[Multi-electrode mapping from thoracic surface in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome]

Body surface potentials mapping is a new method of heart electric phenomena visualisation. Attempts of accessory conduction pathways localisation in 9 patients with overt and in 1 with concealed WPW syndrome are presented. In 4 pts the preexcitation with QRS complex > 120 ms was clearly seen, in next 4 individuals that symptom was less evident and in one case the retrograde conduction through the accessory pathway was hardly noticed. The isopotential maps allowed precise localisation of the accessory pathways ventricular insertion in all patients with QRS > 120 ms and in one with QRS < 120 ms. After successful dissection of accessory pathways, isopotential maps became normal. In patients with slight signs of preexcitation, noninvasive (transesophageal) or invasive atrial stimulation could improve the visibility of accessory pathways localisation.