Clinical presentation of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic illness of uncertain aetiology characterized by at least six months of debilitating fatigue and associated symptoms. The symptoms of the syndrome are all non-specific and some (but not all) are also seen in psychiatric illness. The symptomatology suggesting an organic component to the illness includes its abrupt onset with an 'infectious-like' illness, intermittent unexplained fevers, arthralgias and 'gelling' (stiffness), sore throats, cough, photophobia, night sweats, and post-exertional malaise with systemic symptoms. The illness can last for years and is associated with marked impairment of functional health status.
Komaroff
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Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115.
D000208:Acute Disease; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005221:Fatigue / Q000175:diagnosis; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking; D010808:Physical Examination; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors