Dressler's Syndrome

Question 1

ESSENCE

Answer 1

Also called post-myocardial infarction syndrome

Question 2

AETIOLOGY

Answer 2

Local immune response and causes pericarditis

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES

Answer 3

• 2-3 weeks post MI
• Pleuritic chest pain
• Low grade fever
• Pericardial rub on auscultation

Question 4

COMPLICATIONS

Answer 4

Pericardial effusion

Pericardial tamponade

Question 5

INVESTIGATIONS

First line

Answer 5

• ECG - global ST elevation and T wave inversion
• ECHO - pericardial effusion
• Bloods - CRP and ESR

Question 6

MANAGEMENT

Answer 6

• NSAIDs (aspirin/ibuprofen)
• Steroids in more severe cases (prednisolone)
• Maybe pericardiocentesis (remove fluid around heart)