Etymed
poikilocytosis
Definition
The presence of abnormal, varied-shaped red blood cells in the blood
Clinical context
A 32-year-old woman presents with fatigue and shortness of breath. Her complete blood count shows anemia with significant variation in red blood cell morphology. The peripheral blood smear reveals numerous schistocytes, spherocytes, and elliptocytes, indicating underlying hemolytic anemia. Further testing shows elevated lactate dehydrogenase and indirect bilirubin levels.
Mnemonic
POIKILO - PENCIL shapes, ORANGE irregularities, IRREGULAR shapes, LOST normality, KILLED cells, ILL-appearing, LOUD variation, YOUNG (young) red cells, OXIDATIVE damage, KILLED (hemolysis)