HECKLE CELL Meaning and
Definition
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Heckle cell is a medical term used to refer to a characteristic red blood cell (RBC) morphology observed in individuals with certain types of hemoglobinopathies, specifically sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is an inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of RBCs, leading to various complications. The name "heckle cell" is derived from the appearance of these RBCs, which exhibit irregularly shaped projections or elongated sections that resemble the strands of fibers or the fibers used in the weaving industry known as "heckles" or "hatchels."
Typically, RBCs are biconcave disc-shaped cells that facilitate optimal oxygen transportation due to increased surface area. However, in SCD, a mutation in the hemoglobin gene causes RBCs to acquire a sickle-like shape, resembling a crescent or a sickle. These sickled cells are less flexible and tend to stick together, leading to vaso-occlusion and reduced oxygen supply to tissues, resulting in pain crisis, organ damage, and other complications associated with SCD.
The presence of heckle cells in the peripheral blood smear of a patient is a distinctive sign that aids in diagnosing sickle cell disease. In a microscopy examination, the identification of the characteristic abnormal shape and morphology of the RBCs helps differentiate SCD from other types of anemia or similar conditions. Identifying heckle cells is essential for prompt diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment measures to manage the symptoms and complications associated with sickle cell disease.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HECKLE CELL
- heckle cmll
- heckle call
- heckle cgll
- heckle cedl
- heckle cehl
- heckle cenl
- heckle ceml
- heckle celd
- heckle celh
- heckle celn
- heckle celm
- hecklesell
- h eckle cell
- he ckle cell
- hec kle cell
- heck le cell
- heckl e cell
- heckle c ell
- heckle ce ll
- heckle cel l
