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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreatment goals for Dressler's syndrome are to manage pain and reduce inflammation. Medications commonly used include the following:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
- Naproxen (Aleve, others)
If these drugs don't help, the following drugs may be prescribed:
- Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug that may be used to treat persistent or recurring episodes of Dressler's syndrome. Because of potential serious side effects, such as liver and kidney damage, this treatment isn't an option for some people.
- Corticosteroids can suppress inflammation related to Dressler's syndrome. They're used only when other treatments don't work, because of the risk of serious side effects and because corticosteroids may interfere with the healing of damaged heart tissues after a heart attack or surgery.
Treating complications
Complications of Dressler's syndrome require more invasive treatments:
- Draining excess fluids. If the buildup of fluids around the heart disrupts heart function (cardiac tamponade), then you'll likely undergo a procedure called pericardiocentesis. A doctor uses a needle or small tube (catheter) to remove and drain the excess fluid. You'll receive a local anesthetic before the procedure.
- Removing the pericardium. If thickening or scarring of the pericardium reduces heart function (constrictive pericarditis), you may need to have the entire pericardium removed, a surgical procedure called pericardiectomy. The heart is usually able to function normally without the pericardium.
References
- Hoit B. Pericardial disease. In: Fuster V, et al., eds. Hurst's The Heart. 12th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008.
- Hoit BD. Pericardial and postpericardial injury syndromes. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- LeWinter MM. Pericardial complications of myocardial infarction. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10. 2010.
- 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.
- Heffner JE. Pleural effusions following cardiac surgery. http://www.uptodate.com/index.html. Accessed Feb. 10, 2010.
- Grogan M (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 1, 2010.
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