Catecholamine challenge unmasking high-risk features in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Europace. 2009 Oct;11(10):1396-8. doi: 10.1093/europace/eup211. Epub 2009 Aug 4.

Abstract

Risk stratification in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is an important clinical problem given a small, but significant risk of sudden death. It has been widely accepted that intermittent pre-excitation is associated with a low-risk pathway. We report a case of WPW with intermittent pre-excitation at baseline, but with marked sensitivity to adrenergic stimulation, revealed by exercise and isoproterenol administration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Catecholamines*
  • Death, Sudden, Cardiac / prevention & control*
  • Electrocardiography / drug effects*
  • Exercise Test
  • Humans
  • Isoproterenol*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome / diagnosis*

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists
  • Catecholamines
  • Isoproterenol