Dacrocyte

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dacrocyte (also known as teardrop cell) is an abnormal form of a red blood cell that has a teardrop shape. It is often associated with various types of diseases and conditions, particularly those that affect the bone marrow.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Dacrocytes are red blood cells that have an unusual, teardrop shape. They are typically seen in peripheral blood smears, and their presence can indicate a variety of underlying conditions. The term "dacrocyte" comes from the Greek words "dakryon," which means tear, and "kytos," which means cell.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The presence of dacrocytes in the blood can be caused by a number of different conditions. These include myelofibrosis, a serious bone marrow disorder, and thalassemia, a group of inherited blood disorders. Other conditions that can cause dacrocytes to appear in the blood include anemia, leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The presence of dacrocytes in the blood is typically discovered during a complete blood count (CBC) test. This test measures the amount of various types of cells in the blood, including red blood cells. If dacrocytes are present, it can indicate an underlying condition that needs further investigation.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment for dacrocytes in the blood depends on the underlying cause. For example, if the dacrocytes are caused by myelofibrosis, treatment may involve medications to reduce the symptoms of the disease, or a bone marrow transplant in severe cases. If the dacrocytes are caused by thalassemia, treatment may involve blood transfusions or medications to increase the production of healthy red blood cells.

See also[edit | edit source]

Dacrocyte Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD