scholarly journals Old stuff still trending. Use of propafenone as a safety net until catheter ablation in a patient with documented pre-excited atrial fibrillation and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome—a classic case report

Author(s):  
Dimitrios Karelas ◽  
John Papanikolaou ◽  
Charalampos Kossyvakis ◽  
Dimitrios Platogiannis

Abstract Background Atrial Fibrillation in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome may result in life-threateningly rapid antegrade conduction over a bypass tract, manifested by an irregular broad-complex (pre-excited) tachycardia that can degenerate to ventricular fibrillation. Shortest pre-excited RR interval below 250msec during atrial fibrillation predicts increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Case summary We report a case of a 43-year-old man with unremarkable cardiac history who presented due to sudden-onset feeling of palpitations and pre-syncope after strenuous lifting. Electrocardiography depicted fast pre-excited atrial fibrillation. The shortest pre-excited RR interval was estimated at 160msec, indicating an accessory pathway with short antegrade refractory period at risk for mediating sudden cardiac death. Direct current cardioversion restored sinus rhythm unraveling delta-waves. The patient was put on propafenone 450 mg/day having an uneventful clinical course. On day-10 post-admission, electrophysiological study induced rapid atrial fibrillation but the shortest pre-excited RR interval was substantially increased to 264msec. A left anterolateral accessory pathway was ablated. The patient remained symptom-free until his latest follow-up in the third month post-ablation without manifest pre-excitation on surface electrocardiogram. Discussion Treatment options of pre-excited atrial fibrillation include anti-arrhythmic agents but mainly electrical cardioversion. Cardioversion can safely restore sinus rhythm, while use of anti-arrhythmics often requires ICU monitoring due to risk of QT prolongation. Catheter ablation is the mainstay of therapy for symptomatic patients. Our rare report highlights the direct impact of propafenone on prolonging the refractoriness of the accessory pathway, effectively and safely, and reappraises propafenone’s worthiness as a protective measure following pre-excited atrial fibrillation episode until ablation.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Ana Rita Pereira ◽  
Alexandra Briosa ◽  
Rita Miranda ◽  
Sofia Sequeira Almeida ◽  
Luís Brandão ◽  
...  

Background. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is an uncommon cardiac disorder characterized by the presence of one or more accessory pathways that predispose patients to frequent episodes of arrhythmias. The prognosis is usually good, but there is a lifetime risk of malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Case Summary. A 25-year-old male presented a witnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation rhythm. Due to rapid initiation of prehospital advanced life support, return of spontaneous circulation was observed. During the transport to the hospital, an irregular wide complex tachycardia suggestive of preexcited atrial fibrillation with haemodynamic instability was also observed and a synchronized shock was applied. Baseline 12-lead electrocardiogram was compatible with sinus rhythm and ventricular preexcitation pattern. After clinical stabilization, an electrophysiological study was performed confirming the presence of a left anterolateral accessory pathway with a short antegrade effective refractory period. Successful radiofrequency catheter ablation was achieved. Discussion. The reported clinical case recalls fundamental features of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and outlines the increasing evidence and importance of the invasive risk stratification and even catheter ablation in asymptomatic patients who suffer from this uncommon disease that may have a dramatic and fatal initial clinical manifestation.


2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 214-217
Author(s):  
Jae K. Ko ◽  
Young H. Kim ◽  
In S. Park

AbstractA 2-month-old baby was resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation attributed to a concurrent chaotic atrial tachycardia with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. He underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation of an accessory pathway. Throughout the 4-year follow-up after the procedure, the boy remained free of any drugs, was in sinus rhythm without ventricular pre-excitation and his growth and development were normal.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 60-72
Author(s):  
S E Mamchur ◽  
A V Ardashev

The causes of sudden cardiac death in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome are considered; necessity of endocardial electrophysiological study and radiofrequency catheter ablation is discussed, including asymptomatic patients with accessory pathways.


ESC CardioMed ◽  
2018 ◽  
pp. 2085-2091
Author(s):  
Jonathan Chrispin ◽  
Hugh Calkins

Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome is an uncommon clinical condition defined as manifest pre-excitation on electrocardiogram and symptoms of arrhythmias related to the abnormal conduction between the atria and ventricle. Years of invasive electrophysiological, along with histological and epidemiological studies has grown our understanding of the accessory atrioventricular pathway responsible for Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome. The overall prognosis for those with accessory pathways is excellent; however, a minority will experience symptomatic arrhythmias and rarely, sudden cardiac death. Fortunately, for those who are at high risk for sudden death, or for those who are highly symptomatic, catheter ablation has developed to become a curative therapy. This chapter details the anatomy, electrical properties, and assorted arrhythmias related to atrioventricular accessory pathways.


2005 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Radu Vatasescu ◽  
Laszlo Kornyei ◽  
Tamas Szili-Torok

Radiofrequency lesions can, theoretically, be the substrate for new persistent arrhythmias. As far as we know, this has never previously been encountered after transcatheter ablation of accessory pathways. A child with Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome was referred for radiofrequency catheter ablation of a left-sided accessory pathway. After successful ablation of the accessory pathway using a retrograde transaortic approach, the child developed an incessant wide QRS complex tachycardia at slow rate that was resistant to pharmacologic interventions. The focus of the tachycardia was identical to the ventricular site of insertion of the eliminated accessory pathway.


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