Describe Dressler syndrome and its pathologic hallmark.

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Multiple Choice

Describe Dressler syndrome and its pathologic hallmark.

Dressler syndrome is an autoimmune-mediated pericarditis that follows a myocardial infarction, usually occurring weeks after the event. It results from an immune response against cardiac antigens exposed by myocardial injury, leading to inflammation of the pericardium rather than infection. The pathologic hallmark is fibrinous pericarditis, often with a serosanguinous pericardial effusion. The pericardial surfaces show fibrinous exudate—sometimes described as a “bread-and-butter” appearance—with a bloody-tinged or serous effusion accompanying the irritation. This distinguishes it from infectious endocarditis, viral myocarditis without pericarditis, or uremic pericarditis, which have different origins or contexts.

Dressler syndrome is an autoimmune-mediated pericarditis that follows a myocardial infarction, usually occurring weeks after the event. It results from an immune response against cardiac antigens exposed by myocardial injury, leading to inflammation of the pericardium rather than infection.

The pathologic hallmark is fibrinous pericarditis, often with a serosanguinous pericardial effusion. The pericardial surfaces show fibrinous exudate—sometimes described as a “bread-and-butter” appearance—with a bloody-tinged or serous effusion accompanying the irritation. This distinguishes it from infectious endocarditis, viral myocarditis without pericarditis, or uremic pericarditis, which have different origins or contexts.

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