Differential Diagnosis for Elevated WBC with Mild Anemia
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Infection: This could be due to a variety of causes such as tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, or a chronic urinary tract infection. The body's response to infection often includes an increase in white blood cell (WBC) count, and chronic infections can lead to mild anemia due to chronic inflammation.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause both an elevated WBC count due to inflammation and mild anemia from chronic blood loss or malabsorption.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: As kidney function declines, it can lead to a buildup of toxins, inflammation, and decreased production of erythropoietin, resulting in anemia. The inflammation and potential for infection can elevate the WBC count.
- Rheumatologic Diseases: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause an elevated WBC count due to inflammation and potentially lead to anemia of chronic disease.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Leukemia: Although less common, leukemia (such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia) can present with an elevated WBC count and anemia. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Sepsis: An overwhelming infection that can cause both elevated WBC counts and anemia. Sepsis is a medical emergency and must be promptly recognized and treated.
- Lymphoma: Similar to leukemia, lymphoma can cause an elevated WBC count and anemia. It requires timely diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Conditions like polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, or primary myelofibrosis can sometimes present with an elevated WBC count and anemia, although they more commonly present with an increase in other blood cell lines.
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): A rare, acquired, life-threatening disease of the blood characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, bone marrow failure, and the potential for blood clot formation. It can present with anemia and potentially an elevated WBC count in response to the disease process.
- Histiocytosis: A group of rare diseases involving abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, which can lead to an elevated WBC count and anemia among other symptoms.