What arrhythmia might be indicated by a "bunny ear" appearance on the ECG?

The "bunny ear" appearance on an ECG is characteristic of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome (WPW). This morphology arises due to the presence of an accessory pathway that leads to a pre-excitation of the ventricles. Specifically, WPW is associated with rapid depolarization seen on the ECG as a result of the bypass tract, which manifests as a distinct pattern in the QRS complexes, often resembling "bunny ears" because of the notched appearance.

The presence of this pattern signifies the early activation of the ventricles and can often lead to other arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, which can complicate the clinical picture. Understanding the significance of the "bunny ear" appearance is critical in identifying the underlying presence of WPW, which facilitates proper management and intervention in patients exhibiting this ECG finding.