Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome is caused due to presence of an abnormal band of atrial tissue connecting the atria and ventricles and bypassing the AV node. During sinus rhythm conduction take place partly through the AV node and partly through the bypass tract. This results in a short PR interval, a delta wave in the beginning of QRS complex due to activation of ventricles via the accessory pathway. This tract can act as a re-entry pathway and the patient may develop supraventricular tachycardia. Treatment in selected cases, radiofrequency ablation of the bypass tract can be done. Some complications are ventricular tachycardia and death.