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Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Echo Research & Practice
https://doi.org/10.1186/s44156-025-00078-z
*Correspondence: Background
Clare M. Culshaw Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy is a disease of cardiac
Clare.Culshaw@lhch.nhs.uk
Robert M. Cooper myocytes characterised by left ventricular hypertrophy
Rob.Cooper@lhch.nhs.uk (LVH) in the absence of abnormal loading conditions.
1
2
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK Most commonly observed pathogenic genetic variants in
Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, Bath, UK
3
University of Bath, Bath, UK those with HCM include changes in myosin heavy chain
4
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK 7 (MYH7) and myosin binding protein C3 (MYBPC3)
5
6
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK genes. These variants contribute to the excessive myosin-
Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital, London, UK
7
University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK actin cross bridging that underpins the clinical features of
8
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK the disease [3]. Half of individuals carrying a pathogenic
9
10
Royal Papworth Hospital, London, UK variant express the disease by the third decade of life [3].
Guys and St Thomas Hospital, London, UK
11
Sports and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Additional core pathophysiological features include dias-
Liverpool, UK tolic dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis and microvascular
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article
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Culshaw et al. Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Page 2 of 15
ischaemia. The classic form of LVH affects the basal ven- blockers as a second line therapy if betablockers are
tricular septum although other segments of the left ven- either ineffective, poorly tolerated, or contraindicated.
tricle can also be affected. The next management step includes either Disopyramide
The prevalence of HCM is estimated at 1:500 [4], with or Mavacamten [2]. Septal reduction therapy with either
UK Biobank data suggesting a general population preva- alcohol septal ablation or surgical myectomy is reserved
lence of LVH ≥ 15 mm in 0.11% in previously undiag- for patients with significant symptomatic LVOT obstruc-
nosed individuals [5]. With the improved diagnostic yield tion refractory to medical therapy [11].
of tests, family screening and the availability of genetic Mavacamten is a selective and reversible cardiac myo-
testing the genetic prevalence is expected to be as high sin ATPase inhibitor. It reduces the number of myosin
as 1:250 [6, 7]. These disease-causing genetic alterations heads in an active state. This shifts the overall myosin
affect the structure and function of sarcomeric proteins population towards an energy sparing, super-relaxed
resulting in molecular changes that cause excessive car- state, moving away from excessive cardiac myosin–actin
diac myosin–actin cross-bridging. This leads to a rise in cross-bridging. Mavacamten is reported to significantly
force generation and subsequent myocardial hypercon- reduce LVOT gradients, improve patients’ symptoms,
tractility [8]. A third of patients diagnosed with HCM improve exercise capacity, and reduce serum levels of
have evidence of LV outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction at N-terminal pro-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro BNP)
rest by the third and fourth decades of life [3]. Another and high sensitivity troponins [12, 13].
third develop evidence of LVOT obstruction with exer- Whilst Mavacamten has been shown to improve symp-
cise [9]. This is a result of the combination of the hyper- toms in study populations along with reduction in LVOT
trophied basal ventricular septum encroaching the obstruction, data from EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-
LVOT, myocardial hypercontractility, and systolic ante- HCM have shown that for up to 5% of patients there will
rior motion of the mitral valve into the LVOT. be a reduction of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) to < 50%
Patients predominantly present with symptoms of [12, 13]. Follow up data suggested that the drop in LVEF
shortness of breath, although exertional chest pain, dizzi- resolved with the cessation or dose reduction of Mava-
ness and/or syncope are also reported. An abnormal rest- camten [12]. The MAVA-LTE study reported long term
ing LVOT pressure gradient is defined at > 30 mmHg [2], outcome up to 3 years showing sustained improvements
however, a LVOT peak pressure gradient of > 50 mmHg in gradients and symptoms, with low volume of transient,
is used as threshold for initiating treatment with Mava- reversible reduction in EF [14].
camten or alternative invasive options such as alcohol Due to the potential risk of heart failure linked to drop
septal ablation or surgical myectomy [2]. The presence in LVEF, recent National Institute for Clinical Excellence
and magnitude of the LVOT obstruction is a predic- (NICE) guidance recommends a minimal level of safety
tor of disease progression to heart failure and mortality monitoring that should be implemented where Mavaca-
[10] and therefore an important indicator in this patient mten is used in clinical practice [1]. Echocardiography
population. has been recommended as the diagnostic tool for the
Treatment is primarily aimed at improving quality safety monitoring for patients prescribed Mavacamten.
of life in those with restricting symptoms. Treating cli- NICE guidance recommends surveillance echocardiog-
nicians should ensure that phenocopies of HCM that raphy as per the summary of product characteristics of
required alternative treatment modalities are ruled out the medication at weeks 4, 8 and 12 post initiation of
[2]. Historically management of patients with symp- Mavacamten followed by 24 weekly echocardiograms
tomatic LVOT obstruction includes lifestyle advice, long term. Echocardiography is also mandated 4 weeks
medications with negative inotropic effect and/or inva- after any dose change (see Figs. 1, 2). All echocardiogra-
sive septal reduction therapy. Lifestyle changes include phy data will be taken in to account at a clinical review
weight reduction, avoidance of dehydration and avoid- in combination with symptoms when considering dose
ance of excessive alcohol consumption. The European alterations.
Society of Cardiology recommends betablockers as first Due to the high frequency of surveillance echocardio-
line therapy, with non- dihydropyridine calcium channel grams stipulated by NICE this document by the BSE aims
Culshaw et al. Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Page 3 of 15
Fig. 1 Recommended algorithm for patients who are normal and rapid CYP metabolisers. *Interrupt treatment at any point if LVEF <50%
to standardise echocardiographic practice in this domain should be undertaken before initiation of treatment with
and support services in using clinically targeted echocar- Mavacamten. This should be performed with the patient
diograms to satisfy the requirements and allow safe mon- on standard medical treatment and will inform the next
itoring for patients using Mavacamten. Mavacamten is stage of treatment. In addition to a baseline echocardio-
currently the only licensed myosin inhibitor medication gram, it is recommended that patients undergo pharma-
in the UK. There is the potential for other myosin inhibi- cogenomic testing in order to assess metabolic activity
tor medications to reach the clinical space in the future. linked to removal of Mavacamten. (see Appendix 1 for
This document focusses on the use of Mavacamten as pharmacogenomic guidance).
this was the focus of NICE technology appraisal guid- Several practical considerations are important when
ance [1]. However, elements of this BSE protocol could evaluating echocardiographic protocols for those on
be used or adapted to other myosin inhibitors if their use myosin inhibitors:
requires monitoring in a similar manner to Mavacamten.
• The standardisation of manoeuvres used in the
The role of echocardiography and recommended baseline assessment of level of LVOT obstruction
Mavacamten protocol detected.
A full comprehensive echocardiographic assessment in • The increase in volume of echocardiograms due to
accordance with the British Society of Echocardiogra- the high frequency of surveillance scans (see Figs. 1,
phy Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy guideline [15, 16] 2, 3 and 4).
• The standardisation of monitoring scans.
Culshaw et al. Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Page 4 of 15
Fig. 2 Recommended algorithm for patients who are slow/poor CYP metabolisers or while CYP status is pending. *Interrupt treatment at any point
if LVEF <50%
follow up in 24 weeks
<30mmHg
Fig. 3 Maintenance assessment algorithm. Echocardiography should be performed every 24 weeks unless a dose titration is needed or LVEF drops
to < 50%
recommended by NICE guidance supports the concept and reported. The minimum dataset for a surveillance
of targeted echocardiography studies. For the purpose echocardiogram should include the licensing require-
of consistency, the protocol of surveillance echocardi- ments for Mavacamten as they are described in NICE
ography should be reproducible, accurately recorded Guidance [1]. There are also some echocardiographic
parameters that can optionally be acquired depending on
specific local departmental requirements.
Culshaw et al. Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Page 6 of 15
Fig. 4 Actions if LVEF drops to < 50%. If at any visit the patient’s LVEF is < 50%, the treatment should be interrupted for at least 4 weeks
and only restarted if LVEF ≥ 50%
Minimum dataset
Transthoracic echocardiography‑ for treatment using cardiac myosin inhibitor for treatment of obstructive hypertrophic
cardiomyopathy
Visual assess- plax 2D and CF Optimise colour flow doppler (CFD) settings.
ment of MR view doppler Adjust the lateral CFD region of interest (ROI)
to include 1 cm of the LV on the left lateral border
and the roof of the LA on the right lateral border
[15, 16]
Culshaw et al. Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Page 7 of 15
Optional measurements
A4C TR Vmax,
extent of TR
View Parameters
PLAX 2D
Colour Doppler for MV, LVOT and AV
M-Mode of MV leaflets for SAM
PSAX 2D MV Level
AP4C 2D and focused for Biplane
Simpsons and for GLS (GLS
is optional)
2D and focused LA for LA strain assessment is essential during surveillance of patients
(optional) being treated with Mavacamten, when values obtained
Colour Flow Doppler of MV fall on boundaries this may influence treatment deci-
CW Doppler for MR sions. The BSE recommend that contrast is used when
PW Doppler for Mitral inflow/TDI two or more segments cannot be visualised [24]. LV vol-
velocities at LV septal/lateral regions
(Optional) umes in both systole and diastole are greater when meas-
AP5C 2D ured using contrast agents than without as tracing of the
Colour Doppler for LVOT LV borders more reliably leads to inclusion of trabecula-
CW Doppler for LVOT resting/Val- tion within the cavity. Minimal detectable difference for
salva 2D contrast LVEF has been noted to be in the order of 4%
AP2C 2D and focused for Biplane in comparison to 9–11% for non-contrast 2D LVEF [25].
Simpsons and for GLS (GLS optional) The use of contrast can have unpredictable effects on 2D
2D and focused LA for LA strain
(optional) speckle tracking, therefore it is recommended the use of
Colour Doppler for MR contrast is given after strain acquisition [26]. If a contrast
Optional RV assessment recom- agent is required, it is recommended the BSE contrast
mended at week 12- 2D, CW Echocardiography: Practical guideline is adhered to [24].
doppler of TV, TR CW doppler, TAPSE,
TDI, PASP
Stress echocardiography
AP3C Valsalva with CW for LVOT
Exercise stress echocardiography may be required as
Colour Doppler for MR
part of standard of care for those symptomatic patients
Colour Doppler for LVOT, 2D for GLS
(Optional)
without obvious gradients at rest or with Valsalva (gra-
dients < 50 mmHg). Stress Echocardiography using a
treadmill or bike is recommended in patients with HCM,
Contrast echocardiography/ultrasound enhancing agents dobutamine infusion is not used as this is known to pro-
Suboptimal endocardial border definition can lead to duce increased outflow Doppler velocities in normal
errors in LV volume and LVEF estimation. Accurate LVEF hearts. If exercise stress echo is required please refer to
Culshaw et al. Echo Research & Practice (2025) 12:15 Page 14 of 15
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