Dressler's syndrome

This code represents Dressler's syndrome, also known as post-myocardial infarction syndrome. It is a form of secondary pericarditis that occurs days to weeks after a myocardial infarction, characterized by fever, pleuritic chest pain, and pericardial effusion. It is an autoimmune inflammatory reaction to myocardial injury.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states "Dressler's syndrome" following a myocardial infarction. Supporting documentation typically includes a history of recent MI, clinical signs of pericarditis (e.g., chest pain, friction rub), and diagnostic findings such as pericardial effusion on echocardiogram.

• Do not code with postinfarction angina (I23.7) as per the Excludes1 note.
• Ensure the documentation clearly links the pericarditis to a prior myocardial infarction.
• Sequence this code after the acute myocardial infarction (if still in the acute phase) or as the primary diagnosis if the patient is admitted specifically for Dressler's syndrome.