Differential Diagnosis for Elevated Neutrophils
Elevated neutrophils, also known as neutrophilia, can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here is a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bacterial Infection: This is the most common cause of elevated neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in fighting bacterial infections. Conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections can all cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammation: Conditions that cause inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to an increase in neutrophil count.
- Trauma: Physical trauma, such as a car accident or a fall, can cause an increase in neutrophil count as the body responds to the injury.
- Surgery: Recent surgery can also cause an increase in neutrophil count as the body responds to the trauma of the surgery.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, can cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a condition in which the appendix becomes inflamed and can rupture, leading to a life-threatening infection.
- Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is a condition in which the diverticula in the colon become inflamed, leading to a life-threatening infection.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: These are a group of rare blood disorders that can cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Chronic Neutrophilic Leukemia: This is a rare type of leukemia that can cause an increase in neutrophil count.
- Neutrophilia associated with other rare conditions: Certain rare conditions, such as Sweet syndrome or chronic granulomatous disease, can also cause an increase in neutrophil count.
It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis for elevated neutrophils can vary depending on the patient's age, medical history, and other factors. A thorough medical evaluation, including a physical exam, laboratory tests, and imaging studies, is necessary to determine the underlying cause of elevated neutrophils.