D58.1: Hereditary elliptocytosis

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

The red blood cells are usually shaped like a flat disc. This shape is stabilized by an inner framework within the blood cells. In your case, this inner framework is changed. As a result, your red blood cells are elongated and misshapen.

Most people with this disorder experience few or no problems. However, the disorder can also become severe.

With the disorder, the body may break down the misshapen red blood cells too early. This results in there being too few red blood cells, overall, in the blood. The blood can then no longer transport as much oxygen. This can make you exhausted more quickly or get breathless.

The by-products from the red blood cells can also accumulate in certain parts of the body. resulting in the eyes or skin, for example, turning yellow in color. The increase in by-products can also cause gall stones to form.

Red blood cells are broken down in the spleen. The spleen is located in the top left of the abdomen. If the spleen breaks down more red blood cells than usual, it can become enlarged.

The disorder is hereditary. Other family members can also be affected.