Hereditary elliptocytosis

Alternative names:

elliptocytosis - hereditary

Definition:

An inherited disorder in which the red blood cell are elliptical in shape (somewhat like an egg).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Elliptocytosis is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with an incidence of approximately 1 in 4000 people. Normally, fewer than 15% of the red cells appear in this form in the blood. Elliptocytosis is generally benign, however, 10% of affected people may experience hemolytic crises where the red blood cells rupture releasing their hemoglobin. Affected individuals can develop anemia, jaundice, and gallstones (cholelithiasis).