RBCs with blunt or pointed projections evenly spaced over the cell surface are called what, seen in uremia and pyruvate kinase deficiency?

RBCs with blunt or pointed projections evenly spaced over the cell surface are called what, seen in uremia and pyruvate kinase deficiency?

• A. Spherocytes
• B. Burr cells/echinocytes
• C. Target cells
• D. Acanthocytes

Answer: (B)

Echinocytes, also known as burr cells, appear as red blood cells with evenly spaced, short projections all around the membrane. This uniform spiculated outline arises when the RBC membrane-cytoskeleton balance is disrupted—such as with ATP depletion in pyruvate kinase deficiency or toxic conditions seen in uremia. The even distribution of the projections is the telltale feature that sets burr cells apart from other shapes: acanthocytes have irregular, uneven spikes; spherocytes lose their central pallor and become round; and target cells show a bull’s-eye pattern.

Echinocytes, also known as burr cells, appear as red blood cells with evenly spaced, short projections all around the membrane. This uniform spiculated outline arises when the RBC membrane-cytoskeleton balance is disrupted—such as with ATP depletion in pyruvate kinase deficiency or toxic conditions seen in uremia. The even distribution of the projections is the telltale feature that sets burr cells apart from other shapes: acanthocytes have irregular, uneven spikes; spherocytes lose their central pallor and become round; and target cells show a bull’s-eye pattern.