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Overview

Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) is a syndrome of pre-excitation of the ventricles of the heart due to an accessory pathway known as the Bundle of Kent.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Life-threatening causes include conditions which result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome can be a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the underlying cause.

Common Causes

WPW is a congenic disease

Managment

Initial Management

Shown below is an algorithm summarizing the initial management of supraventricular tachycardia according to the 2003 ACC/AHA/ESC guidelines for the management of patients with supraventricular arrhythmias.

AVRT: AV reentrant tachycardia

Characterize the symptoms: ❑ Asymptomatic ❑ Palpitations ❑ Dyspnea ❑ Fatigue ❑ Chest discomfort ❑ Lightheadedness ❑ Syncope ❑ Polyuria Characterize the timing of the symptoms: ❑ Onset ❑ Duration ❑ Frequency

Identify possible triggers: ❑ Infection ❑ Caffeine ❑ Alcohol ❑ Nicotine ❑ Congenital heart disease ❑ Congestive heart failure ❑ Valvular disease ❑ Hypovolemia ❑ Acidosis ❑ Hyperthyroidism ❑ Hypoxia ❑ Anxiety ❑ Hypokalemia ❑ Hyperkalemia ❑ Hypoglycemia ❑ Hypothermia ❑ Toxins ❑ Stress ❑ Pulmonary embolism ❑ Coronary thrombosis ❑ Trauma

❑ Examine the patient ❑ Monitor the blood pressure ❑ Monitor the heart rate ❑ Order and monitor the ECG ❑ Assess and support ABC ❑ Give oxygen if needed ❑ Treat reversible causes if identified

Stable patient

Unstable patient

❑ Assess the ECG

❑ Urgent electrical cardioversion

Orthodromic AVRT The impulse travels from the atrium to the ventricle through the AV node and returns to the atrium through the accesory pathway. 90-95% of WPW ❑ Narrow QRS complexes ❑ Ventricular rate between 150-250 bpm (or more) usually regular ❑ Short PR interval less than one half of the tachycardia RR interval

Antidromic AVRT The impulse travels from the atrium to the ventricle through the AV node and returns to the atrium through the accesory pathway. 90-95% of WPW ❑ Wide QRS complexes ❑ Ventricular rate between 150-250 bpm (or more) usually regular ❑ Short PR interval more than one half of the tachycardia RR interval