What condition is characterized by chest pain, pericardial effusion, friction rub, and persistent fever following a myocardial infarction?

The condition characterized by chest pain, pericardial effusion, friction rub, and persistent fever following a myocardial infarction is known as Dressler's syndrome. This syndrome is a form of post-myocardial infarction pericarditis that typically occurs several weeks to months after a heart attack, distinguishing it from acute pericarditis that can occur in the immediate aftermath of an infarction.

Dressler's syndrome arises due to an autoimmune response to myocardial antigens released during the injury to the heart muscle. The persistent fever and pain associated with this condition are indicative of inflammation of the pericardium, which can also lead to pericardial effusion. The presence of a pericardial friction rub is a classic sign that indicates irritation of the pericardial membrane.

In contrast to acute coronary syndrome, which encompasses a range of conditions including unstable angina and myocardial infarction itself, Dressler's syndrome specifically refers to a delayed immune-mediated response. Congestive heart failure may involve many of the symptoms described, such as chest pain or fluid accumulation, but it is not characterized by fever and the other specific signs associated with post-MI pericarditis.