FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology RBC Morphology Overview Elliptocytes

Elliptocytes are thin, elongated RBCs.

Causes:

  • Iron deficiency
  • Myelodysplastic syndrome
  • Hereditary elliptocytosis
Elliptocytes. Peripheral blood film from a patient with hereditary elliptocytosis, showing numerous elongated cells. Technically, elliptocytes should have a long axis more than twice the diameter of the short axis.
Peripheral blood film from a patient with hereditary elliptocytosis, showing numerous elongated cells. Technically, elliptocytes should have a long axis more than twice the diameter of the short axis.
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