What is Dressler syndrome?

Dressler syndrome is an immune-mediated condition that typically occurs several weeks to months following a myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack. This syndrome is characterized by symptoms such as fever, chest pain, and a pericardial effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity surrounding the heart.

The underlying mechanism involves an autoimmune response where the body mounts an immune reaction against myocardial antigens that may have been exposed during the necrosis (death) of cardiac tissue due to the MI. This response can lead to inflammation of the pericardium, resulting in the symptoms associated with Dressler syndrome.

Understanding this condition is crucial in the context of post-MI complications, as it differentiates it from more immediate complications that occur right after an MI, such as pump failure or arrhythmias. Additionally, it is not classified as a type of heart failure nor is it a hereditary condition, highlighting its distinction from other cardiac conditions. Therefore, recognizing Dressler syndrome as an immune response that arises after the initial event of an MI is essential for diagnosis and subsequent management.