Dressler syndrome (heart sac inflammation following heart attack or heart surgery)

About Dressler syndrome (heart sac inflammation following heart attack or heart surgery)

Inflammation of the pericardial sac and is a n occasional complication of a heart attack or heart surgery. The pericardial sac surrounds the heart. The inflammation is thought to be secondary to an abnormal immune response, and usually develops several weeks or months after heart tissue injury.

Symptoms

Chest pain, chest pain that improves with sitting up, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. An EKG can show characteristic abnormalities, and an echocardiogram will demonstrate fluid surrounding the heart. A chest CT scan and/or MRI may show similar findings.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, EKG, MRI, Troponin, X-ray.

Path 3 — Prescription Options

Prescription medications

Conventional treatment summary

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help reduce the inflammation and/or pain. If the amount of fluid around the heart is large or impairs heart function, it can be removed with a needle (pericardiocentesis). Severe cases may require surgery to remove the pericardium (pericardiectomy). For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov American Heart Association: (800)242-8721

Medical specialties

Cardiology · Pediatric Cardiology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Dressler syndrome (heart sac inflammation following heart attack or heart surgery).