Abstract
Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome is a heart disorder characterized by an additional electrical pathway from the atria to ventricular chambers and episodes of tachycardia. Although the incidence of WPW is relatively low, the pre-excitation syndrome can result in sudden cardiac death, with a higher prevalence noted in younger patient populations. We present a 19-year-old male collegiate football player in whom WPW syndrome was diagnosed during a checkup at a sports-medicine clinic for a rash on his back. Radiofrequency ablation resulted in successful treatment of WPW syndrome, and the patient gradually returned to increasing levels of sports-related activity. Orthopaedic physicians should be aware of the importance in asking simple questions such as “What else can we do for you today?” to possibly reveal severe conditions that may require multidisciplinary treatment.
Recommended Citation
Ashbaugh, Andrew D.; Fernando J. Tondato; and Christopher A. McGrew. "Diagnosis of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in a 19-Year-Old Collegiate Football Player Owing to a Routine Clinical Visit: A Case Report." UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal 5, 1 (2016). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/unm_jor/vol5/iss1/26
