Acanthocytosis is a digestive illness that is defined by the absence of VLDLs (very low-density lipids) and chylomicrons in the plasma.
Acanthocytes are found in myxedema (decreased thyroid activity, dry skin and mental deterioration) and in 20-65% of hypothyroidism cases. Serum lipid abnormalities are common in acanthocytosis. Acanthocytes are found in 50-90% of cells on peripheral blood smear findings in abetalipoproteinemia, which is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with only about 100 cases described worldwide. Acanthocytes are also relatively common in severe liver dysfunction and malnutrition.
CBC count reveals mild-to-moderate normocytic anemia with an elevated reticulocyte count. Peripheral blood smear findings reveal 0.2-90% acanthocytes.
