros; Murray, Brittney; Tichnell, Crystal & Martini, Marika [Show all 63 contributors for this article] (2026). External validation of the DSP-risk score for prediction of clinically significant ventricular arrhythmias in primary prevention patients with desmoplakin cardiomyopathy–associated genetic variants. Heart Rhythm. ISSN 1547-5271. doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.04.038. Full text in Research Archive
• Drie, Esmée van; Lint, Freyja H. M. van; Zwart, Rob; Wang, Jie; Chen, Yucheng & Postma, Alex V. [Show all 31 contributors for this article] (2026). Tracing the pathogenic PLN p.(Arg14del) variant across the globe; more than just a local curiosity. Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research (JCTR). ISSN 1937-5387. 19(1). doi: 10.1007/s12265-026-10792-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Rakisheva, Amina; Disabato, Giandomenico; Abreu, Ana; Attanasio, Andrea; Bauersachs, Johann & Becker, Michael [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2026). Prevention of heart failure in women: an expert consensus statement on sex-specific risk factors. European Journal of Heart Failure. ISSN 1388-9842. doi: 10.1093/ejhf/xuag215. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in women, yet sex-specific risk factors are usually not included in conventional predictive models. Specifically, heart failure (HF) in women may be influenced by sex-specific hormones and pathologies that need to be addressed to improve prevention and treatment. This expert consensus statement aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for HF prevention and management across specific conditions affecting women during their life-course. Each section focuses on the impact of a specific female condition on CVD and how to prevent and manage HF in specific settings: (i) Pregnancy with a specific focus on how to deal with hypertensive disorders in the acute and chronic setting and how to prevent and treat peripartum cardiomyopathy; (ii) gynaecological conditions predisposing to HF, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and the menopausal transition. Emphasis is placed on chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and the ‘window of opportunity’ for menopausal hormone therapy; (iii) Cardio-oncology: mitigating cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction in breast and gynaecological cancers, focusing on female-specific cardiotoxicity profiles, the importance of subclinical detection of cardiac dysfunction, and the implementation of cardioprotective strategies (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors) during cardiotoxic treatments. Lifestyle interventions such as the DASH diet and exercise-based rehabilitation are highlighted as essential for maintaining cardiac reserve.

• Donati, Thierry G; Agbariah, Andrea; Benz, Dominik C; Hebeisen, Monika; Saguner, Ardan M & Duru, Firat [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2026). Tricuspid regurgitation and outcomes in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: role of tricuspid annulus dilatation. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehag694. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Paul Anders Sletten; Leren, Ida Skrinde; Lie, Øyvind Haugen; Bugge, Cecilie; Beitnes, Jan Otto & Berge, Knut Erik [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Cardiac function and the effect of heart failure treatment in patients with genotype-positive dilated cardiomyopathy. JACC. Heart failure. ISSN 2213-1779. p. 103367–103367. doi: 10.1016/j.jchf.2026.103367. Full text in Research Archive
• Castrini, Anna Isotta; Hasselberg, Nina Eide; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian Kullmann & Berge, Knut Erik [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Pregnancy-Associated Cardiomyopathy and Long-Term Cardiac Phenotype in Women With Truncating Titin Variants. JACC: Advances. p. 102857–102857. doi: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102857. Full text in Research Archive
• Savelev, Aleksei A.; Larsson, Nina; Dahlberg, Pia; Christensen, Alex H.; Bugge, Cecilie & Bulatovic, Ivana [Show all 19 contributors for this article] (2026). Genotype-phenotype correlation of 139 p.Gln530Ter-KCNQ1 patients with inherited long QT syndrome. Heart Rhythm. ISSN 1547-5271. 23(7). doi: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2026.03.1911. Full text in Research Archive
• Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian K.; Dejgaard, Lars A.; Hasselberg, Nina Eide; Castrini, Anna Isotta & Aabel, Eivind Westrum [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Left ventricular origin of arrhythmia predicts severe outcome in mitral valve prolapse: Insights from long-term cardiac monitoring. Heart Rhythm O2. doi: 10.1016/j.hroo.2026.08.136.
• Skinningsrud, Bendik; Vlaisavljevic, Katarina; Oppedal, Lars Sandve; Endresen, Johannes; Mohn, Vilde Storesund & Fladseth, Kristina [Show all 20 contributors for this article] (2026). Myocarditis after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in Norway: a nationwide validation study. Open heart. 13(1), p. 1–10. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2026-004112. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Myocarditis is a potentially severe adverse event after COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination. Validation of reported cases is essential. We aimed to determine the occurrence, clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes of vaccine-associated myocarditis (VAM) in Norway. Methods In this nationwide, population-based validation study, we used national health registry data and hospital electronic medical records from 27 December 2020 to 30 April 2022. We identified all Norwegian residents who received at least one dose of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. By cross-linking registries, we identified myocarditis within 90 days after vaccination. Diagnoses were validated through individual chart review using Brighton Collaboration criteria. VAM was defined as myocarditis without a more likely alternative cause. Results Among 4.1 million vaccinated individuals who received 10.9 million doses, we identified 367 potential myocarditis cases. Of 349 cases reviewed, 177 (51%) were validated as VAM, corresponding to 4.5 cases per 100 000 vaccinated individuals. In total, 110 (62%) cases occurred after the second dose. Of validated cases, 139 (79%) occurred in men. Median age was 30 (IQR 24–50) years for men and 54 (IQR 32–65) years for women. Three (2%) cases were under 18 years. The median hospital stay was 4 (IQR 3–5) days, and the median ejection fraction was 55% (IQR 53%–60%). Seven (4%) patients required intensive care and two (1%) older patients died. No patient required mechanical circulatory support or heart transplantation. Conclusions VAM occurred in 4.5 per 100 000 vaccinated individuals, based on validation of about half of registry-identified myocarditis cases. The acute clinical course was generally mild. National surveillance and systematic validation are essential for reliable estimates of vaccine-associated adverse events. Trial registration number NCT05610423.

• Nguyen, Thuy Mi Tran; Melichova, Daniela; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Salte, Ivar Mjåland; Gjertsen, Erik & Heggelund, Geir [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2026). Temporal trends in the primary prevention of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator selection and long-term outcomes in patients with non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy and ischaemic cardiomyopathy. Europace. ISSN 1099-5129. 28(4). doi: 10.1093/europace/euag062. Full text in Research Archive
• Eijsvogels, Thijs M.H.; Kim, Jonathan H.; Aengevaeren, Vincent L.; D’Ascenzi, Flavio; Churchill, Tim W. & Dineen, Elizabeth H. [Show all 23 contributors for this article] (2026). Masters Athletes With Abnormal Cardiovascular Findings. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. ISSN 0735-1097. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2026.03.025. Full text in Research Archive
• Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian K.; Ahmed, Tariq Nazir; Skar, Petter M.J.; Castrini, Anna Isotta & Ribe, Margareth [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2026). Premature ventricular complexes increase with heart rate in patients with mitral valve prolapse. International journal of cardiology: Heart and Vasculature (IJCHA). 64. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2026.101925. Full text in Research Archive
• Abdullah, Rang; Bjørnebekk, Astrid Kristine; Hauger, Lisa Evju; Hullstein, Ingunn Riise; Edvardsen, Thor & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Evaluating ECG Criteria for Diagnosing Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Users. JACC: Advances. 5(2). doi: 10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.102499. Full text in Research Archive
• Cardim, Nuno; Haugaa, Kristina; Mohiddin, Saidi A; Hinojar, Rocio; Hirsch, Alexander & Szabo, Liliana [Show all 28 contributors for this article] (2025). Role of multi-modality cardiac imaging in the management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in 2025. A Clinical Consensus Statement of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC. European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 2047-2404. 27(3), p. 399–399. doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaf282. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract After the 2014, European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) were published, the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the ESC developed the 2015 EACVI consensus paper on multi-modality imaging (MMI) in HCM, providing in-depth knowledge on the role of imaging in this disease. Since then, new evidence on HCM diagnosis, management and patient prognosis has accumulated, and the role of MMI has further expanded. Now that the 2023 ESC guidelines on cardiomyopathies have been published, a new EACVI document on MMI in HCM is needed, providing state-of-the-art, in-depth knowledge of imaging in HCM. The scope of this document is to focus on the role of the different imaging techniques in HCM in a logical, didactic and comprehensive way using a multi-modality approach. We provide our vision for future directions on MMI in HCM.

• Backer, Julie De & Haugaa, Kristina H (2025). The ‘Ten Commandments’ for the 2025 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 47(5), p. 545–545. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf862. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina H & Hasselberg, Nina E (2025). The cardiac myosin inhibitor era—more than treating left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy? European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 2047-2404. 27(4), p. 777–777. doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaf364. Full text in Research Archive
• Donati, Thierry G.; Ortelli, Francesca; Hebeisen, Monika; Protonotarios, Alexandros; Olsen, Paul Anders Sletten & Saguner, Ardan M. [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2025). Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Diameter for Event Prediction in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy: Incremental Value Over Echocardiographic Free-Wall Strain. JACC Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 1936-878X. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2025.10.019. Full text in Research Archive
• Sabbag, Avi; Ajmone-Marsan, Nina; Ezzeddine, Fatima; Ascione, Guido; Guicciardi, Nicolò Azzola & Baudinaud, Pierre [Show all 49 contributors for this article] (2025). Characterizing Sustained Arrhythmias in Patients With Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Prolapse. JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology. ISSN 2405-500X. doi: 10.1016/j.jacep.2025.10.004. Full text in Research Archive
• Lieve, Krystien V; Werf, Christian van der; Kallas, Dania; Denjoy, Isabelle; Bos, J Martijn & Aiba, Takeshi [Show all 63 contributors for this article] (2025). Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia mediated by ryanodine receptor 2: a validated risk stratification. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. p. 1–12. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf965. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background and Aims Patients with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) are at risk for potentially life-threatening arrhythmic events (AEs) even while treated with β-blockers. The aim was to develop a model for individualized prediction of AEs in patients with RYR2-mediated CPVT on β-blocker monotherapy. Methods The derivation and independent validation cohorts included 743 and 129 patients, respectively. AEs were defined as arrhythmic syncope, appropriate implantable cardioverter–defibrillator shock, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and sudden cardiac death. Near-fatal or fatal AEs (nf/fAEs) included all AEs except for arrhythmic syncope. Prediction models using Cox regression were developed and internally and externally validated. Results A total of 102 (13.7%) patients in the derivation cohort and 24 (18.6%) patients in the validation cohort experienced ≥1 AE over a median follow-up of 5.1 [interquartile range (IQR), 7.7] and 2.4 (IQR, 4.4) years, respectively. Predictors of AE were arrhythmic syncope or SCA prior to diagnosis and age at β-blocker initiation. In the derivation and validation cohorts, the optimism-corrected C-indices of the models for AE were 0.67 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62–0.72] and 0.59 (95% CI 0.48–0.71), respectively. For nf/fAEs, ventricular arrhythmia severity before β-blocker initiation was a fourth independent predictor, and C-indices of the models in the derivation and validation cohorts were 0.74 (95% CI 0.68–0.80) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.47–0.72), respectively. In the derivation cohort, calibration slopes were 1.00 (95% CI 0.59–1.41) for AE and 1.00 (95% CI 0.69–1.32) for nf/fAE. Conclusions These externally validated risk prediction models using clinical parameters accurately distinguished CPVT patients on β-blocker monotherapy at low and high risk for future AEs while treated with β-blockers. These models provide guidance for implementation of clinical management therapies to prevent AEs in patients with CPVT.

• Praz, Fabien; Borger, Michael A; Lanz, Jonas; Marin-Cuartas, Mateo; Abreu, Ana & Adamo, Marianna [Show all 139 contributors for this article] (2025). 2025 ESC/EACTS Guidelines for the management of valvular heart disease. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 46(44), p. 4736–4736. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf194. Full text in Research Archive
• Ahn, Jonathan S.; Dineen, Elizabeth H.; Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann; Yaghmour, Bassam & Xu, Jennifer (2025). Running the risk: extreme right ventricular remodelling in an endurance athlete—a case report. European Heart Journal - Case Reports. 9(12). doi: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytaf598. Full text in Research Archive
• Tveten, Ingrid Elisabeth; Nyberg, John; Grue, Jahn Frederik; Helland, Ragnhild Holden; Melichova, Daniela & Nguyen, Thuy Mi [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2025). Deep Learning Segmentation and Quantification of the Left Ventricle from the Parasternal Short-Axis View in Echocardiography. Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. ISSN 0301-5629. 52(2), p. 385–400. doi: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2025.10.005. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objective: Quantitative measurements remain under-used in echocardiography due to measurement variability and time consumption. This study aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) pipeline for the automatic extraction of clinically relevant quantitative measurements from the parasternal short-axis (PSAX) view. Methods: We trained an nnU-Net model to segment the left ventricle (LV) lumen and myocardium in PSAX images. Based on end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) frames in the echocardiograms, we calculated the LV lumen area, LV fractional area change, mean wall thickness (MWT) and global circumferential strain. Segmentations and measurements were validated through comparison with two manual observers. Results: Compared with manual references, the nnU-Net model achieved a high grade of similarity for the LV lumen and myocardium, with Dice coefficients of 0.93 ± 0.04 and 0.84 ± 0.08, and 95th percentile Hausdorff distances of 3.2±1.9 mm and 3.4±1.7 mm, respectively. The Dice coefficients and 95th percentile Hausdorff distances were on par or better for the evaluation dataset. DL-based measurements were in line with interobserver precision and variability. Automatic timing of ED and ES frames based on echocardiograms and LV lumen area produced similar results to using manual timing by experts. The subject-level feasibility was 90.4%. Furthermore, DL-based measurement of MWT at ED differentiated subjects with and without hypertension (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our DL-based measurement pipeline for PSAX achieved performance comparable to expert annotators, positioning it as a possible substitute for tedious manual measurements. DL-derived MWT was able to differentiate hypertensive from non-hypertensive subjects, which indicates the potential clinical utility of fully automated PSAX measurements.

• Monopoli, Giulia; Sadeghinia, Mohammadjavad; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Ribe, Margareth; Castrini, Anna Isotta & Hasselberg, Nina Eide [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2025). Arrhythmic Mitral Valve Syndrome: Insights from Left Ventricular End-Systolic Shape Analysis. In Chabiniok, Radomír; Zou, Qing; Hussain, Tarique; Nguyen, Hoang H.; Zaha, Vlad G. & Gusseva, Maria (Ed.), Functional Imaging and Modeling of the Heart. Springer Nature Switzerland. ISSN 9783031945588. p. 26–36. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-94559-5_3. Full text in Research Archive
• Melichova, Daniela; Nyberg, John; Nguyen, Thuy Mi; Salte, Ivar Mjåland; Brunvand, Harald & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2025). Clinical validation of a novel fully automated measurement method for echocardiographic mechanical dispersion using deep learning. European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 2047-2404. 26(Supplement_1). doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeae333.024. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background Evaluation of left ventricular (LV) function by strain echocardiography and mechanical dispersion (MD) has demonstrated improved prediction of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction. However, analyzing MD is both time consuming and operator dependent, thus its clinical use remains limited. Fully automated measurements of MD using a novel deep learning (DL) method may be a solution to facilitate clinical implementation. Purpose We aimed to validate a novel DL based method for fully automated measurements of MD, by evaluating its correlation and agreement with manual reference measurements in a large cohort of patients with heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) &lt;40%. Methods In this prospective multicenter follow-up study, we consecutively included patients with recently diagnosed heart failure of all causes with LVEF ≤ 40%. All patients were treated according to contemporary guidelines with optimal medical therapy and revascularization if necessary. Two experienced cardiologists recorded all echocardiograms using Vivid E9 or E95 scanners (GE HealthCare, Horten, Norway). Measurements of MD were performed both by an experienced cardiologist using a commercial semi-automatic method, and an in-house developed fully automated deep learning-based method. Results MD was measured in 200 patients (73 ± 14 years old, 33% females). Mean LVEF was 32% ± 6. Mean MD by reference measurements was 61 ± 17ms and by the deep learning method 63 ± 19 ms . Deep learning-based measurements of MD had excellent agreement with reference, with bias of 2ms and Limits of Agreement only 28ms (Figure 1). The correlation between methods was good, with R2 46%, p&lt;0.001. Calculation time for automated measurements of MD per patient was only 6.4 ± 2.5 seconds per echocardiogram. Conclusion The novel fully automated deep learning-based method provides rapid measurements of MD and excellent agreement with manual reference measurements, and may thus facilitate clinical implementation of MD for improved risk stratification in patients with HF.

View all works in NVA

• Hasselberg, Nina Eide & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Translating Mechanisms of Lamin A/C Cardiomyopathy Myocardial Fibrosis - the "LaMinOs" study. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Presentation of collaborative translational study Oslo University Hospital, UiO and University of Minnesota

• Tveten, Ingrid Elisabeth; Drunen, Lasse Ole Julian Van; Azad, Md Abulkalam; Nyberg, John; Melichova, Daniela & Nguyen, Thuy Mi [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2026). Using a tabular foundation model to predict coronary artery total occlusion from demographic and imaging-derived functional parameters in myocardial infarction. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Echocardiography is widely available and provides functional information about the heart, but is rarely used systematically for infarct localization in myocardial infarction (MI). Regional longitudinal strain (RLS) carries territory-specific information that may help identify ischemic regions and support early triage to coronary intervention, particularly in patients without clear STEMI criteria. Classical machine learning methods such as tree-based classifiers typically require manual feature engineering and task-specific tuning, and they therefore often generalize poorly to new cohorts. Tabular foundation models are a novel alternative within deep learning, where a single model is trained once on a broad range of data, then adapts to a new dataset at prediction time, without fine-tuning for downstream tasks. Aim: To evaluate whether a tabular foundation model can predict CA occlusion in an MI cohort, and to compare its performance with established tree-based machine learning methods. Methods: We included 1404 patients (mean age 74±12 years, 76% male) with MI and prior coronary revascularization. Inputs included age, sex, and echocardiographic parameters derived from an automated algorithm: RLS per segment, ejection fraction, mitral annular plane systolic excursion, and mechanical dispersion. For each of the CAs (left anterior descending artery, LAD; circumflex artery, CX; right coronary artery, RCA), a separate binary classifier predicted total occlusion. We compared TabPFN, a foundation model without any dataset-specific tuning, against random forest and XGBoost. Results: TabPFN outperformed both reference methods across all three coronary territories. Mean AUC was 0.79±0.02 overall, with the strongest performance for LAD occlusion (0.84±0.04), followed by RCA (0.78±0.04) and CX (0.76±0.03). Conclusion: A tabular foundation model, applied without any task-specific tuning, matched or exceeded tree-based machine learning methods optimized for the task. This approach may reduce the development burden for clinical decision-support tools based on structured clinical data, though validation in larger, multi-centre cohorts is needed.

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Haugaa ny leder for ESC council on cardiovascular genomics. [Internet]. uio webpage. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). 5th Norwegian Sports Cardiology Webinar 2026. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chair

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Unresolved issues in sudden cardiac death prediction and management. Show summary

  Chair

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). EHRA Cardio Talks: Arrhythmias in pregnancy. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  EHRA podcast

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Great debates: coronary computed tomography for cardiovascular disease prevention in the era of artificial intelligence. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chair

• Ernst, Patrick; Guan, J.; Yang, L.; Skinningsrud, Bendik; Hasselberg, Nina Eide & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). SUN1 accumulation as a mechanism of impaired mechanotransduction in human lamin a/c cardiomyopathy. Full text in Research Archive
• Drunen, Lasse Ole Julian Van; Melichova, Daniela; Azad, Md Abulkalam; Nguyen, Thuy Mi; Holmstrøm, Vegard & Nyberg, John [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2026). Fully automated deep learning echocardiographic strain model for vessel specific detection of coronary occlusion. Full text in Research Archive
• Hellstrand, Cordelia; Castrini, Anna Isotta; Hasselberg, Nina Eide & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Effect of high-intensity exercise in carriers of Titin truncating variants. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cutting edge science in cardiomyopathy

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Latest advances in primary arrhythmias beyond the ESC guidelines. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chair

• Sørlie, Anna Louise Astad; Solberg, Siri Holm; Røtnes, Eirunn Langseth; Bigseth, Robert S.; Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann & Estensen, Mette-Elise (2026). Hennes hjerte - like viktig - Oslo universitetssykehus HF. OUS Innsikt. doi: https:/www.oslo-universitetssykehus.no/om-oss/innsikt/hennes-hjerte---like-viktig/. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Innsiktsartikkel OUS i anledning Verdens hjertedag. Hvordan kan vi sikre at kvinners hjertehelse får den oppmerksomheten den fortjener? Dette var ett av spørsmålene som sto på agendaen da seminaret «Kvinnehjertet fra 0 til 100» markerte Verdens Hjertedag 2026. Forskere, klinikere, politikere, pasienter og pårørende møttes til kunnskapsdeling og debatt om veien videre for hjerte- og karhelsestrategi i Norge.

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Applying artificial intelligence in the management of cardiomyopathies. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  chair

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Ask til Trialist - DANISH-CRT. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chair

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). ESC congress: HOT LINE 10. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Chair på HOT LINE 10 ESC Munchen

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Veronicas hjærta. [TV]. SVT. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Mitral annular disjunction. [TV]. ESC TV Today. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). ESC i et større perspektiv. [Internet]. Pfizer. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). OUS lege valgt til prestisjetungt ESC-verv. [Journal]. Dagens Medisin. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). From risk stratification to novel therapies in Arrhytmic mitral valve prolapse. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). OUS Excellent researcher forskningspris. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). 2026 NCS vårmøte: ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Exercise in arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse. Full text in Research Archive
• Bergh, Julie; Bugge, Cecilie; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Hopp, Einar; Hasselberg, Nina Eide & Kvitting, John-Peder [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Fast non-sustained ventricular tachycardias predict life threatening ventricular arrhythmias in patients with mitral valve prolapse monitored by implantable loop recorder. doi: 10.1093/europace/euag105.1006. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background A subset of patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have ventricular arrhythmias originating from papillary muscles and the mitral ring and are defined as arrhythmic MVP (AMVP). Non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT) during follow-up is found to be predictive of severe ventricular arrhythmias (VA); however, the impact of NSVT rate is less documented. Prospective studies using continuous rhythm monitoring in AMVP patients with LGE data are scarce. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the presence of fast NSVTs and LGE on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as prognostic factors for severe VA in patients with AMVP continuously rhythm monitored with an implantable loop recorder (ILR). Methods We included AMVP patients without previous severe VA for prospective VA monitoring with ILR implanted at inclusion. NSVT was defined as ≥ 3 consecutive beats with heart rate &gt; 100 beats per minute (bpm). We recorded the number of NSVTs below and above rate of 180 bpm with fast NSVT defined as rate &gt; 180 bpm. Life threatening VA was defined as aborted cardiac arrest, appropriate treatment by primary preventive implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, sustained ventricular tachycardia or NSVT with hemodynamic instability. CMR with LGE was performed within 18 months after inclusion. Results 52 patients (71 % female, mean age 48 ±16 years) were monitored with ILR for a mean duration of 36 ± 6 months. Severe VA occurred in six patients during follow-up. Five of six patients (83%) with severe VA had fast NSVT during follow-up, and fast NSVT predicted severe VA with OR 15.91 (95% CI 1.67-151.15, P=0.02). Also, a higher number of fast NSVTs predicted risk of severe VA (OR 1.63, [95% CI 1.08-2.46], P=0.02.) Presence of NSVT &lt; 180 bpm and the number of NSVTs &lt; 180 bpm were not associated with severe VA (P&gt;0.05). 41 patients underwent CMR with LGE present in 7 (17%) patients. Of the 6 patients with severe VA, 5 underwent LGE-evaluation, and 3/5 (60%) had LGE present on CMR with an association between presence of LGE and severe VA with an OR of 12.00 (95% CI 1.52-95.03, P=0.02). Patients with LGE had a higher number of NSVTs &gt; 180 bpm compared to those without (incidence rate ratio 3.89, [95% CI 1.02-14.83], P=0.048). Conclusion Fast NSVT with rate &gt; 180 bpm predicted severe VA in AMVP patients prospectively monitored with ILR while NSVT with rate &lt; 180 bpm did not. Presence of LGE was associated with severe VA and a higher number of fast NSVTs. These results support NSVT &gt; 180 bpm as an important risk marker in patients with AMVP.

• Sørlie, Anna Louise Astad; Tuijnenburg, Fenna; Nord, Ebba; Haby, Ivana; Braunschweigh, Frieder & Scheirlynck, Esther [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2026). No ventricular arrhythmias in 522 deliveries in women with Brugada syndrome using conventional anaesthesia and analgesia. doi: https:/esc365.escardio.org/presentation/329095. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract presentation of a Retrospective Multicenter study of Ventricular arrhythmias during pregnancy, delivery and within 6 months postpartum in 522 deliveries in women with Brugada Syndrome and/or SCN5A variants with a special focus on analgesia and anaesthesia.

• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Exercise in AMVP. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Vårmøte 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). 2025 ESC Guidelines for the management of cardiovascular disease and pregnancy. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). From risk stratification to novel therapies in Arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse. Full text in Research Archive
• Olsen, Paul Anders Sletten; Leren, Ida Skrinde; Lie, Øyvind Haugen; Bugge, Cecilie; Beitnes, Jan Otto & Berge, Knut Erik [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). Cardiac function and the effect of heart failure treatment in patients with genotype-positive dilated cardiomyopathy. Full text in Research Archive
• Apostu, Alexandra; Olsen, Paul Anders Sletten; Bugge, Cecilie; Ionescu, Bogdana; Jurcut, Ruxandra & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Refining Risk Stratification for Ventricular Arrhythmias in Patients with Desmoplakin Cardiomyopathy. Full text in Research Archive
• Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian K.; Hasselberg, Nina Eide; Castrini, Anna Isotta; Aabel, Eivind Westrum & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Refining arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse definition by including left ventricular origin of arrhythmias. Full text in Research Archive
• Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian K.; Hasselberg, Nina Eide; Castrini, Anna Isotta; Aabel, Eivind Westrum & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2026). Refining arrhythmic mitral valve prolapse definition by including left ventricular origin of arrhythmias: Insights from long-term cardiac monitoring. Full text in Research Archive
• Tveten, Ingrid Elisabeth; Nyberg, John; Grue, Jahn Frederik; Helland, Ragnhild Holden; Melichova, Daniela & Nguyen, Thuy Mi [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2026). Deep learning segmentation and quantification of the left ventricle from the parasternal short axis view. European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 2047-2404. 27(Supplement_1). doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaf367.131. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Although parasternal short-axis (PSAX) images are routinely acquired during echocardiographic examinations, they remain under-utilized for quantitative analysis of the left ventricle (LV) morphology and function. This is even though PSAX offers a complete cross-sectional view of the LV myocardium, providing complementary information to apical views. The limited use of quantitative PSAX measurements is largely due to time-consuming manual workflows and inter-observer variability. Automated methods could help overcome these barriers and facilitate broader use of PSAX-based measurements in clinical practice. Purpose: To develop and evaluate a fully automated deep learning (DL) method for quantification of LV morphology and function from PSAX images. Methods: Two clinicians manually annotated the LV lumen and myocardium in PSAX images from 384 subjects for model development and 47 subjects for evaluation. A segmentation model based on nnU-Net was trained to delineate the LV lumen and myocardium. Model performance was assessed using Dice coefficients and the 95th percentile Hausdorff distance (HD95). Based on the segmentations, we calculated the cross-sectional lumen area and mean wall thickness (MWT) at end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES), LV fractional area change (LVFAC), and global circumferential strain (GCS). Agreement between DL-based and clinician-derived measurements was assessed and compared to inter-observer variability. We compared MWT at ED between subjects with hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medication) and those without hypertension. Results: The nnU-Net model achieved Dice coefficients of 0.94±0.03 and 0.86±0.07, and HD95s of 3.0±1.6 mm and 3.3±1.5 mm, for the lumen and myocardium, respectively. The nnU-Net outperformed inter-observer Dice (0.93±0.04 and 0.82±0.07) and HD95 (3.7±1.5 mm and 4.2±1.4 mm). Feasibility of the measurement pipeline was 90%. Agreement between DL-based measurements and observers was similar for GCS. For all other measurements, DL−observer agreement exceeded inter-observer agreement. For MWT ED the agreement with the mean of two observers (bias -0.4 mm and limits of agreement (LoA) -1.8 to 1.0 mm) was in line with the inter-observer comparison (bias 1.7 mm and LoA -0.2 to 3.5 mm). MWT at ED was significantly higher in subjects with hypertension than in those without (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The proposed DL-based measurement pipeline for PSAX enables automatic measurements of LV cross-sectional area, wall thickness and subsequent functional measurements. Agreement with manual measurements was high, and the method was able to detect structural differences associated with hypertension. These results highlight the potential of DL to unlock the value of PSAX analysis in comprehensive LV assessment.|

• Skinningsrud, Bendik; Vlaisavljevic, Katarina; Oppedal, Lars Sandve; Endresen, Johannes; Mohn, Vilde & Fladseth, Kristina [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). Normal cardiac function but discrete late gadolinium enhancement findings after COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis - a nationwide long-term follow-up study. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. 46(Supplement_1). doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf784.2573. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background/Introduction Vaccine associated myocarditis (VAM) was an unexpected adverse effect of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines administered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term cardiac effects of myocarditis cases have not been systematically investigated at a population level. Purpose Our aim was to investigate cardiovascular long-term adverse effects of COVID-19 mRNA VAM in a nationwide follow-up study. Methods Using individually linked national health register data we identified all cases of myocarditis occurring the first 90 days following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in the total population of Norway, including all ages, between December 2020 and April 2022. VAM cases were identified and validated by thorough medical record review using the Brighton Criteria. All confirmed VAM cases were invited to a follow-up study including clinical examination, blood tests, arrhythmia detection by 24hr ECG, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). We recruited an age- and sex-matched control group for a blinded comparison. Results Of 177 validated VAM cases in Norway, 115 (65%) agreed to participate (76% men, median age 33 and 54 years for men and women respectively, p &lt; 0.01). The follow-up examinations took place at median 20 (IQR 16-26) months after VAM. In VAM subjects, ECG showed 99% in sinus rhythm, with a median 3 (IQR 1-34) premature ventricular contractions (PVC), per 24 hrs. Troponin and NT-proBNP levels were normal in 99/115 (86%) (p = 0.14 vs. controls 47/50 [94%]) and 108/115 (94%) (p = 0.08 vs. controls 50/50 [100%]), respectively. By echocardiography there were no differences in left ventricular (LV) dimensions or function by LV ejection fraction (EF) between VAM subjects and controls (LV end diastolic diameter [EDD] 49±5 mm vs. 51±4 mm, p = 0.94, LVEF 54±6% vs. 57±4%, p = 0.99) (Figure). Although within normal range, absolute GLS was lower in VAM subjects compared to controls: GLS -18.0% [IQR -16.4- -19.7] vs. -18.7% [IQR -17.9- -19.5], p = 0.02). CMR (n=65 VAM, n=46 controls) detected discrete LGE in 28 (43%) VAM subjects, compared to 10 (22%) controls, p = 0.02. Conclusion This nationwide, population-based follow-up study of subjects with COVID-19 mRNA VAM found predominantly normal cardiac clinical and imaging findings after ∼2 years follow up. There were no significant differences between VAM subjects and controls regarding LV dimensions, EF, arrhythmic burden, or biomarkers. However, VAM subjects had a higher prevalence of discrete myocardial LGE, as well as subclinically slightly worse LV function as measured by GLS. The long-term clinical significance of LGE findings, which could potentially represent myocardial fibrosis, after Covid-19 VAM remains uncertain and warrants further investigation.Long-term cardiac findings after VAM

• Skinningsrud, Bendik; Vlaisavljevic, Katarina; Oppedal, Lars Sandve; Endresen, Johannes; Mohn, Vilde & Fladseth, Kristina [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). Long-term cardiac outcomes after COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Hypertrofisk kardiomyopati. [Internet]. Bristol Myers Squibb. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Procardio har fått forlengelse i 3 år. [Internet]. UIO webpage. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Genomics in pregnancy. [Internet]. Cardiovascular genomics insights. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Cardioobstretics. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Is this dilated cardiomyopathy? Left dominant arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Oversikt over ProCardio SFI. Full text in Research Archive
• Bjaalie, Jan G.; Løberg, Magnus; Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann; Nebb, Hilde Irene & Harbo, Hanne-Cathrin Flinstad (2025). Innovation – the final leg in the research relay race. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening (Tidsskriftet). ISSN 0029-2001. doi: 10.4045/tidsskr.25.0553. Full text in Research Archive
• Backer, Julie De & Haugaa, Kristina H (2025). The ‘Ten Commandments’ for the 2025 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy. European Heart Journal. ISSN 0195-668X. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf862. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Clinical care of family members and athletes heart. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Spyttprøve kan finne farlig hjerte­sykdom hos barn, ifølge forskere. [Internet]. forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Forskerne mener den nye prøven kan avsløre sykdommen fem år før andre undersøkelser.

• Monopoli, Giulia; Sadeghinia, Javad; Sundnes, Joakim; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Ribe, Margareth & Castrini, Anna Isotta [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2025). Arrhythmic mitral valve syndrome insights from left ventricular shape analysis. Full text in Research Archive
• Bugge, Cecilie; Five, Christian K.; Castrini, Anna Isotta; Hasselberg, Nina Eide; Dejgaard, Lars & Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2025). Linking ventricular ectopy to heart rate: Unveiling the hidden rhythm in mitral valve prolapse. Hjerteforum. ISSN 0802-1465. Full text in Research Archive
• Monopoli, Giulia; Sadeghinia, Javad; Sundnes, Joakim; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Ribe, Margareth & Castrini, Anna Isotta [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2025). Arrhythmic mitral valve syndrome insights from left ventricular shape analysis. Full text in Research Archive
• Monopoli, Giulia; Wifstad, Sigurd Vangen; Kihldal, Henrik; Sadeghinia, Javad; Sundnes, Joakim & Aabel, Eivind Westrum [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). MRI derived mitral valve and ventricle shape biomarkers for arrhythmic mitral valve syndrome. Full text in Research Archive
• Monopoli, Giulia; Haas, Daniel; Singh, Ashay; Aabel, Eivind Westrum; Ribe, Margareth & Castrini, Anna Isotta [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2025). DeepValve the first automatic detection pipeline for the mitral valve in CMR. Full text in Research Archive
• Skinningsrud, Bendik; Vlaisavljevic, Katarina; Oppedal, Lars Sandve; Endresen, Johannes; Mohn, Vilde & Fladseth, Kristina [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). Long-term follow-up after COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis shows normal cardiac function but discrete myocardial tissue characterization findings by magnetic resonance imaging. Full text in Research Archive
• Skinningsrud, Bendik; Vlaisavljevic, Katarina; Oppedal, Lars Sandve; Endresen, Johannes; Mohn, Vilde & Fladseth, Kristina [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). Normal cardiac function but discrete late gadolinium enhancement findings after COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis – a nationwide long-term follow-up study. Full text in Research Archive
• Skinningsrud, Bendik; Vlaisavljevic, Katarina; Oppedal, Lars Sandve; Endresen, Johannes; Mohn, Vilde & Fladseth, Kristina [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). Normal cardiac function but discrete late gadolinium enhancement findings after COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis – a nationwide long-term follow-up study. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). New perspectives in techologies and diagnostics. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Toppidrett og hjertet: Hva leter vi etter? Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Arrhythmias in practice. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Multimodality approach to the thick heart. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). 2025 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy: management of heart failure and arrhythmias. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). A new era of sudden cardiac death prediction. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Guidelines on Cardiovascular disease and Pregnancy: clinical cases. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Guidelines on Cardiovascular disease and Pregnancy: Ask the task force. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular disease and Pregnancy. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Opening session ESC guidelines Cardiovascular disease and Pregnancy. Full text in Research Archive
• Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann (2025). Samhandling mellom akademia og industri. Full text in Research Archive
• Forså, Marianne Inngjerdingen; Edvardsen, Thor; Haugaa, Kristina Ingrid Helena Hermann & Smedsrud, Marit Kristine (2026). The growing heart – from normal to pathology. Impact of exercise and genetics. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788234808258. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Athlete’s heart is a physiological cardiac adaptation to exercise, characterized by increased wall thickness and chamber size. These changes may overlap with early signs of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a genetic disease associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Distinguishing between the two conditions is crucial, yet data on paediatric athletes remain limited. Similarly, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy has mainly been studied in adults, leaving paediatric patients underrepresented. In the thesis The growing heart – from normal to pathology. Impact of exercise and genetics, Marianne Inngjerdingen Forså and co-authors investigate cardiac development in adolescent athletes and paediatric cardiomyopathy patients. The work is based on three longitudinal cohort studies. The authors describe signs of athlete’s heart in both males and females from age 12, with increasing sex differences during adolescence. Athletes of both sexes displayed wall thickness beyond upper reference values, suggesting a potential grey zone of left ventricular hypertrophy. Compared with age- and sex-matched genotype-positive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients, the athletes showed symmetrical cardiac growth and relative normalization of wall thickness as body size increased. In contrast, genotype-positive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients showed increasingly asymmetrical wall thickness. Two cases of cardiac arrest occurred after rapid disease progression. The thesis further examines arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in children and adolescents. Previous guidelines recommended cardiac evaluation of genotype-positive children from age 10–12 years. Forså and co-authors found high disease penetrance and a malignant phenotype before age 12, with progression to heart failure in early-onset disease. Arrhythmias were more frequent in adolescence. The thesis highlights the limitations of extrapolating findings from adults to paediatric populations.

View all works in NVA