Post-pericardiotomy syndrome following cardiac surgery in a patient with the tetralogy of Fallot.

A 7-year-old white girl who underwent open heart surgery for tetralogy of Fallot subsequently developed the post-pericardiotomy syndrome. In addition to pericarditis, other factors, such as surgical trauma to the pleura, pleural effusion with loculated fluid and perhaps atelectasis with pneumonitis, may contribute to the establishment of this syndrome. Despite the presence of chest pain and a high fever, the overall course of this illness is benign. Antibiotics are ineffective, whereas steroids when given in adequate dosage may be successful in terminating this complication.