How is hereditary Elliptocytosis diagnosed?
Hereditary elliptocytosis can be diagnosed by looking at the shape of the red blood cells under the microscope (blood smear). Genetic testing can help as well. Hereditary elliptocytosis is sometimes diagnosed by chance when other conditions are suspected.
What is elliptocytes blood test?
Elliptocytes, also known as ovalocytes, are abnormally shaped red blood cells that appear oval or elongated, from slightly egg-shaped to rod or pencil forms. They have normal central pallor with the hemoglobin appearing concentrated at the ends of the elongated cells when viewed through a light microscope.
How is Elliptocytosis treated?
There is no treatment needed for the disorder unless severe anemia or anemia symptoms occur. Surgery to remove the spleen may decrease the rate of red blood cell damage.
Is Elliptocytosis hereditary?
Hereditary elliptocytosis is caused by a genetic change in either the EPB41, SPTA1, or SPTB gene, and is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. [15370] Hereditary pyropoikilocytosis is a related condition with more serious symptoms, and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
What do elliptocytes mean?
Elliptocytes are elongated oval-shaped red blood cells. Very rare elliptocytes may be seen in normal blood smears. Elliptocytes may be increased in iron deficiency anemia (where they are sometimes referred to as “pencil cells”) and marrow infiltrative processes (with teardrop cells).
Is hereditary elliptocytosis a rare disease?
Hereditary elliptocytosis (HE) is a rare clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder of the red cell membrane characterized by manifestations ranging from mild to severe transfusion-dependent hemolytic anemia but with the majority of patients being asymptomatic.
How do you treat elliptocytes?
Does Elliptocytosis cause anemia?
Hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis are congenital red blood cell (RBC) membrane disorders that can cause a mild hemolytic anemia. Symptoms, generally milder in hereditary elliptocytosis, include variable degrees of anemia, jaundice, and splenomegaly.
When are elliptocytes seen?
What does few elliptocytes ovalocytes mean?
Elliptocytes (ovalocytes) Usually, the presence of a large number of elliptocytes signals an inherited condition known as hereditary elliptocytosis. Moderate numbers of elliptocytes may be seen in people with: thalassemia. myelofibrosis. cirrhosis.
How do you test for hereditary elliptocytosis?
Hereditary elliptocytosis can be diagnosed by looking at the shape of the red blood cells under the microscope (blood smear). Genetic testing can help as well 14). Hereditary elliptocytosis is sometimes diagnosed by chance when other conditions are suspected.
What is the most common clinical form of hereditary elliptocytosis?
The most common clinical form of hereditary elliptocytosis is typical hereditary elliptocytosis, also known as mild hereditary elliptocytosis or heterozygous common hereditary elliptocytosis. Patients are asymptomatic, and the disease is incidentally diagnosed because of abnormal results on laboratory tests (ie, peripheral smears).
What is the treatment for hereditary elliptocytosis?
In some children or adults, the treatment for significant signs and symptoms may include: Blood transfusion, if there is a severe lack of healthy red blood cells Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be performed to treat Hereditary Elliptocytosis
What are the symptoms of elliptocytosis?
Hereditary elliptocytosis refers to a group of inherited blood conditions where the red blood cells are abnormally shaped. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, gallstones, and yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Affected individuals can also have an enlarged spleen.