In pediatric cases of Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome, which test would confirm the diagnosis?

In pediatric cases of Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is the definitive test to confirm the diagnosis. WPW is characterized by the presence of an accessory conduction pathway that can lead to episodes of tachycardia.

The ECG reveals specific patterns associated with the syndrome, such as a shortened PR interval and a delta wave, which indicates early depolarization of the ventricles due to the accessory pathway. These distinct features on the ECG are crucial for differentiating WPW from other types of arrhythmias and confirming the diagnosis.

Other tests, such as blood tests, physical examinations, or X-rays, do not provide the necessary information to confirm WPW syndrome. While a blood test might be helpful in ruling out other conditions, it does not reveal the electrical conduction abnormalities present in WPW. Physical examination may detect symptoms such as palpitations but cannot confirm the syndrome. X-rays are primarily used for structural assessments and do not provide relevant cardiovascular information for this specific arrhythmia. Thus, the ECG is essential for the diagnosis of Wolf-Parkinson-White syndrome in pediatric patients.