Postpericardiotomy syndrome.
The increase in major cardiac operations performed in the United States has been accompanied by an increase in the incidence of postpericardiotomy syndrome. Family physicians must be able to recognize the clinical picture, since patients may present several weeks postoperatively. Symptoms include malaise, pleuritic pain, dyspnea, myalgias, arthralgias and anorexia. Signs include fever, rales, friction rubs, effusions and leukocytosis. Anti-inflammatory drugs are effective.
Davenport
J
J
Southern California Permanent Medical Group, Irvine.
D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011185:Postpericardiotomy Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy