WPW syndrome
Pronunciation: WOOLF PARK-in-son WAHYT
Also written as: WPW — Wolff-Parkinson-White
Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a pre-excitation disorder characterized by an accessory pathway that can cause supraventricular tachycardia.
Full Definition
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a cardiac pre-excitation disorder caused by the presence of an accessory electrical pathway (bundle of Kent) that bypasses the normal AV node conduction. This accessory pathway allows electrical impulses to reach the ventricles earlier than normal, creating characteristic ECG findings including a short PR interval, delta wave, and wide QRS complex. Patients with WPW syndrome are prone to atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) using the accessory pathway as part of the reentrant circuit. The condition can be associated with sudden cardiac death risk, particularly if the accessory pathway has rapid conduction properties during atrial fibrillation. Definitive treatment involves catheter ablation of the accessory pathway.
Usage
Usage note: Write as 'WPW syndrome' with capitals; distinguish from WPW pattern (ECG finding without symptoms).
In Context
- "The patient's WPW syndrome was successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation of the left lateral accessory pathway." — Procedure report
- "Risk stratification in WPW syndrome includes assessment of accessory pathway conduction properties." — Clinical guideline