Study objective: This study investigated the long-term course of infarct-related pericarditis and pericardial effusion. Focus was given to the following issues: incidence and timing of pericarditis and pericardial effusion during the acute phase and 3 years follow-up, size, hemodynamic and clinical consequences of effusions, and potential risks of thrombolytic or anticoagulant therapy in patients with pericardial effusion