Howell-Jolly Body
Peripheral blood smear, Wright-Giemsa stain, 1000x
Description:
Round, dense red cell inclusions of variable size, usually single with a staining characteristic of the nucleus.
Pathobiology:
A Howell-Jolly body is a nuclear remnant that results from incomplete nuclear expulsion as the orthochromic normoblast exits the bone marrow. May also form as a result of karyorrhexis (nuclear rupture). Small numbers normally are released into the peripheral blood from the bone marrow, but are not seen on a peripheral blood smear if the splenic function is normal or near normal. If a small accessory spleen is present following splenectomy in an otherwise normal patient, Howell-Jolly bodies usually are not present.
Differential diagnosis:
- Asplenia
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Hemolytic anemias
- Neonates
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Charles
E.
Hess,
M.D.,FACP [more information]
Professor of Internal Medicine
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