agranulocytosis

noun

agran·​u·​lo·​cy·​to·​sis ˌā-ˌgran-yə-lō-ˌsī-ˈtō-səs 

plural agranulocytoses ˌā-ˌgran-yə-lō-ˌsī-ˈtō-ˌsēz 

: an acute febrile condition marked by severe decrease in blood granulocytes and often associated with the use of certain drugs

Examples of agranulocytosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Along with hypothyroid conditions, perchlorate has also been implicated in aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis, conditions characterized by a life-threatening deficiency of blood cells. —David Warmflash, Discover Magazine, 20 June 2016

To prevent and rapidly address cases of agranulocytosis, the FDA requires clozapine’s manufacturers to jointly administer the clozapine REMS program. —Brian Barnett, STAT, 9 May 2022

Someone dying from a medication side effect is devastating, but the FDA’s singular focus on agranulocytosis is myopic. —Brian Barnett, STAT, 9 May 2022

The drug may cause agranulocytosis, a dangerous lowering of white blood cells that puts patients at risk of serious infections, according to Berman. —Bloomberg.com, 29 Nov. 2017

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Agranulozytose, from a- a- entry 2 + Granulozyt granulocyte + -ose -osis

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

agranulocytosis

noun

agran·​u·​lo·​cy·​to·​sis ˌā-ˌgran-yə-lō-ˌsī-ˈtō-səs 

plural agranulocytoses -ˌsēz 

: an acute blood disorder that is marked by a decrease of circulating granulocytes (such as neutrophils) and is characterized especially by weakness, chills, swollen neck, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and jaundice

Note: Agranulocytosis results from a decline in the production of granulocytes or from granulocyte destruction. It is typically an acquired condition occurring as a side effect of certain drugs or chemotherapy or sometimes as a complication of various medical conditions (such as infection, autoimmune disease, or aplastic anemia).

called also agranulocytic angina, granulocytopenia