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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Anisocytosis and Poikilocytosis?

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Anisocytosis and poikilocytosis are both abnormalities in red blood cells that can result from various anemic conditions. The main differences between these two conditions are:

  • Anisocytosis refers to the presence of red blood cells with unequal sizes, appearing either smaller or larger than the standard size. It is often a sign of anemia and can be caused by various conditions, including iron deficiency anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, and megaloblastic anemia.
  • Poikilocytosis refers to the presence of red blood cells with abnormal shapes, such as flat, elongated, teardrop-shaped, crescent-shaped, sickle-shaped, or other irregular features. It can be due to both inherited and acquired causes, including genetic mutations and conditions like liver disease.

Some common etiologies of both anisocytosis and poikilocytosis include anemias (iron deficiency, hemolytic, sickle cell, and megaloblastic), hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency, and liver disease. Both conditions can be diagnosed through microscopic observations of blood smears.

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  • What is the Difference Between Anisocytosis and Poikilocytosis?
  • Comparative Table: Anisocytosis vs Poikilocytosis

    • Comparative Table: Anisocytosis vs Poikilocytosis

    The main difference between anisocytosis and poikilocytosis lies in the type of changes in red blood cells: anisocytosis refers to red blood cells of unequal size, while poikilocytosis refers to red blood cells with abnormal shapes. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Anisocytosis Poikilocytosis
    Definition Presence of red blood cells of unequal size Presence of red blood cells with abnormal shapes
    Conditions Macrocytosis (large red blood cells) and microcytosis (small red blood cells) Elongated, crescent-shaped, teardrop-shaped, and other pointy projections
    Causes Anemias (iron deficiency, hemolytic, sickle cell, megaloblastic), hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency, liver disease or cirrhosis, kidney disease Anemias, hereditary spherocytosis, thalassemia, folate and vitamin B-12 deficiency
    Symptoms Weakness, fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath Abnormally shaped red blood cells (greater than 10%), fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath
    Diagnosis Red cell distribution width (RDW) measurement Microscopic observations

    Both anisocytosis and poikilocytosis are nonspecific features of various blood disorders and can be caused by different types of anemia or other underlying medical conditions.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.