Pathologic RBC forms

Question 1

Acanthocyte, “spur cell”

Answer 1

Liver disease, abetalipoproteinemia (states of cholesterol dysregulation)

Question 2

Basophilic stippling

Answer 2

Lead poisoning

Question 3

What’s another word for degmacyte

Answer 3

Bite cell

Question 4

What is associated with bite cells?

Answer 4

G6PD deficiency

Question 5

Elliptocyte

Answer 5

Hereditary elliptocytosis

Question 6

Macro-ovalocyte

Answer 6

Megaloblastic anemia, marrow failure

Question 7

Hypersegmented PMNs

Answer 7

Megaloblastic anemia

Question 8

Ringed sideroblast

Answer 8

Sideroblastic anemia. Excess iron in mitochondria = pathologic

Question 9

Schistocyte/helmet cell

Answer 9

Hemolysis: DIC, TTP/HUS, HELLP, mechanical hemolysis (eg heart valve prosthesis)

Question 10

Sickle cell

Answer 10

sickle cell anemia

Question 11

Spherocyte

Answer 11

Hereditary spherocytosis, drug and infection induced hemolytic anemia

Question 12

What’s a dacrocyte?

Answer 12

Teardrop cell

Question 13

What are dacrocytes associated with?

Answer 13

Bone marrow infiltration -> RBC sheds a tear bc its mechanically squeezed out of its home

Question 14

Target cell

Answer 14

HbC disease, asplenia, liver disease, thalassemia

Question 15

What are heinz bodies?

Answer 15

oxidation of Hb-SH groups to SS: Hb precipitation (usually followed by phagocytic damage to RBCs –> bite cells)

Question 16

What are heinz bodies caused by?

Answer 16

G6PD deficiency. Heinz body like inclusions also seen in alpha thal.

Question 17

What are howell-jolly bodies?

Answer 17

Basophilic nuclear remnants found in RBCs. Usually removed by splenic macrophages

Question 18

What are howell jolly bodies a sign of?

Answer 18

Patients w/ functional hyposplenia or asplenia