What is echinocytes?

Echinocytes, also known as burr cells or crenated red blood cells, are a type of red blood cell characterized by the presence of small, evenly spaced projections on their surface. These projections give the cells a spiky or crenated appearance, similar to the spines on a sea urchin, which is where the name "echinocyte" comes from.

Echinocytes can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain health conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or electrolyte imbalances. They can also be induced in vitro by exposing red blood cells to certain chemicals or changes in pH.

In healthy individuals, a small percentage of echinocytes may be present in the blood, but higher levels of echinocytes may indicate an underlying health issue. Echinocytes can affect the function of red blood cells, reducing their ability to carry oxygen and increasing their risk of being removed from circulation by the spleen.

Treatment for echinocytes typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition, such as correcting electrolyte imbalances or managing kidney disease. In severe cases, transfusion of red blood cells may be necessary to replace the affected cells.