Acanthocytes
Overview
- Acanthocytes, also known as spur cells, are red blood cells with irregular membrane projections.
- Acanthocytosis may be congenital or acquired, and is classically associated with spur cell haemolytic anaemia in the context of alcoholic cirrhosis.
Causes of Acanthocytes
- Hereditary acanthocytosis
- Spur cell haemolytic anaemia (liver disease) - particularly with alcoholic cirrhosis
- Hypobetalipoproteinaemia - hereditary, malnutrition
- Post splenectomy
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