Which sign is associated with postpericardiotomy syndrome?

Which sign is associated with postpericardiotomy syndrome?

• A. Toothache
• B. Friction rub, pleural effusion, & pericarditis
• C. Shortness of breath due to asthma
• D. Abdominal pain after meals

Answer: (B)

Postpericardiotomy syndrome is an inflammatory reaction after heart or pericardial surgery that targets the pericardium and nearby pleura. The hallmark signs are friction rub from pericarditis, pleural effusions from pleuritis, and the pericarditis itself. This combination—friction rub, pleural effusion, and pericarditis—best fits the syndrome, since it reflects the inflammatory process affecting both the pericardium and the adjacent pleural space. The other options don’t fit PCS: a toothache is unrelated to the heart or pericardium; shortness of breath can occur but isn’t specific to PCS and would not alone define it; abdominal pain after meals points to a gastrointestinal issue rather than postpericardiotomy inflammation.

Postpericardiotomy syndrome is an inflammatory reaction after heart or pericardial surgery that targets the pericardium and nearby pleura. The hallmark signs are friction rub from pericarditis, pleural effusions from pleuritis, and the pericarditis itself. This combination—friction rub, pleural effusion, and pericarditis—best fits the syndrome, since it reflects the inflammatory process affecting both the pericardium and the adjacent pleural space.

The other options don’t fit PCS: a toothache is unrelated to the heart or pericardium; shortness of breath can occur but isn’t specific to PCS and would not alone define it; abdominal pain after meals points to a gastrointestinal issue rather than postpericardiotomy inflammation.