Affiliation:
1. Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences University of Maryland School of Dentistry Baltimore Maryland USA
2. General Practice Residency Carilion Clinic, Roanoke Memorial Hospital Roanoke Virginia USA
3. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery University of Maryland School of Dentistry Baltimore Maryland USA
4. Oral‐Head and Neck Surgery/Microvascular Surgery, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery University of Maryland School of Dentistry Baltimore Maryland USA
Abstract
AbstractAimThe objective of this article is to review the demographics, diagnostic criteria, etiopathogenesis, comorbidities and management of Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome (WPWS). In addition, the relevant cardiovascular outcomes of published cases involving head and neck/oral and maxillofacial procedures were summarized.Materials and MethodsA search of the PubMed database, restricted to human studies published in the English language literature, was performed from 1960 through July 2021 for articles.ResultsThe search strategy yielded 24 patients, totalling 25 dates of treatment, with WPWS concordant with head and neck/oral and maxillofacial procedures, predominately involving biopsy, tumour resection and extractions; significantly, 5 of whom, experienced their first episode of WPWS while undergoing treatment of the head and neck. None of the procedures resulted in patient death.ConclusionsPractitioners should be familiar with the clinical features of WPWS and be prepared to manage emergent cardiovascular deterioration. Electrocardiogram monitoring of this cohort is advised during head and neck/oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, particularly involving general anaesthesia. Breakthrough episodes of WPWS may still occur in patients who have previously undergone cardioconversion.