Which RBC inclusion is described as a threadlike oval or figure-eight shaped?

Which RBC inclusion is described as a threadlike oval or figure-eight shaped?

• A. Howell-Jolly body
• B. Cabot rings
• C. Pappenheimer bodies
• D. Basophilic stippling

Answer: (B)

Cabot rings are indeed characterized as threadlike, oval, or figure-eight shaped inclusions found within red blood cells. These structures are remnants of the nucleus that may appear during abnormal red cell development, especially in conditions like megaloblastic anemia. Recognizing Cabot rings is significant in hematology as they can provide insights into the underlying pathology affecting red cell production. In contrast, Howell-Jolly bodies are small, round remnants of nuclear material that typically appear as single inclusions within the cell, while Pappenheimer bodies are iron-containing granules that are also more spherical or irregular in shape. Basophilic stippling consists of small blue granules seen throughout the red blood cell cytoplasm, resulting from abnormal ribosomal RNA. Each of these inclusions has unique implications for diagnosis, but only Cabot rings fit the description of being threadlike or shaped like a figure-eight. Understanding these distinctions helps in diagnosing various hematological conditions effectively.

Cabot rings are indeed characterized as threadlike, oval, or figure-eight shaped inclusions found within red blood cells. These structures are remnants of the nucleus that may appear during abnormal red cell development, especially in conditions like megaloblastic anemia. Recognizing Cabot rings is significant in hematology as they can provide insights into the underlying pathology affecting red cell production.

In contrast, Howell-Jolly bodies are small, round remnants of nuclear material that typically appear as single inclusions within the cell, while Pappenheimer bodies are iron-containing granules that are also more spherical or irregular in shape. Basophilic stippling consists of small blue granules seen throughout the red blood cell cytoplasm, resulting from abnormal ribosomal RNA. Each of these inclusions has unique implications for diagnosis, but only Cabot rings fit the description of being threadlike or shaped like a figure-eight. Understanding these distinctions helps in diagnosing various hematological conditions effectively.