Figure 1
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
| Inclusion criteria | |
|---|---|
| 1. | ECG showing a WPW pattern (mandatory) |
| 2. | ECG documented arrhythmia +/− structural heart disease |
| 3. | Aborted SD or syncope |
| 4. | Typical symptoms (sudden onset and termination of palpitations) alone or associated with sudden familial death with or without ECG-tracing documentation |
Dimensions of the left heart structures in athletes with WPW syndrome/pattern
| Echographic Findings in Athletes with WPW, Mean Values | |
|---|---|
| LV end-diastolic diameter | 4.53 ± 0.60 cm |
| LV end-systolic diameter | 2.70 ± 0.57 cm |
| IVS | 1.00 ± 0.15 cm |
| PWLV | 0.96 ± 0.16 cm |
| EFLV | 65.39 ± 6.96% |
| LA surface | 17.42 ± 2.71 cm2 |
Distribution of accessory pathways according to localization
| Localization of the APs | n (%) |
|---|---|
| Left-sided | 39 (46.42) |
| Right-sided | 36 (42.84) |
| Midseptal & anteroseptal | 9 (10.71) |
| Multiple pathways (4LS, 3 LR, 2 RS) | 9 (10.71) |
Distribution of patients with sudden death risk criteria
| Parameters | WPW syndrome n (%) | WPW pattern n (%) | Total n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short EARP AP<250 ms | 15 (17.85) | 2 (2.38) | 17 (20.23) |
| Minimal pre-excited RR interval during AF <250 ms | 1 (1.19) | 2 (2.38) | 3 (3.57) |
| Reentry tachycardia with hemodynamic collapse and syncope | 0 (0) | 1 (1.19) | 1 (1.19) |
| Syncope during pre-excited AF | 2 (2.38) | 1 (1.19) | 3 (3.57) |
Distribution of patients by age-standardized groups
| Category | Age | n (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Children | 10–11 | 8 (9.52) |
| Cadets | 12–13 | 7 (8.33) |
| Junior | 14–16 | 6 (7.14) |
| Youth | 17–18 | 9 (10.71) |
| Seniors | >18 | 54 (64.28) |
The distribution of athletes by endurance/nonendurance sports
| Sports, n (%) | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cycling | 12 (14.28) | ||
| Endurance Sports | Cross country/marathon running | 18 (21.40) | 38 (45.23%) |
| Swimming | 6 (7.14) | ||
| Rugby | 2 (2.38) | ||
| Football | 25 (29.76) | ||
| Judo | 5 (5.95) | ||
| Handball | 5 (5.95) | ||
| Nonendurance Sports | Basketball | 4 (4.76) | |
| Kayaking | 3 (3.57) | ||
| Gymnastics | 2 (2.38) | 46 (54.76) | |
| Outdoor climbing | 1 (1.19) | ||
| Ice skating | 1 (1.19) |