Differential Diagnosis for WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome)
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- WPW Syndrome: Characterized by the presence of an accessory electrical pathway in the heart, leading to pre-excitation of the ventricles and causing symptoms such as palpitations, tachycardia, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. The diagnosis is often made based on a typical ECG pattern showing a delta wave and shortened PR interval.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Atrial Fibrillation: A common arrhythmia that can be associated with WPW syndrome due to the accessory pathway. It presents with an irregularly irregular rhythm and can lead to rapid ventricular response.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT): Includes various types of tachycardias originating above the ventricles, which can be related to or exacerbated by the presence of an accessory pathway in WPW syndrome.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: Although less common, ventricular tachycardia can occur in the context of WPW syndrome, especially if there is significant pre-excitation leading to a very rapid ventricular response.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Tamponade: Although not directly related to WPW syndrome, cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition that can present with tachycardia and must be considered in any patient with acute cardiac symptoms.
- Myocardial Infarction: Acute myocardial infarction can sometimes present with arrhythmias and must be ruled out, especially in patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A condition that can cause tachycardia and must be considered due to its potential for severe consequences if missed.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lown-Ganong-Levine Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by an accessory pathway that connects the atria to the bundle of His, leading to pre-excitation and potentially causing arrhythmias similar to WPW syndrome.
- Mahaim Fiber Tachycardia: Involves an accessory pathway that connects the atrioventricular node to the ventricles, leading to a form of SVT. It is less common than WPW syndrome but can present with similar symptoms.
- Fasciculoventricular Pathway: A rare type of accessory pathway that connects the fascicles of the ventricles to the ventricular muscle, potentially causing pre-excitation and arrhythmias.