Accessory pathways-related tachycardias: Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome and atrioventricular reentrant tachycardias
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.