From Diagnosis by Exclusion to Multisystem Diagnostics — Current Diagnostic Approaches in ME/CFS, 2026, Kathryn Hoffmann

[Chandelier]

From Diagnosis by Exclusion to Multisystem Diagnostics
Current Diagnostic Approaches in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Von der Ausschlussdiagnose zur Multisystemdiagnostik (Original Title)

Hoffmann, Kathryn

Abstract​

Diagnostic approaches to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have evolved in recent years.
The diagnosis of exclusion is now replaced by a structured clinical assessment of this characteristic multisystemic disease, centered on the hallmark feature of post-exertional malaise.
Post-exertional malaise (PEM) represents the central diagnostic hallmark of ME/CFS.
The diagnostic evaluation further includes the structured assessment of the remaining Canadian consensus criteria, particularly autonomic, immunological, neurocognitive, neuroendocrine-metabolic and pain-related manifestations.
Equally important are the identification of relevant comorbidities, such as small fiber neuropathy and the assessment of disease severity based on functional capacity.

Web (Google Translate) |
Web (German Original) | DOI | PDF | Schmerz Nachrichten | Open Access

 

[Jonathan Edwards]

Not really. There are no multisystem diagnostics.

 

[Chandelier]

The article has been made available for download via Springer now.

Bluesky post by the author, machine translated:

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Kathryn Hoffmann​

@kathrynhoffmann.bsky.social​

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Apparently, the topic is actually being read quite frequently after all!​

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Today I received a very motivating and encouraging email from Springer Publishing, which made me very happy and which I would like to share here:​

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Dear Professor Hoffmann,​

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I am pleased to inform you that your article for SCHMERZ NACHRICHTEN 2/26 is now also available online in our international database, SpringerLink:​

https://doi.org/10.1007/s44180-026-00309-7

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Your contribution has been online for just one month and has already received more than 3,300 views!​

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It has also already been retweeted more than 80 times or shared almost 100 times.​

Thank you!​

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Springer seems enthralled by the gamification aspect of modern science publishing.