Noninvasive contemporary imaging with echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provide comprehensive characterization of the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) heart including precise definition of LV wall thickness and reliable identification of morphologic abnormalities of the mitral valve, LV chamber and myocardial tissue characterization with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE; fibrosis). Imaging also contributes to identification of patients at-risk for sudden death, including novel high risk features such as LV apical aneurysm and extensive LGE. Exercise [stress] echocardiography should be considered to demonstrate physiologic provocation of gradients and to distinguish from patients with nonobstructive HCM. Multimodality imaging identifies patients who are optimal candidates for invasive septal reduction therapy and directs preoperative planning for extended myectomy and to optimize alcohol septal ablation. Contemporary imaging interwoven with contemporary management strategies have resulted in a low HCM-related mortality rate.
EditorsEditor-in-ChiefY.S. Chandrashekhar, MD, DM, FACCCME EditorRagavendra R. Baliga, MDAuthorMartin S. Maron, MD
CME/MOC/ECME InformationTarget AudienceJACC Journal CME/MOC is intended for physicians who treat patients with cardiovascular disease.Important DatesDate of Release: September 7, 2020Term of Approval/Date of CME/MOC/ECME Expiration: September 6, 2021