Agranulocytosis
Also known as: Granulocytopenia and Granulopenia
Definition
Agranulocytosis means a failure of the bone marrow to make enough white blood cells (neutrophils). Bone marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that helps form blood cells.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Agranulocytosis may be caused by:
- Certain bone marrow diseases such as myelodysplasia
- Chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation
Agranulocytosis results in a person not having enough of a specific type of white blood cells, called neutrophils or granulocytes. A low neutrophil count (neutropenia) may also occur when white blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be produced.
Symptoms
Persons with this condition are more likely to develop infections.
Signs and tests
See: Blood differential test
References
Bagby GC. Leukopenia and leukocytosis. In Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 173.
See Also: Blood differential and Granulocyte
Review date: September 6, 2010
Reviewed by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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