A case of chronic fatigue syndrome showing symptoms and signs with resemblance to sjöegren's syndrome and myastenia gravis

Abstract

A 31-year-old woman of 5 years-history of general malaise admitted because of lassitude, arthralgia, headache and blepharoptosis. Her symptoms and history indicate the diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, according to the critenia from the Centers for Disease Control, USA, although differential diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome and myasthenia gravis was needed in this case. While no autoantibodies were detected, gum test and Schirmer test were positive. As to myasthenia gravis, blepharoptosis and ophtalmoplegia were observed in addition to a positive result of tensilon test. However, an evoked potential of electromyogram and anti-acethylcholine receptor antibody were negative, suggesting the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis to this patient is not definite at this moment. This case report may suggest that chronic fatigue syndrome shows several symptoms and signs which may associate with other autoimmune diseases. © 1993, The Japan Society for Clinical Immunology. All rights reserved.