Pathophysiological Interplay and Clinical Implications of Preexcited Atrial Fibrillation in Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a congenital cardiac conduction disorder characterized by the presence of an accessory pathway (AP) that facilitates abnormal ventricular preexcitation, predisposing affected individuals to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Among these, preexcited atrial fibrillation (AF) represents a critical clinical entity due to its propensity for rapid ventricular conduction, which may degenerate into ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This review examines the intricate electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the coexistence of WPW and preexcited AF, emphasizing the role of anomalous atrioventricular (AV) conduction in perpetuating reentrant circuits and facilitating irregular, high-rate ventricular responses. Furthermore, we explore contemporary risk stratification paradigms, diagnostic modalities including 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) and invasive electrophysiological studies (EPS), and evidence-based therapeutic approaches ranging from pharmacologic management to catheter ablation. By synthesizing current literature, this article aims to elucidate the clinical challenges and prognostic implications of preexcited AF in WPW syndrome, advocating for a tailored, patient-centric approach to mitigate adverse outcomes.
Authors: Donaldo Emiliano Silva lopez, Thania Briones Díaz de León, Dayanna Alexandra Morán Ornelas, Orlando González Castro, María Fernanda Esqueda Soto, Noemí Sarahi González Escareño
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6893181729
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: