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Multiple Choice

In the disseminated intravascular coagulation case, which red blood cell morphology was observed alongside schistocytes?

In disseminated intravascular coagulation, red blood cells are damaged as they pass through microthrombi-rich vessels, causing microangiopathic hemolysis. The fragmentation produces schistocytes, the classic finding. In addition, the membrane changes from this widespread vascular injury can give rise to burr cells (echinocytes), which are red cells with numerous small, evenly spaced projections. Seeing burr cells alongside schistocytes reflects the overall membrane perturbation that accompanies severe intravascular coagulation. The other morphologies listed are typical of different conditions (spherocytes for autoimmune or hereditary causes, target cells for liver disease or hemoglobinopathies) and are not as characteristic of DIC.

In disseminated intravascular coagulation, red blood cells are damaged as they pass through microthrombi-rich vessels, causing microangiopathic hemolysis. The fragmentation produces schistocytes, the classic finding. In addition, the membrane changes from this widespread vascular injury can give rise to burr cells (echinocytes), which are red cells with numerous small, evenly spaced projections. Seeing burr cells alongside schistocytes reflects the overall membrane perturbation that accompanies severe intravascular coagulation. The other morphologies listed are typical of different conditions (spherocytes for autoimmune or hereditary causes, target cells for liver disease or hemoglobinopathies) and are not as characteristic of DIC.