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What is dressler's syndrome?
9 October 2025
Dressler’s syndrome is a condition that causes the pericardium—the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart—to become inflamed due to an acute myocardial infarction, surgery, or certain cardiac procedures. It usually appears days, weeks, or even months after these events.
Dressler’s syndrome is also known as post-myocardial infarction syndrome, post-traumatic pericarditis, postcardiac injury syndrome, and postpericardiotomy syndrome. It typically causes sharp chest pain as the irritated layers of the pericardium rub against each other.
Scientific studies indicate that the likely cause of Dressler’s syndrome is the immune system’s response to prior heart damage. The body reacts to the affected tissue by releasing immune cells and antibodies to detoxify and restore the damaged area, which leads to excessive inflammation in the pericardium.
Signs and symptoms Dressler's Syndrome
Dressler’s syndrome mainly manifests with pleuritic chest pain, which means it intensifies with deep breathing or coughing. This pain can appear weeks after a person has experienced an acute myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, or a heart injury.
It’s also common to have a low-grade fever, a general feeling of being unwell, and sometimes difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the pericardium, a condition known as a pericardial effusion.
Beyond the pain and fever, patients may also experience pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium) and signs of systemic inflammation like intense fatigue or elevated inflammatory markers in the blood.
In more severe cases, a pleural effusion can occur, which is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs or heart. This worsens symptoms and may require urgent medical intervention.
Diagnosis Dressler's Syndrome
The diagnosis of Dressler’s syndrome is clinical, supported by a recent history of infarction, surgery, or cardiac trauma, along with the characteristic symptoms of the condition.
Auscultation can reveal a pericardial rub, a key finding that indicates pericardial inflammation. To confirm the suspicion, additional studies like an electrocardiogram (ECG) are used. Blood tests are also performed to evaluate inflammatory markers.
An echocardiogram is useful for detecting the presence of a pericardial effusion and ruling out other possible complications. Sometimes, a chest X-ray or a CT scan may be ordered to assess any pleural involvement or to confirm the diagnosis when there is clinical doubt.
Treatment Dressler's Syndrome
The treatment for Dressler’s syndrome is based on controlling inflammation and alleviating symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first line of therapy and help reduce chest pain and fever.
In more severe or resistant cases, especially if there is a significant pericardial effusion, corticosteroids may be prescribed. If a massive pericardial effusion or signs of cardiac tamponade are present, a pericardiocentesis may be indicated to drain the fluid from the pericardium.
It’s crucial to treat the underlying cause and follow up closely with a doctor to avoid long-term complications.
At the Cardiovascular Center of Centro Médico ABC, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
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Ricardo Ostos
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