Health Encyclopedia

Hereditary ovalocytosis

Definition

Hereditary ovalocytosis is rare condition, passed down through families, in which blood cells are slightly oval-shaped instead of round. It is a form of hereditary elliptocytosis.

Alternative Names

Ovalocytosis - hereditary

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Ovalocytosis is mainly found in Southeast Asian populations.

Symptoms

Newborn infants with ovalocytosis may have anemia and jaundice. Adults usually do not show symptoms and are known as asymptomatic.

Signs and tests

An examination by your health care provider may occasionally show an enlarged spleen.

This condition is diagnosed by look at the shape of blood cells under a microscope. The following tests may also be done:

CBC (complete blood count) to check for anemia
Blood smear
Bilirubin level

Treatment

In severe cases, the disease may be treated by removal of the spleen (splenectomy).

Complications

The condition may be associated with kidney problems.

References

Jeng MR. Hematologic problems in immigrants from Southeast Asia. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. Dec 2004;18(6):1405-22, x.

Laosombat V, Dissaneevate S, Wongchanchailert M, Satayasevanaa B. Neonatal anemia associated with Southeast Asian ovalocytosis. Int J Hematol. 2005 Oct;82(3):201-5.

Review Date:2/6/2007
Reviewed By:William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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