Elliptocyte

{{Short description|Abnormal red blood cell}}

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| name = Cigar cells in elliptocytosis

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| image = Elliptocytosis.jpg

| caption = Blood smear showing elliptocytes

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| field = Hematology

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File:Hereditary_Elliptocytosis_in_a_70-year-old_man.tif in a patient with hereditary elliptocytosis: approximately 60% to 70% of the RBCs are elliptocytes.]]

File:Poikilocytes - Red blood cell types.jpg.]]

Elliptocytes, also known as ovalocytes or cigar cells, are abnormally shaped red blood cells that appear oval or elongated, from slightly egg-shaped to rod or pencil forms. They have normal central pallor with the hemoglobin appearing concentrated at the ends of the elongated cells when viewed through a light microscope. The ends of the cells are blunt and not sharp like sickle cells.{{cite web|title=Ovalocytes/Elliptocytes - LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education|url=https://www.labce.com/spg469627_ovalocyteselliptocytes.aspx|website=www.labce.com|accessdate=21 May 2018}}

Elliptocytes are commonly associated with hereditary elliptocytosis. However, they may also be seen in iron deficiency anemia, sepsis, malaria and other pathological states that decrease red blood cell turnover and or production.{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/51582525 |title=Clinical hematology and oncology : presentation, diagnosis, and treatment |date=2003 |publisher=Churchill Livingstone |others=Bruce Furie |isbn=0-443-06556-X |location=Philadelphia, Pa. |pages=276–278 |oclc=51582525}} In the case of iron deficiency anemia, microcytosis and hypochromia would also be expected.{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1191840836 |title=Robbins & Cotran pathologic basis of disease |date=2021 |others=Vinay Kumar, Abul K. Abbas, Jon C. Aster, James A. Perkins |isbn=978-0-323-53113-9 |edition=10th |location=Philadelphia, PA |oclc=1191840836}}

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