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Hereditary ovalocytosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ovalocytoses
Ovalocytoses
Blood cells
Blood cells

Alternative Names    Return to top

Ovalocytosis - hereditary

Definition    Return to top

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

Causes    Return to top

Ovalocytosis is mainly found in Southeast Asian populations.

Symptoms    Return to top

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

Exams and Tests    Return to top

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

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

Treatment    Return to top

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

Possible Complications    Return to top

The condition may be associated with gallstones or kidney problems.

References    Return to top

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.

Update Date: 11/10/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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