Differential Diagnosis for Low Absolute CD3 Cells
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral infection: A low absolute CD3 count can be seen in various viral infections, such as HIV, EBV, or CMV, which can suppress T-cell counts.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Immunosuppression: Patients on immunosuppressive therapy, such as those with organ transplants, can have low CD3 counts due to the medication's effect on the immune system.
- Chronic illness: Chronic illnesses like cancer, tuberculosis, or malnutrition can lead to a decrease in CD3 counts.
- Aging: Elderly individuals may have a natural decline in CD3 counts due to immunosenescence.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID): A rare but life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- HIV/AIDS: Although not the most likely diagnosis, HIV/AIDS can present with a low CD3 count, and missing this diagnosis can have severe consequences.
- Rare diagnoses
- Idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia: A rare condition characterized by a low CD4 count without a known cause.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma, such as T-cell lymphoma, can present with a low CD3 count.
- Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can have a low CD3 count, although this is not a primary feature of these conditions.