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: September 15, 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 for a 32-year-old Male from Puerto Rico with Fever, Leukopenia, and Thrombocytopenia

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Dengue Fever: Given the patient's origin from Puerto Rico, where dengue fever is endemic, and the presentation of fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, dengue fever is a highly plausible diagnosis. These symptoms are classic for dengue, especially during the febrile phase.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Viral Infections (e.g., HIV, EBV, CMV): These infections can cause fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The patient's age and potential exposure history make these considerations relevant.
  • Malaria: Although less common in Puerto Rico, travel history or exposure to infected mosquitoes could lead to malaria, which can present with similar symptoms.
  • Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis: These tick-borne illnesses can cause fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia, and their incidence can vary by geographic location.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Sepsis: Any patient presenting with fever and signs of bone marrow suppression (leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) must be evaluated for sepsis, as it is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
  • Meningococcemia: Although less common, this condition can present with fever and signs of bone marrow suppression, and it is critical to diagnose early due to its high mortality rate if untreated.
  • Hantavirus: While rare, hantavirus infection can cause severe disease, including hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, both of which can present with fever, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Lymphoma/Leukemia: Although less likely, these malignancies can cause bone marrow suppression leading to leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, along with systemic symptoms like fever.
  • Aplastic Anemia: A rare condition characterized by bone marrow failure, which could explain the patient's cytopenias, though fever would be an atypical presenting symptom.
  • Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare blood disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal failure, and neurological symptoms, which could be considered in the differential diagnosis due to the thrombocytopenia.

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.