Dressler syndrome is a heart complication that occurs approximately 3 to 4 weeks after a heart attack and is characterized by inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart, which can also affect the tissues lining the lungs.
This complication can also lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, called pleural effusion. The amount of fluid can be so large that it disrupts heart and lung function, which is rare. In this case, the appropriate treatment is surgery.
Symptoms of Dressler syndrome include
Diagnosis of Dressler syndrome is done by clinical examination, evaluation of your signs and symptoms, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray and echocardiogram.
Treatment for Dressler syndrome involves taking corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs over a period of 1 to 4 weeks or until symptoms go away.