Semilunar bodies are types of poikilocytes caused by cell trauma. They are decolourised, crescent shaped cells, also called ghost corpuscles/cells or phantom cells. This erythrocyte cell is an “empty” red cell membrane (the external structure or “covering”) that is left complete or intact after hemolysis, but the cell is dead. In some cases of AIHA/IMHA, semilunar bodies/ghost erythrocytes may be seen with intravascular hemolysis.
See also poikilocytes
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