Dressler's syndrome is a heart complication that occurs around 3 to 4 weeks after a heart attack. It is characterized by inflammation in the tissue surrounding the heart and may also affect the tissue that covers the lungs.
This complication can also lead to the accumulation of fluid in the lung, called a pleural effusion. The amount of fluid can be so great that it disrupts cardiac and pulmonary function, which is rare. In this case the proper treatment is surgery.
Symptoms of Dressler Syndrome
Are symptoms of Dressler syndrome:
- Chest pain, which worsens when the subject breathes;
- Difficulty breathing because of pain and
- Fever.
Dressler syndrome is diagnosed through clinical examination, evaluation of its signs and symptoms, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, and echocardiogram.
Treatment for Dressler's Syndrome
Treatment for Dressler's syndrome involves taking corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories for a period of 1 to 4 weeks or until remission of symptoms.
