Bonner Released From Hospital for Second Time
Soviet dissident Yelena Bonner was released Friday from Massachusetts General Hospital for a second time since undergoing open-heart surgery after doctors determined she could continue her recuperation at home.
Bonner still has “mild pericarditis,” Dr. Peter Block, a cardiologist who has treated her, said, “but she can recuperate at home with anti-inflammatory medication.”
Pericarditis is an irritation of heart lining that develops in 30% of patients after open-heart surgery.
Bonner’s doctor at Massachusetts General, Adolph Hutter, said pericarditis is treated with an anti-inflammatory agent such as aspirin.
Bonner, 62, a pediatrician, underwent surgery Jan. 13.
Hospital spokesman Martin Bander said relatives brought her to the hospital Tuesday night after her initial release Monday because of chest pains and an elevation in her temperature, both caused by the pericarditis.
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