Wolff - Parkinson White syndrome

Question 1

Define

Answer 1

Predisposing to supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs)
􏰀 Short PR interval
􏰀 Wide QRS complex due to slurred upstroke (delta wave)
􏰀 ST-T changes
Most common of the ventricular pre-excitation syndromes

Question 2

Cause

Answer 2

Congenital accessory conduction pathway (bundle of Kent) between atria and ventricles
Bypasses the atrioventricular node causing ventricular pre- excitation

Question 3

Epidemiological

Answer 3

2-4/1000 More common in MALES

Found in all ages, most common in young, previously health pts Prevalence decreases with age because of loss of pre-excitation

Question 4

Symptoms

Answer 4

Asymptomatic

symptoms: palpitations, light- headedness/ syncope

Question 5

Signs

Answer 5

Patients present with SVT which may be due to an AVRT, pre- excited AF, or pre-excited atrial fl utter
􏰀 Palpitations, light-headedness, syncope
Refer to cardiologist for electrophysiology and ablation of accessory pathway

Question 6

Investigations

Answer 6

1. ECG
2. blood
3. structural defects