Wolff-Parkinson-White

Question 1

WPW

Answer 1

A congenital abnormality which can result in supraventricular tachycardias that can use an accessory pathway, it’s a pre-excitation syndrome.

Question 2

WPW aetiology?

Answer 2

accessory pathway (bundle of Kent) is usually congenital. WPW is associated with congenital cardiac defects, Ebsteins anomaly, mitral valve prolapse, cardiomyopathies

Question 3

WPW epidemiology?

Answer 3

common, found in all ages, more common in young with prevalence decreasing with age. May occur in early childhood.

Question 4

WPW symptoms?

Answer 4

often asymptomatic, palpitations, light headedness, syncope , Paroxysmal SVT may be followed by a period of polyuria, due to atrial dilatation and release of ANP, sudden death if SCT deteriorates to VF.

Question 5

WPW investigations ECG?

Answer 5

short PR interval, broad QRS complex, slurred upstroke producing a delta wave

Question 6

WPW investigations others?

Answer 6

check bloods for causes of arrhythmias, echocardiogram to check for structural heart defects.