Dressler’s syndrome /dres″lərz/ [William Dressler, American physician, 1890–1969] , an autoimmune disorder that may occur several days to several months after acute coronary infarction, characterized by fever, pericarditis, pleurisy, pleural effusions, and joint pain. It results from the body’s immunological response to a damaged myocardium and pericardium. Treatment usually includes intensive aspirin therapy and, in severe cases, use of corticosteroids. A similar syndrome may occur after cardiac surgery. See also postmyocardial infarction syndrome.
