Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome





    Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) is caused by the presence of an abnormal accessory electrical conduction pathway (the bundle of Kent) between the atria and the ventricles. It may stimulate the ventricles to contract prematurely.



ECG Signs:

  • Rate: < 100 beats/min
  • Rhythm: Regular
  • PR interval: P wave normal; PR interval short (< 0.12 second)
  • QT interval: Duration (> 0.10 second) with slurred QRS complex)
    • type A has delta wave, RBBB, with upright QRS complex V1; 



(type A. lifeinthefastlane.com)


    • type B has delta wave and downward QRS-V1;
  •  ST segment and T wave usually normal

(type B. lifeinthefastlane.com)

!!! Digoxin should be avoided in the presence of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome because it increases conduction through the accessory bypass tract (bundle of Kent) and decreases AV node conduction; consequently, ventricular fibrillation can occur.

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