Acanthocyte (Noun)
Meaning
An abnormal red blood cell that has thorny projections of protoplasm.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The presence of acanthocytes in a patient's blood smear often indicates underlying liver disease or disorders affecting the production of red blood cells.
- Acanthocytes are irregularly shaped red blood cells characterized by the formation of spiky projections, also known as thorns or spicules, on their surface.
- One approach used to diagnose certain neuroacanthocytosis disorders is to examine the blood for the presence of abnormally shaped red cells called acanthocytes.
- Acanthocyte formation can occur in patients undergoing various medical conditions, such as splenectomy, liver disease, and certain types of anemia.
- Analysis of the blood smear reveals the presence of a significant number of acanthocytes and other abnormally shaped red blood cells, suggesting chronic liver damage.