Aug

23

2021

Echinocytes (Burr Cells)

By William Aird

Burr cell (box) in 54-year-old patient with GI bleed, shown at higher magnification in inset. Note the short, blunt projections distributed evenly around the circumference of the cell, giving the cell surface a serrated appearance (100x, oil).

Burr cells (one shown with arrow) in a 67-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease. Note the short, blunt projections distributed evenly around the circumference of the cell, and the retention of some central pallor (100x, oil).
ParameterProperties
Red blood cell, shape abnormalityEchinocyte
Also known asBurr cell, crenated cell
DefinitionBurr cells are red blood cells with 10-30 uniform, short, blunt projections distributed evenly around the circumference of the cell, giving the red cell surface a serrated appearance. The red blood cells retain central pallor.
DdxImproperly prepared smear (slow drying, thick smears, aged blood and pH alteration of glass slide)
Conditions associated with the abnormalitySeen in uremia or pyruvate kinase deficiency, and to a lesser extent post splenectomy, burns and hepatitis of the newborn.
Mechanism of formationAbnormal lipid composition of the cellular membrane
HistoryFirst described by Schwartz and Motto in 1949
Source/authorWilliam Aird
Reviewed and edited byParul Bhargava