Which condition is most likely responsible for a syncopal episode in a patient with a short PR interval and delta wave on EKG?

Which condition is most likely responsible for a syncopal episode in a patient with a short PR interval and delta wave on EKG?

• A. Brugada syndrome
• B. Dextrocardia
• C. Vasovagal reaction
• D. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

Answer: (D)

The presence of a short PR interval and a delta wave on an electrocardiogram (EKG) is indicative of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. This condition is characterized by an accessory conduction pathway that allows for rapid electrical impulses to bypass the normal delays of the atrioventricular (AV) node, leading to potential reentrant tachycardias and subsequent syncopal episodes. In WPW syndrome, the delta wave represents an early upstroke in the QRS complex due to the premature ventricular depolarization caused by the accessory pathway. As a result, patients may experience episodes of rapid heart rates, which can lead to syncope, particularly during times of increased physical exertion or emotional stress. The other conditions listed do not align with the specific EKG findings presented. For instance, Brugada syndrome is associated with specific ST elevation patterns in the right precordial leads and can lead to arrhythmias, but the hallmark findings do not include a short PR interval or delta wave. Dextrocardia refers to a congenital anomaly in which the heart is positioned on the right side of the thorax and does not cause the EKG changes described. A vasovagal reaction typically results from autonomic responses

The presence of a short PR interval and a delta wave on an electrocardiogram (EKG) is indicative of Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. This condition is characterized by an accessory conduction pathway that allows for rapid electrical impulses to bypass the normal delays of the atrioventricular (AV) node, leading to potential reentrant tachycardias and subsequent syncopal episodes.

In WPW syndrome, the delta wave represents an early upstroke in the QRS complex due to the premature ventricular depolarization caused by the accessory pathway. As a result, patients may experience episodes of rapid heart rates, which can lead to syncope, particularly during times of increased physical exertion or emotional stress.

The other conditions listed do not align with the specific EKG findings presented. For instance, Brugada syndrome is associated with specific ST elevation patterns in the right precordial leads and can lead to arrhythmias, but the hallmark findings do not include a short PR interval or delta wave. Dextrocardia refers to a congenital anomaly in which the heart is positioned on the right side of the thorax and does not cause the EKG changes described. A vasovagal reaction typically results from autonomic responses