Pericarditis; post-MI
Alternative names:
Dressler's syndrome; post-cardiac injury syndrome; post-MI pericarditis; postcardiotomy pericarditis
Treatment:
The goals of treatment are to improve heart function and reduce symptoms.
Aspirin (see salicylates - oral), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), or corticosteroids (see corticosteroids - oral) may be used to relieve inflammation of the pericardium. Other medications may include analgesics to relieve pain and diuretics to remove excess fluid.
Little activity is recommended; bedrest with the head elevated helps reduce the workload of the heart.
The removal of excess fluid from the pericardial sac (pericardiocentesis) may be recommended in some cases. Cutting or resection of part of the pericardium (surgical pericardiectomy) is rare in the treatment of post-MI pericarditis.
Expectations (prognosis):
This disorder may be life-threatening if untreated. Recurrences are common even with adequate treatment.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms of post-MI pericarditis occur.
Call your health care provider if post-MI pericarditis has been diagnosed and symptoms persist or recur despite treatment.
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