Atrial fibrillation and preexcitation - A licence to kill

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation becomes a potentially lethal arrhythmia in the presence of preexcitation because the rapid ventricular activation can result in ventricular fibrillation. Fortunately, radiofrequency ablation is an effective treatment for these patients. Specific points of interest regarding this association are the mechanism of increased incidence of atrial fibrillation and the current management of patients presenting in atrial fibrillation. These are discussed in this editorial. Keywords: Atrial fibrillation, Preexcitation, Ablation