Etymed
anisocytosis
Definition
Abnormal condition characterized by variation in the size and shape of cells, particularly red blood cells
Clinical context
A 32-year-old woman presents with fatigue and pallor. Her complete blood count shows decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit. The peripheral blood smear reveals red blood cells of varying sizes and shapes, with some cells appearing elongated and others abnormally large. These findings are characteristic of anisocytosis, often seen in conditions such as iron deficiency anemia or hemolytic anemias.
Mnemonic
A for Anisocytosis, A for Abnormal size and shape, like a 'A' for 'Abnormal' in RBC morphology