MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hereditary ovalocytosis

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Hereditary ovalocytosis

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Illustrations Alternative names	Definition

Illustrations

Ovalocytoses

Blood cells

Alternative names Return to top

Ovalocytosis - hereditary

Definition Return to top

Hereditary ovalocytosis is an inherited condition in which your red blood cells, which are supposed to be round, instead have a slightly oval or elliptical shape. Also known as hereditary elliptocytosis. This condition is associated with mild hemolytic anemia. In severe cases, the disease may be treated by removal of the spleen (splenectomy).

Update Date: 6/2/2003

Updated by: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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