Dressler's syndrome is a complication following which event?

• A. Pulmonary embolism
• B. Heart failure
• C. Myocardial infarction
• D. Stroke

Answer: (C)

Dressler's syndrome is an autoimmune-mediated pericarditis that follows myocardial infarction. It typically appears weeks after the MI as the immune system reacts to cardiac antigens released during necrosis. Patients often have fever, pleuritic chest pain, a friction rub, and may develop a pericardial effusion. ECG may show diffuse ST elevations and PR depressions; echocardiography can detect the effusion. Treatment focuses on anti-inflammatory therapy such as aspirin or other NSAIDs and sometimes colchicine, with steroids reserved for refractory cases. This condition is specific to injury of the heart muscle from an infarct, not linked to stroke, pulmonary embolism, or heart failure.