Elliptocytes are elongated red cells, that are described as having a length that is more than twice their width. They are often confused with ovalocytes. Increased numbers of elliptocytes may indicate an inherited red cell abnormality that affects the cytoskeleton.

They may be seen in:

• Hereditary elliptocytosis
• Iron deficiency
• Beta thalassaemia
• Megaloblastic anaemia
• Myelofibrosis
• Myelodysplastic syndromes

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Image from personal photography.