Blood/Blood Cells and Cellular Components ›› Red Blood Cells ›› Abnormal
Spur cell RBC (Acanthocyte)
›Microscopic Features:
- May be smaller or the size of a normal RBC
- Irregular narrow-base sharp projections of red cell membrane (looking like cowboy boot spurs)
›Normal % blood-PB, marrow-BM, lymphoid tissue-LN:
- PB: Rare to None
- BM: Rare to None
- LN: Rare to None
›May Resemble:
›Differential Diagnoses:
Increased in:
End stage Liver disease (Cirrhosis)
Abetalipoproteinemia
McLeod or Lu blood group phenotype
Post-splenectomy
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (as seen in DIC, TTP and HUS)
Artifact
Etc.
End stage Liver disease (Cirrhosis)
Abetalipoproteinemia
McLeod or Lu blood group phenotype
Post-splenectomy
Microangiopathic Hemolytic Anemia (as seen in DIC, TTP and HUS)
Artifact
Etc.
›Classic Immunophenotype:
- N/A
›Cartoon Image:
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›Misc:
Rare Spur cells may be seen in a blood smear which may be due to the very old RBCs that are reaching their end of life. (Note: life span of an RBC is ~ 4 months)