Dressler’s syndrome is a type of pericarditis i.e. inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium). This syndrome is believed to be an immune system response after heart tissue or the pericardium is damaged due to heart attack, surgery or traumatic injury. Symptoms include chest pain, which may be similar to chest pain experienced during a heart attack.
Dressler’s syndrome may also be called postpericardiotomy syndrome, post-myocardial infarction syndrome and post-cardiac injury syndrome. Recent advancements in heart attack treatment has reduced the incidence of Dressler’s syndrome.