[Does patient age influence the indications for investigating asympatomatic Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome?].

Sudden death may be the presenting symptom of a Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Electrophysiological investigation is the best method of identifying high risk cases. The aim of this study was to determine whether this investigation should be proposed to all patients, irrespective of age. Transoesophageal stimulation was performed in 85 asymptomatic patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Of the 85 subjects, 13 were under 20 years of age, 30 under 30 years, 15 under 40 years, 16 under 50 years and 11 between 50 and 69 years of age. A protocol of incremental stimulation until 2nd degree AVB was attained and programmed atrial stimulation with one or two extrastimuli delivered on 2 paced cycles (600 and 400 ms) was used under basal conditions and with Isoprenaline. A malignant form of the condition was defined as the demonstration of two abnormalities: rapid conduction in the bundle of Kent (over 240/min) under basal conditions or over 300/min after Isoprenaline, and if it induced sustained atrial fibrillation (> 1 min). The results were: [table: see text] In conclusion, the number of malignant forms of the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is exactly the same, irrespective of age. Elderly patients remain at risk of malignant WPW syndrome because of the increased incidence of atrial fibrillation. Therefore, the authors recommend systematic evaluation of this syndrome if the patient has an active life-style especially with regard to sporting activities.