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Ency. home > Disease > H > Hereditary elliptocytosis

Hereditary elliptocytosis    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Elliptocytosis - hereditary

Definition:

Hereditary elliptocytosis is an inherited disorder in which the red blood cells are elliptical in shape.

Causes and Risks

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

Ency. home > Disease > H > Hereditary elliptocytosis

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