Paravertebral block as a sole technique for the anaesthetic management of a patient with myalgic encephalomyelitis undergoing breast cancer surgery

Abstract

Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) is a multifaceted organic disease which, owing to its non-specific multiple symptoms that include incapacitating fatigue, deeply affects the quality of life of diseased patients. It carries a perceived risk of an adverse reaction to drugs, including anaesthetics. However, there is very little information in the medical literature on the anaesthetic management and outcomes of patients with this condition. According to current scientific literature, there is no causal relationship between ME relapse and anaesthesia, surgery or both. We present the anaesthetic management of a ME patient who underwent breast cancer surgery.

Keywords: breast cancer surgery, chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalomyelitis, paravertebral block