Reactive pleuropericarditis following laparoscopic fundoplication

Postpericardiotomy syndrome is not uncommon following cardiac surgery. The syndrome is characterized by fever, chest pain, leucocytosis, and signs of pericardial and pleural effusions. A patient with similar symptoms after laparoscopic treatment of reflux esophagitis is reported. Antibiotic treatment had no effect on a suspected bacteriological infection. There was a dramatic clinical response to corticosteroid treatment. The etiology and pathogenesis of the syndrome are discussed.