Deformation of red blood cells that appear rigid and spiculated (αχανθα = thorn in ancient Greek). It is due to theaccumulation of a modified lipoprotein, resulting in an excess of cholesterol in the membrane of red cells. This causes hemolytic anemia. The most frequent causes of acanthocytosis are:

-        abetalipoproteinemia (Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome)

-        hemolytic anemia associated with severe liver failure

-        neurocanthocytosis or chorea-acanthocytosis

-        malnutrition (anorexia nervosa)

-        infantile pycnocytosis

-        McLeod syndrome or phenotype (see McLeod syndrome (2))

-        Zieve's syndrome: acute alcoholic hepatitis with hemolysis, fever, and hyperlipemia

-        hypothyroidism

-        Lutheran null blood phenotype

 Anesthetic implications: 

check blood count and liver function

References:        

Updated: February 2017