Differential Diagnosis for a 66-year-old Black Female with Leukopenia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral infection: A common cause of leukopenia, particularly in the absence of other cytopenias. Many viral infections can cause a transient decrease in white blood cell count, including the flu, mononucleosis, and hepatitis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Medication-induced leukopenia: Various medications, such as antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine), and antihistamines, can cause leukopenia. The patient's medication history should be thoroughly reviewed.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 or folate can lead to leukopenia, although this is less likely given the absence of anemia.
- Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases such as renal failure, liver disease, or chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis) can cause leukopenia.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- HIV/AIDS: Although less likely, HIV infection can cause leukopenia, particularly in its early stages. Given the potential severity of the disease, it is crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
- Bone marrow failure syndromes: Conditions like aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndromes can cause leukopenia and are critical to diagnose due to their potential for severe complications and the need for specific management.
- Felty's syndrome: A complication of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis characterized by leukopenia, which is important to recognize due to its association with significant morbidity.
Rare Diagnoses
- Congenital neutropenias: Rare genetic disorders that affect neutrophil production, such as Kostmann syndrome.
- Large granular lymphocytic leukemia: A rare form of leukemia that can present with leukopenia.
- Autoimmune neutropenia: An autoimmune condition where the body produces antibodies against neutrophils, leading to their destruction.
- Cyclic neutropenia: A rare condition characterized by periodic episodes of neutropenia, often associated with other cytopenias.