WPW syndrome complicated by another cardiac disorder

During the past 28 months, 16 cases of WPW syndrome were operated on at Hiroshima University Hospital. Two cases were complicated by other cardiac disorders which accelerated tachycardia, making diagnosis difficult. One of these cases showed serious mitral regurgitation, due to infective endocarditis and the patient suffered cardiac failure accompanied by paroxysmal tachycardia not responsive to medical therapy or cardioversion. A complex rhythm with atrial fibrillation and antegrade conduction rhythm through the accessory pathway made diagnosis and therapy quite difficult. The condition of the other patient was associated with myocardial bridging which caused angina pectoris during paroxysmal tachycardia. Myocardial scintigraphy showed myocardial ischemia in the antero-lateral area of the left ventricle. In the former case, mitral valve replacement and interruption of the accessory pathway were undergone simultaneously. In the latter case, myotomy of the muscle on segment 7 was conducted, following interruption of the accessory pathway.