FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology RBC Morphology Overview Acanthocytes

Acanthocytes – cells with irregularly-distributed spicules of uneven length

Causes:

  • Splenectomy
  • Anorexia nervosa
  • Pyruvate kinase deficiency
  • McLeod phenotype heterozygosity
  • Neuroacanthocytosis
Acanthocytes. Peripheral blood film from a patient who had a splenectomy, showing circulating acanthocytes.
Peripheral blood film from a patient who had a splenectomy, showing circulating acanthocytes.
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