Differential Diagnosis for Neutrophilic Leucocytosis with Thrombocytopenia
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Bacterial sepsis: This condition is characterized by an overwhelming immune response to a bacterial infection, leading to neutrophilic leucocytosis. Thrombocytopenia can occur due to consumption of platelets in the setting of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a common complication of sepsis.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute bacterial endocarditis: This infection of the heart valves can cause neutrophilic leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia due to immune complex deposition and consumption of platelets.
- Severe trauma: Significant trauma can lead to a systemic inflammatory response, resulting in neutrophilic leucocytosis. Thrombocytopenia may occur due to consumption of platelets at the site of injury or due to DIC.
- Hematologic malignancies (e.g., acute myeloid leukemia): Certain types of blood cancers can cause neutrophilic leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow infiltration and suppression of normal hematopoiesis.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): A rare but life-threatening disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, renal failure, and neurological symptoms. Neutrophilic leucocytosis can occur in response to the underlying condition.
- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): A rare and potentially fatal disorder of the immune system, characterized by excessive activation of immune cells, leading to consumption of blood cells, including platelets, and neutrophilic leucocytosis.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): A condition characterized by both widespread clotting and bleeding in the vascular system, leading to consumption of platelets and clotting factors. Neutrophilic leucocytosis can occur in response to the underlying cause of DIC.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): An immune-mediated reaction to heparin, leading to thrombocytopenia and, in some cases, neutrophilic leucocytosis.
- Ehrlichiosis or anaplasmosis: Tick-borne infections caused by certain types of bacteria, which can lead to neutrophilic leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause neutrophilic leucocytosis and thrombocytopenia due to bone marrow involvement and immune system dysregulation.