Dressler's syndrome

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Dressler's syndrome is a type of pericarditis, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium). Inflammation associated with Dressler's syndrome is believed to be an immune system response following damage to heart tissue or the pericardium, such as a heart attack, surgery or traumatic injury.

Dressler's syndrome symptoms include chest pain, much like that experienced during a heart attack, and fever.

With recent improvements in heart attack treatments, Dressler's syndrome is less common than it used to be. However, once you've had this condition, it may recur.

Dressler's syndrome is also known as postpericardiotomy, post-myocardial infarction syndrome and post-cardiac injury syndrome.

References
  1. Hoit B. Pericardial disease. In: Fuster V, et al., eds. Hurst's The Heart. 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008.
  2. Hoit BD. Pericardial and postpericardial injury syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
  3. LeWinter MM. Pericardial complications of myocardial infarction. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10. 2010.
  4. Pericarditis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec07/ch078/ch078a.html?qt=Post%20pericardiotomy%20&alt=sh. Accessed Feb. 12, 2010.
  5. Heffner JE. Pleural effusions following cardiac surgery. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
  6. Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 1, 2010.
DS00666 May 11, 2010

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