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Hereditary elliptocytosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Red blood cells, elliptocytosis
Red blood cells, elliptocytosis
Blood cells
Blood cells

Alternative Names    Return to top

Elliptocytosis - hereditary

Definition    Return to top

Hereditary elliptocytosis is a disorder passed down through families in which the red blood cells are oval-shaped.

See also: Hereditary spherocytosis

Causes    Return to top

Elliptocytosis affects about 1 in every 2,500 people of northern European heritage. It is more common in people of African and Mediterranean descent. You are more likely to develop this condition if someone in your family has had it.

Symptoms    Return to top

Exams and Tests    Return to top

An examination by your health care provider may occasionally show an enlarged spleen.

The following tests may help diagnose the condition:

Treatment    Return to top

There is no treatment needed for the disorder unless red blood cells rupture. Surgery to remove the spleen may decrease red blood cell rupture.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Most persons with hereditary elliptocytosis have no problems, and are unaware of their condition.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Elliptocytosis is frequently harmless. In mild cases, fewer than 15% of red blood cells are oval-shaped. However, some people may have crises in which the red blood cells rupture, releasing their hemoglobin. Persons with this disease can develop anemia, jaundice, and gallstones.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have jaundice that doesn't go away or symptoms of anemia or gallstones.

Prevention    Return to top

Genetic counseling may be appropriate for persons with a family history of this disease who wish to become parents.

References    Return to top

Golan DE. Hemolytic anemias: red cell membrane and metabolic defects. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 165.

Update Date: 11/8/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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