#acanthocyte
- Acanthocyte — A pathologically altered erythrocyte (red blood cell) characterized by an abnormal spherical or star-like shape, displaying multiple rigid, sharp cytoplasmic protrusions (spicules) of irregular length and distribution across its membrane. This morphological change (acanthocytosis) is caused by membrane lipid abnormalities and is encountered in severe conditions such as abetalipoproteinemia, advanced liver diseases, or neuroacanthocytosis.
- Acanthocytosis — A pathological condition characterized by the presence of an abnormally high number of acanthocytes (spurred erythrocytes with rigid, irregular membrane protrusions) in the peripheral blood. This morphological anomaly is closely linked to altered lipid metabolism and cell membrane structure, serving as a major diagnostic indicator for rare hereditary disorders (such as abetalipoproteinemia or McLeod syndrome), advanced end-stage liver diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders within the neuroacanthocytosis group.