Postmyocardial infarction syndrome

This code represents Dressler's syndrome, a secondary form of pericarditis that occurs days to weeks following a myocardial infarction (heart attack). It is characterized by inflammation of the pericardium, pleura, and sometimes the lung parenchyma, often presenting with fever, pleuritic chest pain, and pericardial effusion.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "Dressler's syndrome" or "postmyocardial infarction syndrome" with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with pericarditis occurring after an MI. Ensure the medical record clearly links the syndrome to a preceding myocardial infarction.

• Do not use for acute pericarditis occurring concurrently with the MI; this is a delayed complication.
• Always sequence the underlying myocardial infarction (e.g., 410.xx) first, followed by this code.
• Look for documentation of fever, chest pain, pericardial rub, or echocardiographic findings of pericardial effusion in the post-MI period.