A 7-month-old boy is seen by a specialist because of hypocalcemia,viral pneumonia,a history significant for recurrent diarrhea,and oral candidiasis.An x-ray reveals the lack of a thymic shadow.This boy most likely has:

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Hypocalcemia, recurrent diarrhea, and oral candidiasis are all common features of DiGeorge syndrome, which is caused by a developmental defect that results in the absence or underdevelopment of the thymus gland. A lack of a visible thymic shadow on x-ray is also a common finding in individuals with DiGeorge syndrome. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is characterized by eczema, susceptibility to infections, and a low platelet count. Ataxia telangiectasia is characterized by neurological symptoms, immunodeficiency, and an increased risk of cancer. Bare lymphocyte syndrome is a rare immunodeficiency disorder that affects the function of T cells. None of these conditions would fully explain the combination of symptoms seen in this patient.

A 7-Month-Old Boy Is Seen by a Specialist Because of Hypocalcemia,viral