WPW pattern in the asymptomatic individual: has anything changed?

The patient with the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) ECG pattern has much in common with patients with other entities, such as long-QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome, which are associated with an identifying abnormality on ECG. All are relatively benign in the majority of afflicted individuals but nonetheless carry a risk of unexpected sudden death, which begs for some attempt at risk management. The WPW pattern differs from the others in that a highly effective curative procedure is available, albeit with some risk, leaving us with a decision to manage expectantly or intervene.