skip to main content

Dressler Syndrome — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateCardiologyDressler SyndromeRACP Adult Medicine

A 55-year-old man with a history of anterior STEMI 6 weeks ago presents with pleuritic chest pain, fever, and a pericardial friction rub. His ECG shows diffuse ST elevation with PR depression. CRP is 95 mg/L. Troponin is minimally elevated. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Dressler syndrome (post-MI syndrome)

Dressler syndrome (post-myocardial infarction syndrome) is an autoimmune pericarditis occurring 2–10 weeks after MI. Features include fever, pleuritic chest pain, pericardial friction rub, elevated inflammatory markers, and diffuse ST elevation with PR depression on ECG. It is thought to be caused by anti-myocardial antibodies. Treatment is with NSAIDs (or aspirin) and colchicine. Corticosteroids are second-line due to risk of impaired myocardial healing.

Reference: eTG – 2025 – Cardiovascular; ESC – 2015 – Pericardial Diseases Guidelines