Schistotsüüte

Schistotsüüte are fragmented red blood cells that are observed in peripheral blood smears. Their presence, known as schistocytosis, is a hallmark of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA). These fragmented cells arise from mechanical damage to erythrocytes as they pass through narrowed or damaged small blood vessels. Conditions that can lead to the formation of schistocytes include disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and mechanical heart valve dysfunction. The irregular shape and sharp edges of schistocytes are a direct result of shear stress and fibrin strand fragmentation within the vasculature. Microscopically, schistocytes appear as small, irregularly shaped, and often triangular or helmet-shaped red blood cell fragments. Their detection is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring various hematological and systemic disorders characterized by intravascular hemolysis. The degree of schistocytosis often correlates with the severity of the underlying condition.