Dressler syndrome is when the heart’s pericardium becomes inflamed (Pericarditis). It is a result of heart tissue damage or the sac that surrounds the heart (pericardium). Moreover, Heart attacks, surgeries, and other trauma can cause this damage.
One of the most common symptoms is discomfort in the centre of the chest. It can compare to the anguish felt after a heart attack. It is also known as a postpericardiotomy syndrome, post-myocardial infarction syndrome, and post-traumatic Pericarditis.
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Why is it necessary to treat Dressler’s syndrome?
Dressler syndrome is linked with pleural effusion, a fluid buildup in the lungs. It might worsen if you don’t get help immediately for this problem.
Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid collects around the heart sac. It is one of the most serious consequences of chronic heart inflammation.
Further, pressure on the heart and difficulty delivering blood to specific body parts may result. Shock, organ failure, and even death can result from it.
Pericarditis with constrictive features is caused by the pericardium becoming thick or scarred due to long-term inflammation.
What causes Dressler syndrome?
Dressler syndrome’s cause is unknown. The pericardium’s immune system is thought to respond to cardiac surgery or heart attack, causing this complication to appear.
Immune cells and antibodies reach the site of an injury to aid in healing. On the other hand, an immunological response can lead to an overabundance of inflammation.
Dressler syndrome has been linked to various medical procedures, including open-heart surgery and coronary artery bypass surgery. It is also linked to percutaneous coronary intervention, pacemaker implantation, cardiac ablation, pulmonary vein isolation, and piercing chest trauma.
Dressler syndrome risk factors?
Heart attack survivors are more likely to suffer from Dressler disease. Several other factors can contribute to the development of this disease.
Factors may include younger age, viral infections, and history of Pericarditis. Moreover, previous prednisone treatment and operations involved more myocardial injury (e.g., valve replacement).
Treatment of Dressler syndrome
Dressler’s syndrome treatment aims to minimise inflammation and manage discomfort. Furthermore, medications and, if necessary, your physician may advise for surgery as part of a treatment plan.
Medications for Dressler syndrome
An anti-inflammatory drug comes to use as a primary treatment for Dressler syndrome.
Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
Colchicine
For patients with Dressler syndrome, aspirin is used frequently over other narcotics.
Another option is Indomethacin.
Your physician may prescribe corticosteroids if the other drugs fail. Prescription immunosuppressive drugs like this help lower inflammation in patients with Dressler syndrome.
It is possible that corticosteroids can cause major side effects. They may hinder the recovery of injured cardiac tissue following a heart attack or surgery. As a result, corticosteroids are typically reticent for last-resort situations.
Treating complications.
Dressler syndrome can lead to more invasive therapies, such as draining out the extra fluid. Your doctor will likely suggest pericardiocentesis. Hence, it removes excess fluid from the heart with an intravenous catheter if you’re experiencing cardiac tamponade. A local anaesthetic will usually work to carry out the surgery.
Pericardiectomy: Constrictive Pericarditis may necessitate pericardium removal in some cases.
Get ready for your appointment.
Attend your appointment with an open mind and be ready to share your experiences.
Moreover, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination with a stethoscope. Be ready to have blood collected if they do a complete blood count, cultures, or assess inflammation markers. Your doctor may do echocardiography if they believe you have Dressler syndrome. Before echocardiography, there is no need for any additional preparation.