Definition:
Schistocytes are erythrocyte fragments which are formed by mechanical action in small, damaged vessels, or by artificial cardiac valves. They are of variable shapes, typically however, half-moon or doughnut-shaped.
Occurrence:
Schistocytes are, if not otherwiswe explicable (artificial cardiac valves and March hemoglobinuria), an alarming abnormality. They can be found in the following states with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA):
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- Severe burns
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