Angina Simultaneously Diagnosed with the Recurrence of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Koki Li1,2, Yuki Otsuka1, Yasuhiro Nakano1
1Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan.
Abstract:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) mainly affects young adults and can have a potential impact on social functioning. As this syndrome is associated with endothelial dysfunction, the heart can be damaged via ischemia due to endothelial damage. This might potentially lead to heart failure, which accounts for approximately 20% of deaths among patients with ME/CFS. While cardiac ischemia is thought be a pathophysiologically important manifestation of this syndrome, this is not yet reported. Herein, we present a case of a young female with newly diagnosed vasospastic or microvascular angina and concurrent exacerbation of ME/CFS severity. Her anginal symptoms, including exertional chest pain and transient chest discomfort, mimicked those of ME/CFS but were relieved after the administration of a calcium channel blocker. We emphasize the possibility of concurrent angina and exacerbation of ME/CFS and the importance of detecting cardiac ischemia to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...


