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AVRT and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome

Reentrant tachycardia mediated by an accessory pathway between the atria and ventricles.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is AVRT and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome?

Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) is a supraventricular tachycardia caused by a congenital accessory pathway (bundle of Kent) between the atria and ventricles. It is most commonly seen in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome and is recognized by the characteristic delta wave on ECG.

During tachycardia the electrical impulse travels down through the AV node to the ventricles and returns to the atria via the accessory pathway (orthodromic AVRT), or in the reverse direction (antidromic AVRT). Atrial fibrillation in these patients can produce very rapid ventricular rates and may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation, leading to sudden death.

Diagnosis is based on the surface ECG delta wave and electrophysiology study. Treatment is catheter ablation of the accessory pathway, with success rates above 95% in symptomatic patients. Ablation is also recommended in selected high-risk asymptomatic patients.

Symptoms

Sudden-onset rapid palpitations
Chest pressure and discomfort
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Dyspnea
Syncope
Sweating during episodes
Rarely sudden cardiac death

Risk Factors

Congenital accessory pathway
Family history of WPW
Association with Ebstein anomaly
Certain inherited syndromes
Male sex (slight predominance)
Onset in younger age
Associated congenital heart disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Palpitations with syncope or presyncope
  • Family history of sudden cardiac death
  • Delta wave detected on ECG
  • Severe recurrent palpitations
  • Atrial fibrillation combined with WPW
  • Chest pain with palpitations

Treatment Methods

01
Catheter ablation of the accessory pathway (definitive)
02
Vagal maneuvers for acute episodes
03
Intravenous adenosine for AVRT
04
Procainamide or ibutilide for WPW with atrial fibrillation
05
Beta-blockers (contraindicated in some patients)
06
Lifestyle changes and trigger avoidance
07
Electrophysiologic risk stratification

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.