FRCPath Haematology Part 2: Morphology RBC Morphology Overview Howell-Jolly Bodies

Howell-Jolly bodies are normal RBC nuclear DNA remnants which are normally removed by the spleen.

Causes:

  • Splenectomy
  • Hyposplenism
  • Neonates with functionally immature spleens
Howell-Jolly Bodies. Peripheral blood film from a patient who had a splenectomy showing a Howell-Jolly body in a red blood cell and surrounding cells with Pappenheimer bodies.
Peripheral blood film from a patient who had a splenectomy showing a Howell-Jolly body in a red blood cell and surrounding cells with Pappenheimer bodies.
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