Tones of Pictures, Most Commons and Mnemonics

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Schistocytes aka aka aka


Red cell fragmentation
aka/or
Schistocytes
aka/or
Schizocytes
aka/or
Helmet cells


Schistocytes are fragmented red blood cells, and indicate mechanical damage causing hemolysis. The commonest cause is probably the presence of a mechanical heart valve, particularly when dysfunctional. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation are other causes.

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