Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Question 1

Define Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Answer 1

Pre-excitation syndrome caused by congenital abnormality involving the presence of
abnormal conductive cardiac tissue between the atria and the ventricles (Bundle of Kent
accessory pathway)

Question 2

What are the causes/risk factors of WPW syndrome?

Answer 2

Congenital cardiac abnormalities e.g. Ebstein’s anomaly

Question 3

What are the signs of WPW syndrome?

Answer 3

• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• SOB
• Chest pain
• Syncope

Question 4

What are the signs of WPW syndrome?

Answer 4

• Tachycardia
• Tachypnoea
• Pallor

ECG changes
• Short PR interval <0.12s
• Wide QRS complex >0.12s
• Slurred upstroke of QRS complex
(delta wave)
• AVRT (occurs in 70-80% of
patients

Question 5

What investigations are carried out for WPW syndrome?

Answer 5

• ECG - delta waves signify presence of an antegradely conducting AP; no delta waves can mean a concealed retrograde-only AP or an AP with intermittent pre-excitation
• echocardiogram
• treadmill exercise test
• electrophysiology study