Differential Diagnosis for High TLC Count and Urine Infection
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): The presence of pus cells in the urine (10-12) strongly suggests a urinary tract infection, which can cause an elevated Total Leukocyte Count (TLC) as the body responds to the infection.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Respiratory Tract Infection: An infection in the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, could also lead to an elevated TLC count.
- Gastrointestinal Infection: Infections like gastroenteritis can cause an increase in white blood cell count.
- Skin or Soft Tissue Infection: Infections of the skin or soft tissues can also elevate the TLC count.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Sepsis: Although less likely, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause an elevated TLC count and must be considered, especially if the patient shows signs of systemic infection.
- Pyelonephritis: An upper urinary tract infection that can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly.
- Appendicitis: Although the primary symptom is abdominal pain, an elevated TLC count can be seen, and appendicitis is a surgical emergency.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Leukemia: A type of blood cancer that can cause an elevated TLC count, though it would typically be much higher than 18,000.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause an increase in white blood cell count.
- Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can cause chronic elevations in TLC count, though the clinical context would typically suggest these diagnoses.