Pericaridectomy, pericarditis, and car accident related? Dresslers syndrom?

Question

Short story:
~ surgery to left side march 29: removed 3,4,5 ribs, half of sternum,pectoralis muscle, piece of lt lung partial pericardiectomy replaced with gortex, and cancer tumor
~ Feeling good back at work, doing fine
~ Rear ended in car accident july 23, $3200 can. damage to back end of car, whiplash to driver and passenger
~ Muscle stiffness and more frequent headaches noticed
~August 6 hard to breathe deep, headache, fever, nausea, tests show fluid around heart, possible pericarditis

Question: What are the chances that the pericarditis was caused/incluenced by the car accident? For Dresslers syndrome, how long can it occur after surgery? Any websites/sources to support your answer?

My pericardiectomy was BEFORE the pericarditis. Doctors believe cancer gone.

(Info taken from Mayo CLinic site)

Pericarditis can also develop shortly after a major heart attack due to the irritation of the underlying damaged heart muscle. In addition, a delayed form of pericarditis may occur weeks after a heart attack or heart surgery because of antibody formation. This delayed pericarditis is known as Dressler's syndrome.

Other causes of pericarditis include:

~ Systemic inflammatory disorders. These may include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

~ Trauma. Injury to your heart or chest may occur as a result of a motor vehicle or other accident.

~ Other health disorders. These may include kidney failure, AIDS, tuberculosis and cancer.

~ Certain medications. Some medications can cause pericarditis, although this is unusual

Answer 1

motor vehicle accidents do not cause pericarditis and dresslers syndrome is associated with heart attacks i.e. myocardial infarction, i don't think its related to pericardectomies, good luck