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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.

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

❑ Assess the ECG

Antegrade AVRT

Retrograde AVRT