Spherocytosis: Difference between revisions
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imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: {{subpages}} '''Spherocytosis''' is an inherited or acquired disease of erythrocytes, in which they take a spherical, rather than the normal flattened disc form. In the spherical form,...) |
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'''Spherocytosis''' is an inherited or acquired disease of [[erythrocyte]]s, in which they take a spherical, rather than the normal flattened disc form. In the spherical form, they are more prone to breakdown and thus producing [[hemolytic anemia]]. | '''Spherocytosis''' is an [[Hereditary spherocytosis|inherited]] or acquired disease of [[erythrocyte]]s, in which they take a spherical, rather than the normal flattened disc form. In the spherical form, they are more prone to breakdown and thus producing [[hemolytic anemia]]. | ||
[[Hereditary spherocytosis]] is most common. The disease also can be secondary to infections, including [[infectious mononucleosis]]; and [[hepatolenticular degeneneration]] (Wilson's disease). | [[Hereditary spherocytosis]] is most common. The disease also can be secondary to infections, including [[infectious mononucleosis]]; and [[hepatolenticular degeneneration]] (Wilson's disease). | ||
Latest revision as of 08:58, 1 July 2010
Spherocytosis is an inherited or acquired disease of erythrocytes, in which they take a spherical, rather than the normal flattened disc form. In the spherical form, they are more prone to breakdown and thus producing hemolytic anemia.
Hereditary spherocytosis is most common. The disease also can be secondary to infections, including infectious mononucleosis; and hepatolenticular degeneneration (Wilson's disease).
Mechanism
The abnormal cells have a surface protein that marks them for early destruction in the spleen. Splenectomy, therefore, is a treatment.
Diagnosis
Examination of the erythrocytes will show an increase in red blood cell width (anisocytosis); the smaller cells will be spherocytic.