Pleural effusion as a manifestation of Dressler's syndrome in the distant post-infection period.

A 65-year-old woman developed a bloody pleural effusion 2-1/2 years after the onset of Dressler's syndrome. Since an extensive evaluation failed to reveal a specific etiology, the effusion was presumed to be a manifestation of Dressler's syndrome. Because of the therapeutic implications involved, we are reporting this case to emphasize that pleural effusions may occur as a manifestation of Dressler's Syndrome in the distant post-infarction period.