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Published on: April 25, 2014
Myocardial infarction in a patient with WPW syndrome. Lifting the veil
Vickram Vignesh Rangaswamy1, Akshay Balaji1, Sakthivel Ramasamy2
1Department of Cardiology, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, India.
Abstract:
Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) syndrome can mimic myocardial infarction (MI) due to the prominent repolarization changes secondary to abnormal myocardial activation by accessory pathway. Rarely these repolarization changes might mask the classical electrocardiographic (ECG) picture of MI and present with atypical ECG features, delaying the diagnosis in the emergency room. We present a case, where the onset of the MI in WPW syndrome was identified based on delta-T wave concordance, and QRS fragmentation.
Insights
Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome can mimic myocardial infarction. Specific ECG findings like delta-T wave concordance and QRS fragmentation helped identify myocardial infarction onset in a patient with WPW syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is characterized by abnormal electrical conduction in the heart.
- Repolarization changes in WPW syndrome can obscure the diagnosis of other cardiac conditions.
- Myocardial infarction (MI) diagnosis relies on characteristic electrocardiographic (ECG) findings.
Observation:
- A patient with WPW syndrome presented with symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction.
- The typical ECG features of MI were masked by the underlying WPW abnormality.
- Atypical ECG features were noted, posing a diagnostic challenge.
Findings:
- The study identified specific ECG markers, delta-T wave concordance and QRS fragmentation, indicative of MI onset in WPW syndrome.
- These findings highlight the potential for WPW to mask acute MI.
- Early recognition of these subtle ECG changes is crucial.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the importance of considering MI in patients with WPW syndrome, even with atypical ECG presentations.
- Awareness of these specific ECG findings can expedite MI diagnosis in WPW patients.
- Improved diagnostic strategies are needed for concurrent WPW and MI.
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