| Hereditary elliptocytosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Ovalocytosis, elliptocytes, ovalocytes |
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| Peripheral blood smear showing an abundant number of elliptocytes | |
| Specialty | Hematology |
Hereditary elliptocytosis, also known as ovalocytosis, is an inherited blood disorder in which an abnormally large number of the person's red blood cells are elliptical rather than the typical biconcave disc shape. Such morphologically distinctive erythrocytes are sometimes referred to as elliptocytes or ovalocytes. It is one of many red-cell membrane defects. In its severe forms, this disorder predisposes to haemolytic anaemia. Although pathological in humans, elliptocytosis is normal in camelids.