Elliptocyte

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Elliptocyte
Elliptocytes in a blood smear
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Anemia, fatigue, jaundice
Complications	Splenomegaly, gallstones
Onset	Congenital
Duration	Lifelong
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations in spectrin, protein 4.1, or glycophorin C
Risks	Family history of hereditary elliptocytosis
Diagnosis	Blood smear, genetic testing
Differential diagnosis	Hereditary spherocytosis, iron deficiency anemia
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Folic acid supplementation, splenectomy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	1 in 2,000 to 4,000 individuals
Deaths	N/A

Elliptocyte is a type of red blood cell that is elliptical rather than the typical biconcave disk shape. Elliptocytes are seen in various conditions, most notably in a condition known as hereditary elliptocytosis.

Introduction

Elliptocytes are oval or elliptical in shape, hence the name. They are also known as ovalocytes. These cells are typically seen in a blood smear of individuals with hereditary elliptocytosis, a genetic disorder. However, they can also be seen in other conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and myelofibrosis.

Hereditary Elliptocytosis

Hereditary elliptocytosis is a blood disorder in which a large number of elliptocytes are present in the blood. This condition is caused by mutations in the genes that provide instructions for making proteins found in red blood cells. These mutations lead to abnormalities in the red blood cell membrane, causing the cells to become elliptical.

Diagnosis

The presence of elliptocytes can be confirmed by a peripheral blood smear test. In this test, a sample of the patient's blood is examined under a microscope. The elliptical shape of the red blood cells can be clearly seen in this test.

Treatment

The treatment for conditions that cause the presence of elliptocytes in the blood depends on the underlying condition. For example, in the case of hereditary elliptocytosis, treatment may not be necessary unless the condition is severe. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required.

Images

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  Hereditary Elliptocytosis in a 70-year-old man

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  Poikilocytes - Red blood cell types

See Also

• Red Blood Cell
• Anemia
• Blood Disorders

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