In 22 patients (age range 13–40 years) with Wolff-Parkinson-White ECG pattern without evidence of associated cardiomyopathy we measured the anterograde effective refractory period of the accessory pathway (ERP-AP) by extrastimulus method (at twice diastolic threshold) during atrial pacing (100/min). The ERP-AP range was 220–480 ms. There was a significant direct correlation between age and ERP-AP (r = 0.50, p < 0.01). An ERP-AP ≤ 250 ms was found in 4 patients (age ≤ 23 years). This is noteworthy in the light of reports that, over the years: (1) typical Wolff-Parkinson-White ECG signs can disappear and (2) the frequency of tachycardic episodes decreases. Our data suggest a lower risk of high ventricular rates during atrial fibrillation with increasing age.

Keywords:
Accessory pathway, Preexcitation, Refractoriness, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
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© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
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