Postcardiotomy syndrome occurs two to three weeks (up to one year) after pericardiotomy, and is characterized by fever

Fever

Fever is a common medical sign characterized by an elevation of temperature above the normal range of due to an increase in the body temperature regulatory set-point. This increase in set-point triggers increased muscle tone and shivering.As a person's temperature increases, there is, in...

, pleuritis, pericarditis

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium . A characteristic chest pain is often present.The causes of pericarditis are varied, including viral infections of the pericardium, idiopathic causes, uremic pericarditis, bacterial infections of the precardium Pericarditis is an inflammation of...

, or arthritis

Arthritis

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....

, together with petechiae on the skin and palate.. The cause is believed to be an autoimmune response against damaged cardiac tissue. This is supported by excellent response to immunosuppressive (steroid) therapy.