Macrotarget Cell
Bone marrow aspirate smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 1000x
Definition:
A macrocyte with a target appearance.
Pathobiology:
Due to an increase in the erythrocyte surface area relative to cell volume. The increase in surface area is due to an increase in lipid content of the red cell membrane, mostly cholesterol but also phospholipid.
Differential diagnosis:
- Asplenia and hyposplenia
- Liver disease- The target cell seen in liver disease is one of two thin macrocytes (leptocytes, wafer cells) seen in liver disease. The other has an enlarged area of central palor. Acanthocytes (spurr cells) and stomatocytes may also be seen.
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Charles
E.
Hess,
M.D.,FACP
Professor of Internal Medicine |
| Department of Medicine Division of Hematology/Oncology |
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| M.D. Degree: | University of Virginia, 1959 | |
| Residency: | Internal Medicine, University of Virginia | |
| Fellowship: | Hematology, University of Virginia | |
| Certification: |
Internal Medicine
Hematology |
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| Research Interests: | Hematologic malignancies, splenomegaly | |
| Department Web Site: | http://www.healthsystem.vir ginia.edu/internet/internal/ |
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| Phone: | (434) 924-2572 | |