Dressler's syndrome

The Dressler 's syndrome is a special form of pericarditis, ie an inflammation of the pericardium, for the first time in 1956 described by William Dressler ( 1890-1969 ), then director of the Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn. It is caused not by pathogens, but occurs in 3% of cases 1-6 weeks after tissue death deeper muscle during a heart attack after injuries to the heart or after heart surgery ( Postmyokardiotomie syndrome) on.

In contrast to epistenocardica pericarditis, acute inflammation in the infarcted area, it is the Dressler 's syndrome a late immunological reaction at the pericardium after formation of cardiac muscle cell antibodies weeks or months after a heart attack.

The affected people develop fever, leukocytosis ( blood disorders caused by inflammation ), and often a pericardial effusion. Larger effusions affect the heart activity and need to be tapped in it; also can occur mechanically disturbing bonding of the two Perikardblätter. Next also occurs with pleurisy consecutive pleural effusions.

Treatment options such as NSAIDs Ibuprofen, as well as colchicine and glucocorticoids may be considered.

• Disease in cardiology