This disease is characterized by an absence or a marked decrease in the number of neutrophils in the differential count. Most cases have been reported in patients who have acquired a sensitivity to certain drugs, among them amidopyrine, organic arsenicals, sulfonamides, dinitrophenol, thiouracil, and gold salts. There is a low white count but no anemia. The platelet count and the bleeding and coagulation times are normal. The sedimentation is increased. The patient suffers from lever, weakness and usually from gangrenous ulcerations and infection of the throat (agranulocytic angina). Other severe infections and septicemia may occur unless penicillin is administered during the leukopenic phase of the disease.
