Schistocyte

A schistocyte (from Greek schistos for "divided" and kytos for "hollow" or "cell") is a fragmented part of a red blood cell. Schistocytes are sometimes referred to as helmet cells because of their irregular shape from mechanical force.[1][2]

Several microangiopathic diseases, including disseminated intravascular coagulation and thrombotic microangiopathies, generate fibrin strands that sever red blood cells as they try to move past a thrombus, creating schistocytes.

Schistocytes are often seen in patients with hemolytic anemia. They are frequently a consequence of mechanical artificial heart valves, aortic stenosis, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, among other causes. Excessive schistocytes present in blood can be a sign of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA).

  1. ^ ZINI, G.; d’ONOFRIO, G.; BRIGGS, C.; ERBER, W.; JOU, J. M.; LEE, S. H.; McFADDEN, S.; VIVES-CORRONS, J. L.; YUTAKA, N.; LESESVE, J. F. (2011-11-15). "ICSH recommendations for identification, diagnostic value, and quantitation of schistocytes". International Journal of Laboratory Hematology. 34 (2). Wiley: 107–116. doi:10.1111/j.1751-553x.2011.01380.x. ISSN 1751-5521. PMID 22081912. S2CID 21161811.
  2. ^ "Hematopathology". webpath.med.utah.edu. Retrieved 2025-01-27.
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