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Schistocyte

2107

A fragmented part of a red blood cell.

Schistocytes are typically irregularly shaped RBCs that are jagged, and have two pointed ends.

Does not have central pallor.

Also known as a helmet cell.

Associated with microangiopathic diseases, including disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombotic microangiopathies, generate fibrin strands that sever red blood cells as they try to move past a thrombus.

Seen often in patients with hemolytic anemia.

May be secondary to damage by mechanical heart valve prostheses, hemolytic uremic syndrome, thrrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Schistocytes result from mechanical damage, shear forces, and can be identified on the peripheral blood smear based on their small size, varying shapes, and lack of central pallor

Findings are not specific and red cell fragments may appear in patients with sepsis when binding of red cells to bacterial DNA causes the formation of the red cell membrane.

Schistocytes have been described with myelodysplastic syndrome, presumably resulting from ineffective erythropoiesis and increased red blood cell fragility.

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