echinocyte (burr cell)

Echinocytes (burr cells) are uniformly spiculated erythrocytes (multiple spiny cytoplasmic projections) Etiology: - seen in association with uremia & loss of red cell volume. Differential diagnosis: - distinguished from acanthocytes which have irregularly distributed spicules * acanthocytes may be seen in severe or chronic liver disease, hence also uremia? Laboratory: - burr cells in blood - burr cells in CSF - burr cells in urine sediment

Properties

GENERAL: erythrocyte-variant QUANTITY: 4.2E12-6.2E12 CELLS/UL