Agranulocytosis

Blood cells

Blood is comprised of red blood cells, platelets, and various white blood cells.

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:

  • Test

    Blood differential

    Basophil (Close-up)

    The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are any abnormal or immature cells. See also:

  • Test

    Granulocyte

    Granulocyte

    Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that includes neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. They are called granulocytes because they are made of small granules, which contain important proteins. Granulocytes help the body fight bacterial infections. Persons who have lower numbers of ...

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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