What is the most likely diagnosis for an asymptomatic 67-year-old man with mild splenomegaly, hypertension, leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count), and a blood work profile showing a left-shifted differential with elevated segmented neutrophils, bands, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, metamyelocytes, and myelocytes, and thrombocytosis (elevated platelet count)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 20, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • B) Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): The presence of mild splenomegaly, elevated leukocyte count with a left shift (increased bands, metamyelocytes, and myelocytes), and a high platelet count are all consistent with CML. The left shift indicates immature white blood cells in the peripheral blood, which is a hallmark of CML.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • C) Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML): Although less likely than CML due to the absence of monocytosis (elevated monocyte count) in the provided lab values, CMML could still be considered given the presence of splenomegaly and leukocytosis with a left shift.
    • A) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL typically presents with lymphocytosis (elevated lymphocyte count), which is not prominently featured in the lab results provided. However, it's a common leukemia in older adults and could be considered, especially if lymphocyte count increases or other diagnostic criteria are met.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Reactive leukocytosis (E): Although the clinical context (asymptomatic, no clear infection or inflammation) makes this less likely, it's crucial to rule out underlying infections or inflammatory conditions that could cause a reactive leukocytosis, as these conditions can be serious and require prompt treatment.
    • Other myeloproliferative neoplasms: Conditions like essential thrombocythemia or polycythemia vera could present with elevated platelet counts and/or splenomegaly but typically have differentiating features in their complete blood counts and clinical presentations.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • D) Plasma cell myeloma: This diagnosis is less likely given the absence of specific indicators such as anemia, renal failure, hypercalcemia, or lytic bone lesions, and the lack of a significant increase in plasma cells in the provided lab results.
    • Leukemoid reaction: A rare, reactive condition that mimics leukemia on blood counts but is usually associated with severe infection, inflammation, or other stressors, which are not indicated in the scenario provided.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.