Abstract:
A patient in her late 30s developed severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) following an Epstein-Barr virus infection. No distinct autoimmune or autoinflammatory disorder could be identified as the underlying cause of her symptoms, as the observed constellation of cytokine elevations (IL-2, IL-6, and IFN-γ) was not consistent with any known or established disease entity. Despite comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment over two years, including medical, psychological, and rehabilitative approaches, her condition deteriorated, and treatment-related hypersensitivities emerged. The severity and progressive nature of her symptoms, compounded by the absence of effective therapeutic options, ultimately led the patient to pursue assisted suicide.
Source: Opala D, Villiger E, Levenfus I. Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Leading to Assisted Suicide in a Patient in Her Late 30s: A Case Report. Cureus. 2026 May 28;18(5):e109798. doi: 10.7759/cureus.109798. PMID: 42222634; PMCID: PMC13217520. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13217520/ (Full text)