Acanthocytes - MedLabBuddy

Test your knowledge on Acanthocytes

What are acanthocytes also known as?

Burr Cells

Echinocytes

Spur Cells

What is the defining characteristic of acanthocytes?

Several irregular projections

Large amount of central pallor

Elongated cell

Numerous, evenly distributed projections

What is the mechanism that causes acanthocytes to form?

Loss of membrane leading to decreased surface area

Imbalances between cholesterol and lipid content in the membrane

Oxidative damage

Intravascular fragmentation

What condition are acanthocytes most commonly associated with?

Severe liver disease

Burns

Renal Insufficiency

Uremia

What condition are acanthocytes a key feature of?

Beta Thalassemia

Iron Deficiency

Abetalipoproteinemia

Extravascular Hemolysis