Differential Diagnosis for Isolated Elevated Basophils
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (e.g., chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)): Basophilia is a common finding in CML, and it is often one of the earliest signs of the disease. The elevated basophil count can be due to the increased proliferation of granulocytic cells, including basophils.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Allergic reactions can cause an increase in basophil count, although this is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.
- Inflammatory conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause an increase in basophil count.
- Parasitic infections: Some parasitic infections, such as hookworm or Strongyloides, can cause an increase in basophil count.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Mastocytosis: Although rare, mastocytosis can cause an increase in basophil count, and it is essential to consider this diagnosis due to its potential for severe complications, including anaphylaxis.
- Leukemia (other types): Other types of leukemia, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), can also cause an increase in basophil count, and it is crucial to rule out these diagnoses due to their aggressive nature.
- Rare diagnoses
- Basophilic leukemia: A rare type of leukemia characterized by the proliferation of basophilic cells.
- Chronic basophilic leukemia: A rare condition characterized by the persistent increase in basophil count without any underlying cause.
- Idiopathic basophilia: A rare condition characterized by an isolated increase in basophil count without any underlying cause or associated symptoms.