RBC morphology commonly associated with Thalassemias and liver disease?

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Multiple Choice

RBC morphology commonly associated with Thalassemias and liver disease?

Target cells reflect an increased membrane-to-volume ratio of red cells, a pattern seen in thalassemias and liver disease. In thalassemia, reduced hemoglobin synthesis leaves the cell with relatively more membrane, producing a bullseye appearance with a central hemoglobinized area, a pale zone, and a peripheral ring of hemoglobin. In liver disease, altered membrane lipid content increases the surface area, giving the same target morphology. This pattern helps distinguish these conditions from other morphologies like sickle cells, spherocytes, or elliptocytes, which arise from different mechanisms.

Target cells reflect an increased membrane-to-volume ratio of red cells, a pattern seen in thalassemias and liver disease. In thalassemia, reduced hemoglobin synthesis leaves the cell with relatively more membrane, producing a bullseye appearance with a central hemoglobinized area, a pale zone, and a peripheral ring of hemoglobin. In liver disease, altered membrane lipid content increases the surface area, giving the same target morphology. This pattern helps distinguish these conditions from other morphologies like sickle cells, spherocytes, or elliptocytes, which arise from different mechanisms.

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