The postpericardiotomy syndrome is a frequent complication after cardiac surgery affecting from 20 to 40% of patients. The etiology of this complication is a subject of debate. It is commonly believed to be an autoimmune response to pericardial and/or pleural bleeding or surgical trauma. Colchicine is safe and effective in the treatment and prevention of pericarditis and preliminary data have shown that it may be effective also in the primary prevention of the postpericardiotomy syndrome.