Korean J Pain.  2016 Oct;29(4):262-265. 10.3344/kjp.2016.29.4.262.

Depression masquerading as chest pain in a patient with Wolff Parkinson White syndrome

• Madabushi
• Agarwal A
• Tewari S
• Gautam SK
• Khuba S

• KMID: 2354219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2016.29.4.262

Abstract

Wolff Parkinson White (WPW) syndrome is a condition in which there is an aberrant conduction pathway between the atria and ventricles, resulting in tachycardia. A 42-year-old patient, who was treated for WPW syndrome previously, presented with chronic somatic pain. With her cardiac condition in mind, she was thoroughly worked up for a recurrence of disease. As part of routine screening of all patients at our pain clinic, she was found to have severe depression as per the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) criteria. After ruling out sinister causes, she was treated for depression using oral Duloxetine and counselling. This led to resolution of symptoms, and improved her mood and functional capability. This case highlights the use of psychological screening tools and diligent examination in scenarios as confusing as the one presented here. Addressing the psychological aspects of pain and adopting a holistic approach are as important as treatment of the primary pathology.

Keyword

Chronic pain; Depression; Duloxetine; Psychological tools; Somatic pain; WPW syndrome

MeSH Terms

Adult
Chest Pain*
Chronic Pain
Depression*
Duloxetine Hydrochloride
Humans
Mass Screening
Nociceptive Pain
Pain Clinics
Pathology
Recurrence
Tachycardia
Thorax*
Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome*
Duloxetine Hydrochloride

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