What is the diagnosis (Dx) and differential diagnosis (DDx) for a 72-year-old female with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLP), and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, presenting with numbness in her distal lower extremities, fatigue, leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly?

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Differential Diagnosis

The patient's presentation of numbness in distal lower extremities, fatigue, painless bilateral cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and abnormal laboratory studies suggests a hematologic disorder. The differential diagnosis can be categorized as follows:

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): The patient's age, symptoms, and laboratory findings (lymphocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly) are consistent with CLL. The presence of painless lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly further supports this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Although less likely than CLL, CML can present with similar laboratory findings (leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and splenomegaly). The absence of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene would be necessary to rule out CML.
    • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): NHL can present with lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and abnormal laboratory findings. However, the patient's age and lack of systemic symptoms (e.g., weight loss, night sweats) make NHL less likely.
    • Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN): MPN can cause splenomegaly and abnormal laboratory findings. However, the patient's lack of other MPN-specific symptoms (e.g., pruritus, erythromelalgia) and the presence of lymphadenopathy make this diagnosis less likely.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Hodgkin Lymphoma: Although less common, Hodgkin lymphoma can present with lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and systemic symptoms. Missing this diagnosis could lead to delayed treatment and poor outcomes.
    • Leukemia with Blast Crisis: A blast crisis can occur in patients with underlying leukemia, leading to rapid deterioration and poor outcomes if not promptly recognized and treated.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Hairy Cell Leukemia: This rare leukemia can present with splenomegaly, pancytopenia, and lymphadenopathy. However, the patient's laboratory findings and lack of specific symptoms (e.g., infections, bleeding) make this diagnosis less likely.
    • Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukemia: This rare leukemia can present with lymphocytosis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. However, the patient's age and lack of specific symptoms (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, neutropenia) make this diagnosis less likely.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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