Etymed
pancytopenia
Definition
A condition characterized by a deficiency of all types of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets)
Clinical context
A 32-year-old woman presents with fatigue, frequent infections, and easy bruising. Laboratory studies reveal a hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL, white blood cell count of 2,500/μL, and platelet count of 80,000/μL. Bone marrow biopsy shows hypocellular marrow with decreased hematopoietic elements. These findings are consistent with pancytopenia.
Mnemonic
Pancytopenia: P for platelets, A for anemia, N for neutropenia - all three blood cell lines decreased