LE CELLS Meaning and
Definition
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LE cells, also known as lupus erythematosus cells, are abnormal white blood cells that are commonly observed in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The term "LE cells" was coined by Hargraves in 1948 after discovering these unique cells in patients with SLE.
LE cells are formed when neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) phagocytose (engulf) the nuclei of other cells, typically damaged or dying white blood cells. The engulfment process results in an appearance known as "leukocyte nuclei inclusions" or LE bodies in the cytoplasm of the neutrophils. These LE bodies can be seen under a microscope as rounded structures, often situated against the cell membrane.
LE cells are routinely detected using a simple laboratory test called the LE cell preparation or LE cell test. In this test, a blood sample is taken from the patient and mixed with red blood cells and anti-nuclear antibodies. The mixture is then incubated, and if LE cells are present in the sample, they will begin to form. These formed LE cells can be visualized under a microscope.
The presence of LE cells in a patient's blood is considered a significant diagnostic finding in SLE. However, it is important to note that not all individuals with SLE will have LE cells, and their absence does not exclude the diagnosis. LE cells are just one of many diagnostic tools used in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other laboratory tests to evaluate and confirm a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus.
Common Misspellings for LE CELLS
- ke cells
- pe cells
- oe cells
- lw cells
- ls cells
- ld cells
- lr cells
- l4 cells
- l3 cells
- le xells
- le vells
- le fells
- le dells
- le cwlls
- le cslls
- le cdlls
- le crlls
- le c4lls
- le c3lls
- le cekls
Etymology of LE CELLS
The term "LE cells" stands for "lupus erythematosus cells". The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. Lupus: "Lupus" is derived from the Latin word "lupus", which means "wolf". It got its name because early physicians believed that the facial rash seen in some patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) resembled a wolf's bite due to its redness and shape.
2. Erythematosus: "Erythematosus" is derived from the Greek word "erythema", which means "redness". It refers to the characteristic red rash that appears on the skin of individuals with SLE.
3. Cells: The term "cells" in this context refers to the specific type of cells observed under microscopic examination in a patient's blood smear.
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