Dressler's syndrome often occurs within several weeks or months after myocardial infarction. It can occur repeatedly. Patients have complications of pericarditis, pleurisy or pneumonia. Symptoms include fever, chest pain, leukocytosis and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The symptoms may be caused by allergic reactions of the body to the necrotic tissues. Prednisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used for treatment. Pericardial drainage can be done to prevent pericardial cavity fluid retention. Prognosis is good if the patients are treated in time.
How is Dressler's syndrome treated in practice?