What tests will be done to diagnose Dressler’s syndrome?

What tests will be done to diagnose Dressler’s syndrome?

If your provider thinks you may have Dressler’s syndrome, you’ll need to have further testing. These tests may include:

• Blood tests. A complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures can rule out an infection. Other blood tests look for elevated C-reactive protein levels or elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate — both of which would mean that you have inflammation.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This test looks for abnormal electrical activity in your heart that suggests the presence of pericarditis.
• Chest X-rays. X-rays can detect an increase in heart size (due to fluid buildup in your heart).
• Echocardiogram. This test can detect the presence or absence of fluid around your heart (in your pericardium, the lining around your heart muscle), how much fluid, if any, and any potential adverse impact this fluid may be having on your heart muscle.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT scan. These imaging tests may be more useful in follow-up to check for thickening or excess fluid in your pericardium or compression of your heart from your thickened pericardium.

Your provider also may want to send a sample of your pericardial fluid to the lab.