Leukocytosis and thrombocytosis after splenectomy: expected finding, infection, or something else: a case report

Leukocytosis and thrombocytosis often follow splenectomy in blunt trauma patients, complicating the postoperative identification of infection. While the platelet count to white blood cell ratio provides diagnostic assistance to discern between expected laboratory alterations and infection, diagnoses such as leukemia are often overlooked.

A 53-year-old Hispanic male presented with abdominal pain, nausea, tachycardia, and focal peritonitis 4 days after being assaulted and struck multiple times in the abdomen. Initial white blood cell count was 38.4 × 10⁹/L, platelet count was 691 × 10⁹/L, and lipase was 55 U/L. Computed tomography abdomen/pelvis demonstrated a hematoma encasing the distal pancreas and abutting the stomach and colon. Emergent laparotomy revealed a nearly transected pancreas and devascularized colon, necessitating a distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and colonic resection with primary anastomosis. Postoperatively, he had a persistently elevated leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, segmented neutrophils, eosinophilia, and basophilia (peak at 70, 2293, 64, 1.1, and 1.2 × 10⁹/L, respectively). Despite sepsis workup, including repeat computed tomography, no source was identified. Hematology/oncology was consulted for concern for hematologic etiology, with genetic testing and bone marrow biopsy performed. The diagnosis of breakpoint cluster-Abelson gene-positive chronic myeloid leukemia was made based on genetic tests, including polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, which confirmed the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. Bone marrow biopsy suggested a chronic phase. The patient was treated with hydroxyurea and transitioned to imatinib.

Thrombocytosis following splenectomy is a common complication and a plate count to white blood cell count ratio  < 20 indicates infectious etiology. A significantly elevated white blood cell count (> 50 × 10⁹/L) and thrombocytosis (> 2000 × 10⁹/L) may suggest something more ominous, including chronic myeloid leukemia , particularly when elevated granulocyte counts are present. Chronic myeloid leukemia workup includes peripheral smear, bone marrow aspiration, and determination of Philadelphia chromosome. Post-splenectomy vaccines are still indicated within 14 days; however, the timing of immunization with cancer treatment must be considered. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are the first-line therapy and benefits of pretreatment with hydroxyurea for cytoreduction remain under investigation. Additionally, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been associated with gastrointestinal perforation and impaired wound healing, necessitating heightened attention in patients with a new bowel anastomosis.