Keratocyte

« Back to Glossary Index

Keratocytes are types of poikilocytes caused by cell trauma. They are also called horn cells & are shaped like a spindle or a half moon. They are a very important indicator for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).  List of possible causes:

• DIC
• Glomerulonephritis
• Hemangiosarcoma (often with DIC)
• Hepatic diseases
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Haemolytic anaemia
• Lymphosarcoma
• Neoplasia (sometimes with DIC)
• Vascular prostheses such as a graft

See also poikilocytes 

« Back to Glossary Index