The CDC case definition was derived from clinical data and statistical analyses.The result was a symptom-category approach to a case definition, with three symptom categories: fatigue, mood–cognition, and musculoskeletal. To meet the case definition, the veteran of the 1990–91 Gulf War must have symptoms in two of the three categories and have experienced the illness for six months or longer ("duration").The original study also including a determination of severity of symptoms ("severity"). "Severe cases were identified if at least one symptom in each of the required categories was rated as severe. Of 1,155 participating Gulf War veterans, 6% had severe CMI, and 39% had mild to moderate CMI; of the 2,520 nondeployed era veterans Of 1,155 participating Gulf War veterans, 6% had severe CMI, and 39% had mild to moderate CMI; of the 2,520 nondeployed era veterans, 0.7% had severe and 14% had mild to moderate CMI." Treatment
A 2013 report by the Institute of Medicine reviewed the peer-reviewed published medical literature for evidence regarding treatments for symptoms associated with chronic multisymptom illness (CMI) in 1990–91 Gulf War veterans, and in other chronic multisymptom conditions.
An acute abdomen refers to a sudden, severe abdominal pain. It is in many cases a medical emergency, requiring urgent and specific diagnosis. Several causes need immediate surgical treatment. Differential diagnosis
The differential diagnosis of acute abdomen includes:
Acute appendicitis
Acute peptic ulcer and its complications
Acute cholecystitis
Acute pancreatitis
Acute intestinal ischemia (see section below)
Acute diverticulitis
Ectopic pregnancy with tubal rupture
Ovarian torsion
Acute peritonitis (including hollow viscus perforation)
Acute ureteric colic
Bowel volvulus
Bowel obstruction
Acute pyelonephritis
Adrenal crisis
Biliary colic
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Familial Mediterranean fever
Hemoperitoneum
Ruptured spleen
Kidney stone
Sickle cell anaemia
Carcinoid

Peritonitis
Acute abdomen is occasionally used synonymously with peritonitis. While this is not entirely incorrect, peritonitis is the more specific term, referring to inflammation of the peritoneum. It manifests on physical examination as rebound tenderness, or pain upon removal of pressure more than on application of pressure to the abdomen. Peritonitis may result from several of the above diseases, notably appendicitis and pancreatitis. While rebound tenderness is commonly associated with peritonitis, the most specific finding is rigidity. Ischemic acute abdomen
Vascular disorders are more likely to affect the small bowel than the large bowel.