Teardrop cells are also known as dacrocytes, as the Greek word for tear is “dakryo.” In myelofibrosis and other bone marrow conditions, red blood cells are deformed as they navigate out of the crowded bone marrow. They can also form when inclusions are pinched off and removed by the spleen.
Teardrop cells are seen in myelofibrosis, myelophthisic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, and thalassemia.
Appearance
Teardrop cells are named after their characteristic appearance. They are pear-shaped with one tail-like projection. The tail should be blunt; sharp projections all going in the same direction are artifactual from slide-making.
Gallery
