Differential Diagnosis for Elevated WBC with Elevated Neutrophils
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bacterial Infection: This is the most common cause of elevated neutrophils, as the body increases neutrophil production in response to bacterial infections. Conditions such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections can lead to this lab finding.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like acute appendicitis, cholecystitis, or pancreatitis can cause an increase in neutrophil count due to the body's inflammatory response.
- Trauma: Significant trauma can lead to an increase in neutrophils as part of the body's response to injury.
- Surgery: Recent surgery can also cause an elevation in neutrophil count due to the body's response to tissue injury.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Although sepsis can present with a variety of white blood cell count abnormalities, an elevated neutrophil count can be an early sign. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires prompt recognition and treatment.
- Neutrophilic Leukemia: Such as Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) or other myeloproliferative disorders, which can cause an elevation in neutrophil count and are critical to diagnose early for appropriate management.
Rare Diagnoses
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Conditions like Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, or Primary Myelofibrosis can sometimes present with an elevated neutrophil count, though they are less common.
- Chronic Granulomatous Disease: A rare genetic disorder that affects the immune system and can lead to recurrent infections and elevated neutrophil counts.
- Cushing's Syndrome: A rare endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol, which can lead to an increase in neutrophil count among other symptoms.