Differential Diagnosis for a 15-year-old Male with WBC of 4.1 and Absolute Neutrophils of 1652
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral infection (e.g., upper respiratory tract infection): This is a common cause of mild leukopenia, especially in adolescents. The body's response to viral infections can temporarily suppress bone marrow production, leading to a decrease in white blood cell count.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bone marrow suppression due to medication: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy agents or some antibiotics, can suppress bone marrow activity, leading to leukopenia.
- Vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12 or folate deficiency): Deficiencies in these vitamins can impair bone marrow function, resulting in decreased production of blood cells, including neutrophils.
- Chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis, HIV): Chronic infections can lead to bone marrow suppression and leukopenia.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Aplastic anemia: A rare but serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells. It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, exposure to toxins, or autoimmune disorders.
- Leukemia or lymphoma: Although less common, these malignancies can present with leukopenia and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID): A group of rare disorders caused by mutations in different genes involved in the development and function of the immune system, leading to severe immunodeficiency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital neutropenia: A rare genetic disorder characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils, which can increase the risk of recurrent infections.
- Cyclic neutropenia: A rare disorder where neutrophil counts fluctuate periodically, often resulting in recurrent infections.
- Shwachman-Diamond syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the bone marrow, pancreas, and skeleton, leading to neutropenia and other complications.