Basophilia is the condition of having greater than 200 basophils/μL in the venous blood.
Causes
Basophilia can be attributed to many causes and is typically not sufficient evidence alone to signify a specific condition wmn isolated as a finding under microscopic examination. Coupled with other findings, such as abnormal levels of
, it may suggest the need for additional workup. As an example, additional evidence of left-shifted
neutrophilia alongside basophilia indicates a potential likelihood primarily of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), or an alternate myeloproliferative neoplasm. Additionally, basophilia in the presence of numerous circulating
Precursor cell suggests the possibility of acute myeloid leukemia. Elevation of basophils may also be representative of multiple other underlying neoplasms such as polycythemia vera (PV), myelofibrosis,
thrombocythemia, or, in rare cases, solid
Neoplasm. Alternative root causes other than these neoplasmic complications are most commonly
Allergy or chronic
inflammation related to
such as
tuberculosis,
influenza, inflammatory bowel disorder, or an inflammatory autoimmune disease.
Moreover, basophilia can be a symptom of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
Chronic
hemolytic anemia and infectious diseases such as
smallpox also demonstrate elevated basophil levels.
Certain drug usage and food ingestion can also correlate with symptoms of basophilia.
Diagnosis
Basophilia can be detected through a complete blood count (CBC). The root cause of basophilia can be determined through a bone marrow biopsy,
genetic testing to look for genetic mutations, or
ultrasound to determine enlargement of the
Splenomegaly. A bone marrow aspirate may be used to confirm an increase in basophils or significantly high numbers of precursors to the
. Since basophilia is present in a vast range of clinical conditions, depending on a variety of underlying causes, supplemental signs and symptoms must be investigated for a diagnosis. If
splenomegaly is detected, a myeloproliferative syndrome may be suspected. Intrinsically related symptoms such as
fever,
malaise,
Itch (itching) due to the release of
histamine,
, and right upper quadrant pain may be present in the afflicted patient. With some conditions, such as polycythemia vera,
erythromelalgia, or burning of the palms and soles, coupled with
Thrombocythemia is common. This severe symptomatology may require urgent attention.
If basophilia and the aforementioned symptoms are present with concurrent
eosinophilia greater than 1500 cells/μL, hypereosinophilic syndrome may be considered. In cases of underlying
Allergy or adverse sensitivity, skin rashes may be present.
After symptomatic evaluation, a Blood smear is examined to determine cell counts.
Treatment
Basophilia, as it is primarily a secondary condition, is treated by addressing the causative disease or disorder. The underlying condition will determine what treatment is appropriate. Specifically in cases of allergic reactions or associated with chronic inflammation, treating the underlying cause is critical to avoid further, potentially irreparable damage to the body's organ systems. Common treatments to allergic reactions include cessation of use of the offending agent, and the administration of
.
Infection-related basophilia can be remedied by using
to treat the underlying causative infection, whereas neoplasm related basophilia may have a more complicated clinical course including
chemotherapy and periodic
phlebotomy.
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