post cardiotomy syndrome
Last reviewed 01/2018
The post cardiotomy syndrome is observed in patients 4-6 weeks after cardiac surgery (especially repair of atrial septal defects).
There is pericarditis and a pericardial effusion which may result in cardiac tamponade.
This condition should be suspected in any child who presents 4-6 weeks after cardiac surgery with flu-like symptoms.
The syndrome is closely related to Dressler's syndrome.