Ventricular fibrillation during transesophageal atrial pacing in an infant with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

A complication of transesophageal atrial pacing in an infant with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW) is reported. A newborn infant born with fetal hydrops had recurrent supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) that required repeated successful conversion by transesophageal atrial pacing. Because of secondary left ventricular dysfunction, digoxin was administered. During repeat transesophageal atrial pacing for recurrent SVT, ventricular fibrillation occurred. Although it is unclear which of several possible contributing factors was responsible for the ventricular fibrillation, recommendations are appropriate to minimize the risk in infants with WPW.