
In this episode of the Master Series, we walk through a high-stakes case of a 68-year-old man with fever, cough, and recurrent pneumonia — but there's more than meets the eye. With anemia, thrombocytopenia, massive lymphocytosis, and unexplained weight loss, this case challenges you to look past the infection and recognize a chronic hematologic condition in disguise.
You’ll learn how to approach cases with lymphadenopathy and elevated white blood cell counts, distinguish reactive versus clonal lymphocytosis, and avoid common diagnostic traps on the exam.
Key Learning Points:
• When to suspect chronic lymphoproliferative disorders
• Why flow cytometry is the critical next step
• How infections reveal deeper immune dysfunction
• Step-by-step reasoning to build your diagnostic confidence
Perfect for Step 2 CK prep and clinical decision-making mastery. Study smart and stay focused.