A case of the Wolff-Parkinson-White ECG abnormality in a trainee military pilot

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome is a disorder of cardiac conduction which may cause recurrent atrial and ventricular rhythm disturbances, and even sudden death. The diagnosis of this condition or, more frequently the associated electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormality, in a professional aircrew member has, until recently, been cause for disqualification of that individual from flying status. The recent use of electrophysiological studies (EPS) in patients with WPW, and the use of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to the accessory pathway(s), offers aircrew a safe and effective treatment for their condition.