Which condition is characterized by an autoimmune reaction with fever and pericarditis after myocardial infarction?

Dressler's syndrome is a condition characterized by an autoimmune response that occurs after a myocardial infarction (MI). It typically presents several weeks after the MI and is defined by symptoms such as fever, chest pain, and pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the pericardial sac surrounding the heart.

The underlying mechanism involves the immune system mistakenly targeting the myocardium and pericardium after myocardial tissue damage. The exposure of cardiac antigens, which are normally hidden from the immune system, leads to a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. This results in the classic signs of pericarditis, including pleuritic chest pain and pericardial friction rub, alongside systemic symptoms like fever.

In contrast, other conditions listed do not fit this specific profile. Pericardial effusion refers to the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space and may occur for various reasons, but it does not specifically involve the autoimmune reaction seen in Dressler's syndrome. Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by excess fluid or pressure in the pericardial space that compresses the heart, and acute coronary syndrome refers to a spectrum of conditions related to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle, typically associated with acute ischemia