| disease | Agranulocytic Angina |
Agranulocytosis is a systemic disease. This condition is often complicated by pharyngeal ulcers, known as agranulocytic angina.
bubble_chart Etiology
There are many causes of this disease, which can be divided into congenital or acquired. It can also be classified into five major categories based on reduced granulocyte production, ineffective proliferation, excessive destruction, combined causes, and pseudogranulocytopenia. The side effects of certain drugs, such as chloramphenicol and indomethacin, or the side effects of radioactive substances, can suppress bone marrow, impair hematopoietic function, and lead to granulocytopenia or even complete disappearance. Splenomegaly and hypersplenism can increase granulocyte destruction. A diagnosis of neutropenia can be made when the absolute value of granulocytes in the peripheral blood of adults and children is below 1500×106/L.
bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations
Due to granulocytopenia, secondary infections are prone to occur, with poor general condition accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fetid mouth odor. Examination of the throat reveals necrotic and ulcerated mucous membranes on the tonsils, palatine arches, and soft palate, covered with dark brown pseudomembranes. Similar lesions are present on the oral mucosa and gums. The condition progresses rapidly, and septicemia symptoms or pneumonia may develop later.
The diagnosis can be confirmed based on the systemic disease history of granulocytopenia, relevant laboratory test results, combined with local symptoms and the characteristics of pharyngeal lesions.
The main focus is systemic treatment to promote granulocyte growth, while also eliminating the causative factors; supportive therapy and infection control should be emphasized. Gargling with 1% hydrogen peroxide or a compound borax solution can be used for the throat and oral cavity.
