Abnormal WBC (White Blood Cell) Morphology

In this article

Introduction

When a blood smear is reviewed under the microscope, the white blood cells tell a story. Their size, nuclear shape, granule pattern, and staining together hint at what is happening inside the patient. An abnormal WBC is rarely a diagnosis on its own. It is a clue. Sometimes the clue points to a simple infection. Sometimes it points to a genetic disorder a child has lived with since birth. Sometimes it points to bone marrow failure or leukemia.

This article walks through the most important morphological changes in a hematology report. Each section explains what the cell looks like, why it looks that way, and which follow-up investigations the change usually prompts.

Abnormal WBC morphology including toxic granulations and hypersegmented neutrophils to indicate underlying disorders

A Brief Refresher on WBCs

White blood cells, or leukocytes, are the body's immune sentinels. Five main types do most of the work. Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infection. Lymphocytes (B cells, T cells, and NK cells) handle viral defense and antibody production. Monocytes mature into tissue macrophages and present antigens. Eosinophils fight parasites and drive allergic responses. Basophils release histamine in allergy and inflammation.

A complete blood count gives a total WBC number, but it cannot tell which type is rising or whether the cells look normal. That is what the smear adds.

Why Morphology Still Matters

A differential count tells you the percentage of each WBC type. Morphology tells you whether those cells are healthy. Together they can:

  • Suggest a diagnosis when other labs are inconclusive — for example, hypersegmented neutrophils alongside a macrocytic anemia point to B12 deficiency [4].
  • Confirm a clinical suspicion, such as bacterial sepsis backed up by toxic granulation and a left shift.
  • Guide treatment, since neutrophilia points toward antibiotics while eosinophilia points toward allergy or parasites.
  • Monitor response, as morphology often normalizes when the underlying cause is treated.

Modern labs now combine the trained eye with digital morphology analyzers such as the Sysmex DI-60 and Mindray MC-100i. These instruments pre-classify cells using artificial intelligence, then a technologist verifies the call. AI pre-classification improves sensitivity for catching abnormal WBCs and shortens review time, but performance is weaker for rare cells and basophils, so manual review remains essential [7,8].

Cytoplasmic Inclusions

Toxic Granulation in Neutrophils

Toxic granulation refers to coarse, dark-staining granules inside neutrophils. They form when the bone marrow speeds up production so much that primary (azurophilic) granules are incompletely packaged.

What it looks like. The granules are larger, denser, and stain a darker blue or purple than the fine pink granules of a healthy mature neutrophil. They are best seen with a Romanowsky stain such as Leishman or Wright-Giemsa.

Presence of two abnormal white blood cells (neutrophils) with toxic granulation that stains blue in the smear.
Presence of toxic granulation in two abnormal white blood cells, bone marrow aspiration. "Toxic granulation" by Bobjgalindo is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Common causes.

  • Severe bacterial infection, especially sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
  • Severe viral infection in some cases.
  • Tissue injury from burns, trauma, or surgery.
  • Active inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy and certain chemotherapy regimens.

Why it matters. Toxic granulation signals an active immune or inflammatory response. It is most useful when interpreted with the clinical picture, the white cell count, and the presence or absence of band cells.

When to investigate further. Blood cultures, CRP, procalcitonin, and source-specific imaging or serology are the usual next steps.

Döhle Bodies in Neutrophils

Döhle bodies are small, pale blue-gray oval inclusions sitting near the edge of the neutrophil cytoplasm. They are aggregates of rough endoplasmic reticulum, which contains ribosomal RNA — this is why older texts describe them as "agglutinated ribosomes" and newer texts as "RER remnants." Both views point to the same structure.

What it looks like. Round to oval, 1–3 micrometers across, located close to the cell membrane, and staining pale blue to gray.

A pale blue or gray oval shaped Döhle body in a neutrophil.
Presence of a Döhle body in a neutrophil. A RER remnant that stains pale blue or gray and oval in shape. "ww325 dohle body" by isis325 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Common causes.

  • Bacterial and viral infection.
  • Severe burns, trauma, and pregnancy.
  • Drug reactions and B12 or folate deficiency.
  • The May-Hegglin anomaly, an inherited MYH9 mutation that produces giant platelets, mild thrombocytopenia, and large Döhle-like inclusions.

Why it matters. Like toxic granulation, Döhle bodies are part of the "toxic change" pattern of inflammation. Alone they are not diagnostic. With giant platelets and a family history, however, they raise the suspicion of May-Hegglin anomaly.

Toxic Granulation vs. Döhle Bodies at a Glance

FeatureToxic GranulationDöhle Bodies
CompositionIncompletely packaged primary granulesRough ER with ribosomes
AppearanceCoarse dark granules throughout cytoplasmPale blue ovals at cell edge
CauseSevere infection, inflammation, G-CSFInfection, burns, pregnancy, May-Hegglin
SignificanceStrong sign of active inflammationComponent of toxic change; may signal inherited disorder if persistent

Vacuolation in Abnormal WBCs

Vacuoles are clear, round, unstained spaces in the cytoplasm. They appear empty under the microscope because they hold fluid or undigested material that does not take up stain.

Presence of toxic vacuolation in a neutrophil in the peripheral blood smear.
A neutrophil with toxic vacuolation in the cytoplasm. "Toxic vacuolation 2" by SpicyMilkBoy is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Common causes

  • Active phagocytosis or sepsis. Neutrophils develop vacuoles after engulfing bacteria or in the setting of endotoxemia.
  • Drug toxicity, especially from chemotherapy.
  • Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency.
  • Lysosomal storage disorders such as Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome [6]. Vacuolated lymphocytes in a child are a major clue.
  • Chédiak-Higashi syndrome, in which giant lysosomal granules form because of impaired vesicle fusion.

Why it matters. In neutrophils, vacuolation correlates with severity in sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In children, vacuolated lymphocytes should trigger evaluation for an inherited metabolic disorder.

When to investigate further. Blood cultures and lactate in suspected sepsis; urine glycosaminoglycans, white cell enzyme assays, and genetic testing in suspected storage disorders.

Alder-Reilly Anomaly

Alder-Reilly anomaly (sometimes called Alder anomaly) is a rare inherited finding. Coarse, darkly staining metachromatic granules — called Reilly bodies — sit in the cytoplasm of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes. The granules contain partially digested mucopolysaccharides that cells cannot break down because a lysosomal enzyme is missing.

What it looks like. Large, coarse, basophilic granules, most prominent in neutrophils but also visible in eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Granules may be surrounded by a clear halo, which is best seen in lymphocytes.

Characteristics of Alder anomaly can be seen as coarse basophilic granules in a basophil (left), monocyte (center) and neutrophil (right).
Characteristics of Alder anomaly can be seen as coarse basophilic granules in a basophil (left), monocyte (center) and neutrophil (right). Images taken from https://www.cellwiki.net/en/aberrations/neutrophils-alder-reilly

Cause and inheritance. Alder-Reilly bodies are most often associated with the mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) — a group of lysosomal storage disorders that are mostly autosomal recessive, except for MPS II (Hunter syndrome), which is X-linked recessive. Tay-Sachs disease can also cause the finding.

Why it matters. The granulocytes themselves work normally. The value of the finding is that it is a non-invasive clue to a serious underlying genetic disorder. Reilly bodies can be the first hint that prompts enzyme assays and a confirmed diagnosis [9].

Common pitfall. Alder-Reilly bodies are easily confused with toxic granulation, but two clues separate them. Reilly bodies appear in all leukocyte lineages, not just neutrophils, and they are permanent rather than transient.

Auer Rods and Faggot Cells

Auer rods are needle-shaped, pink-red crystalline structures in the cytoplasm of myeloid blasts. They form when azurophilic granules fuse abnormally.

What it looks like. Slim, straight or slightly curved pink rods inside immature myeloid cells. When multiple rods bundle together inside a single promyelocyte, the cell is called a faggot cell.

Microscopic view of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) showcasing characteristic needle-shaped Auer rods within myeloid cells.
A microscopic image showcasing the presence of Auer rods, needle-shaped cytoplasmic inclusions found within myeloid cells of some acute myeloid leukemia. Dysplastic changes can also be seen in some of the myeloid cells. Magnification x 400.

Why it matters. Auer rods are pathognomonic for myeloid lineage and signal acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Faggot cells are a hallmark of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), a hematologic emergency because of its risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Suspected APL requires immediate flow cytometry, PML-RARA testing, and initiation of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) [1].

Hypogranularity in WBCs

Hypogranularity is a reduction or absence of the normal cytoplasmic granules in granulocytes, most noticeable in neutrophils.

What it looks like. Granulocytes whose cytoplasm appears clear, pale, or only sparsely speckled.

Bone marrow smear from a patient with RAEB. A blast is present in the center. Two abnormal white blood cells (hypogranular neutrophils) (red arrows) are adjacent to the blast. A red blood cell precursor with multiple nuclear fragments is at the lower left. (Wright-Giemsa stain)
Bone marrow smear from a patient with RAEB. A blast is present in the center. Two abnormal white blood cells (hypogranular neutrophils) (red arrows) are adjacent to the blast. A red blood cell precursor with multiple nuclear fragments is at the lower left. (Wright-Giemsa stain) PEIR Digital Library (Pathology image database). Image# 404749. Image and description are from the AFIP Atlas of Tumor Pathology.

Common causes.

  • Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) and AML — hypogranularity is one of the hallmark dysplastic features.
  • B12 or folate deficiency.
  • Severe infection releasing immature neutrophils.

Why it matters. Hypogranularity is one of the strongest cytological markers of dysplasia. Its diagnostic weight goes up when it appears with other dysplastic features such as pseudo-Pelger-Huët cells and nuclear abnormalities [1,2].

Nuclear Abnormalities

Hypersegmented Neutrophils

A healthy neutrophil has two to five nuclear lobes connected by thin chromatin strands. A hypersegmented neutrophil has six or more.

Two hypersegmented neutrophils seen in a peripheral blood smear indicating abnormal WBCs.
Peripheral blood film of a pancytopenic patient who has been treated for ovarian cancer by chemotherapy showing hypersegmented neutrophils as abnormal WBCs. "Hypersegmented Neutrophils (36831145373)" by Ed Uthman from Houston, TX, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Common causes.

  • Megaloblastic anemia from vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Disrupted DNA synthesis allows the nucleus to keep dividing.
  • Myelodysplastic neoplasms with disordered nuclear maturation.
  • Severe liver disease.
  • Hydroxyurea therapy, used in sickle cell disease and CML.

Why it matters. Hypersegmented neutrophils alongside macrocytic red cells form one of the most teachable, recognizable patterns in hematology. The combination should prompt serum B12, folate, and a reticulocyte count [4].

Left Shift (Bandemia)

A left shift is the appearance of immature neutrophils (particularly band cells) in peripheral blood. Band cells have a curved, unsegmented nucleus shaped like a "C" or horseshoe.

Image depicting a peripheral blood smear of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), showcasing a left shift with immature granulocytes, basophilia, and eosinophilia
The presence of left shift with immature granulocytes, basophilia, and eosinophilia in a blood smear serves as a telltale sign of CML, a condition characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of granulocytes in the bone marrow. These abnormal cells, characterized by their increased numbers and immature morphology, are a direct consequence of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome translocation, a genetic alteration that leads to the overproduction of the BCR-ABL oncogene.

Common causes.

  • Acute bacterial infection. The bone marrow releases immature cells to meet demand.
  • Severe stress, trauma, or burns.
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia and other bone marrow disorders, which release a much wider spectrum of immature granulocytes (metamyelocytes, myelocytes, even blasts).

Why it matters. A left shift confirms the inflammatory leukogram in sepsis but, when more immature forms (myelocytes, promyelocytes) appear, the question shifts toward bone marrow disease. CML is the classic example, especially when combined with basophilia, eosinophilia, and splenomegaly. BCR-ABL1 testing confirms the diagnosis. can be a sign of a blood cancer or other bone marrow-related diseases.

Pelger-Huët Anomaly (PHA)

Pelger-Huët anomaly is an inherited disorder of neutrophil nuclear segmentation caused by mutations in the lamin B receptor (LBR) gene. Inheritance is autosomal dominant. The cells are abnormal in shape but normal in function.

What it looks like. Neutrophils with bilobed, "pince-nez" (resembling a pair of spectacles), peanut-shaped, or dumbbell-shaped nuclei. Chromatin appears dense and coarsely clumped.

Why it matters. PHA itself is benign and needs no treatment. Its main clinical relevance is that it can be mistaken for a marked left shift on a smear, prompting unnecessary infection workups [5]. Recognizing the family pattern and the consistent involvement of almost all neutrophils prevents this error.

Presence of a Pelger-Huët bilobed neutrophil in a peripheral blood smear.
Pelgeroid Neutrophil (bilobate) in a peripheral blood smear. "Pelgeroid Neutrophil (bilobate) (360621427)" by Ed Uthman from Houston, TX, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Pseudo-Pelger-Huët Anomaly (PPHA)

This is the acquired look-alike of PHA, and it is arguably more important for students to know. PPHA is one of the most reliable smear markers of granulocytic dysplasia.

Common causes.

  • Myelodysplastic neoplasms and acute myeloid leukemia.
  • Chronic myeloid leukemia, particularly after treatment.
  • Drugs, including tacrolimus, mycophenolate, sulfa drugs, valproate, ibuprofen, taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), and even some BTK inhibitors. Drug-induced PPHA is typically transient and reverses within weeks of stopping the drug [3].
  • Less commonly, severe infection, multiple myeloma, malaria, and B12 or folate deficiency.

How to tell PHA and PPHA apart. In inherited PHA, almost every neutrophil looks abnormal and the patient is asymptomatic. In PPHA, usually fewer than 20% of neutrophils are affected, other dysplastic features are often present, and there is a clinical context — a known malignancy, a transplant, or a new medication [3].

When to investigate further. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy with cytogenetics and a myeloid mutation panel, particularly if dysplastic features cluster or cytopenias are present. Always review the medication list first to spot a reversible drug cause.

Differences of PHA from Other Abnormal WBCs with Similar Morphology

FeaturePelger-Huët Anomaly (PHA)Pseudo-Pelger-HuëtLeft Shift (Bandemia)
CauseInherited LBR mutationMDS, AML, drugsAcute infection or stress 
Proportion of neutrophils affectedNearly allUsually < 20%Variable, with band cells dominant
Clinical stateAsymptomaticOften dysplasia or drug exposureAcute illness, infection signs  
ActionReassure; document for future smearsBone marrow workup or drug reviewTreat the infection

Drumsticks in Neutrophils

Drumsticks are small, round chromatin appendages connected to a neutrophil nucleus by a thin stalk. They represent the inactive X chromosome (the Barr body) and appear in about 1–2% of neutrophils in healthy females [10].

Why it matters today. Drumsticks were historically used as a cytological marker of female sex. With modern karyotyping, FISH, and chromosomal microarray, this role is largely obsolete. The reason to recognize them now is to avoid misclassifying them as pathology. True drumsticks must be distinguished from non-specific nuclear projections like sessile nodules and racquet forms, which are smaller, less intensely staining, and clinically insignificant [10].

Presence of drumstick neutrophil in a schematic diagram.
Drumstick appearance in a neutrophil (red arrow).

Other Important Findings

Reactive Lymphocytes

Reactive lymphocytes — sometimes called atypical lymphocytes — are lymphocytes that have enlarged and changed in response to antigenic or immune stimulation.

What they look like. Larger than typical lymphocytes, with abundant, deeply basophilic (blue) cytoplasm that often appears to "scallop" around adjacent red cells. The nucleus may be irregular, indented, or cleaved.

Atypical Lymphocytes (reactive lymphocytes) on high power view of peripheral smear in infectious mononucleosis.
Atypical Lymphocytes (reactive lymphocytes) on high power view of peripheral smear in infectious mononucleosis. "Infectious Mononucleosis" by euthman is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

CausesCommon causes.

  • Viral infections. Infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus) is the classic example. CMV, hepatitis viruses, influenza, and HIV also drive reactive changes.
  • Some bacterial infections — pertussis, brucellosis, cat-scratch disease.
  • Autoimmune disease and drug hypersensitivity.

Why it matters. Most reactive lymphocytes signal a benign, self-limited immune response. Persistent atypical cells, very high counts, or unusual nuclear features should prompt flow cytometry to exclude leukemia or lymphoma. The presence of smudge cells (fragile lymphocytes that rupture on the slide) in an older adult with lymphocytosis points toward chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Dysplasia

Dysplasia is a broad term for the disordered maturation of blood cells in the bone marrow. The cells that emerge look abnormal and often work poorly.

What it looks like on a smear.

  • Granulocytic dysplasia — hypogranular neutrophils, pseudo-Pelger-Huët cells, and immature myeloid forms.
  • Erythroid dysplasia — circulating nucleated red cells, anisopoikilocytosis, basophilic stippling.
  • Megakaryocytic dysplasia — giant or hypogranular platelets.
Atypical granulocytic lineage cells in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) showing abnormal WBCs.
Atypical granulocytic lineage cells in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) showing abnormal WBCs. "File:Granulocytic Dysplasia.jpg" by Emily Patonay is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

CausCauses.

  • Primary myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS). In 2022, the WHO 5th edition renamed myelodysplastic syndromes as myelodysplastic neoplasms and split them into genetically defined and morphology-defined groups. Examples of genetically defined subtypes include MDS with biallelic TP53 inactivation, MDS with low blasts and SF3B1 mutation, and MDS with del(5q). The International Consensus Classification (ICC) of 2022 runs in parallel with similar but not identical categories [1,2].
  • Therapy-related dysplasia after chemotherapy or radiation for prior cancer.
  • Toxic exposure, classically to benzene.
  • Bone marrow failure syndromes.

Why it matters. Dysplastic features on a smear usually trigger a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy with cytogenetics, FISH, and a myeloid mutation panel. The combined morphologic, cytogenetic, and molecular data sit at the heart of the 2022 WHO and ICC classifications and shape both prognosis and treatment.

When to investigate further. Review the medication list to exclude reversible PPHA. Consider B12 and folate before committing to a malignancy workup. Refer to hematology for bone marrow evaluation.

Summary of Abnormal WBC Morphology

AbnormalityKey FeatureCommon CausesWhy It Matters
Toxic granulationCoarse, dark blue granules in neutrophilsSevere bacterial infection, sepsis, G-CSFActive inflammatory response
Döhle bodiesPale blue oval inclusions near cell membraneInfection, burns, pregnancy, May-Hegglin anomalyMarker of "toxic change"
VacuolesClear round spaces in cytoplasmSepsis, drug toxicity, storage disordersCell stress or accumulation of unprocessed material
Alder-Reilly bodiesPermanent coarse granules in all leukocytesMucopolysaccharidoses, Tay-SachsClue to inherited lysosomal storage disease
Auer rods / faggot cellsPink needle-like crystals in blastsAML, especially APLPathognomonic for myeloid leukemia
HypogranularityReduced or absent granulesMDS, AML, vitamin deficiencyMarker of dysplasia
Hypersegmented neutrophilsSix or more nuclear lobesB12 or folate deficiency, hydroxyureaClassic megaloblastic anemia clue
Left shift (bandemia)Increased immature band cellsAcute infection, CMLInflammatory response or marrow disorder
Pelger-Huët anomalyBilobed "pince-nez" or peanut nucleiInherited LBR mutation (PHA); MDS, AML, drugs (PPHA)PHA is benign; PPHA points to dysplasia
DrumsticksSmall chromatin appendage from nucleusInactive X chromosome in femalesHistorical sex chromatin marker
Reactive lymphocytesLarge, blue-tinged cytoplasm; irregular nucleiViral infection, especially EBV/CMVImmune activation
Smudge cellsFragile, ruptured lymphocytesCLL, sample handlingDiagnostic clue in CLL
DysplasiaDisordered maturation featuresMDS, AMLTriggers bone marrow biopsy

Common Pitfalls to Remember

  • PHA vs. PPHA vs. left shift. Inherited PHA affects nearly all neutrophils in a healthy patient. PPHA affects a minority of neutrophils, often with other dysplastic features or a drug exposure. A left shift adds band cells and metamyelocytes alongside infection.
  • Toxic granulation vs. Alder-Reilly bodies. Toxic granulation is transient and limited to neutrophils. Alder-Reilly bodies are permanent and appear in all leukocyte lineages.
  • Döhle bodies vs. May-Hegglin inclusions. Both are blue-gray cytoplasmic structures. May-Hegglin inclusions are larger, more elongated, and come with giant platelets and mild thrombocytopenia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does "abnormal WBC morphology" mean on a blood smear report?

It means the white blood cells viewed under the microscope show shape, size, or staining changes that differ from healthy cells. These changes act as clues. They can point to infection, vitamin deficiency, bone marrow disorders, inherited conditions, or drug effects, and they usually prompt further blood tests or a bone marrow examination.

How are toxic granulation and Alder-Reilly bodies different?

Toxic granulation appears in neutrophils during severe bacterial infection or inflammation and is temporary. Alder-Reilly bodies look similar but are permanent inherited findings linked to mucopolysaccharidoses or Tay-Sachs disease. Alder-Reilly bodies also appear in monocytes and lymphocytes, while toxic granulation is limited to neutrophils.

Why is hypersegmentation of neutrophils important?

Neutrophils with six or more nuclear lobes are a classic clue for vitamin B12 or folate deficiency. Recognizing the change on a smear prompts testing for these deficiencies and treatment, which can reverse the anemia and prevent neurological complications from prolonged B12 deficiency.

Is Pelger-Huët anomaly dangerous?

The inherited form is benign. Affected neutrophils have only two lobes but work normally. The danger lies in misreading it as a left shift and ordering unnecessary tests for infection. An acquired version, called pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly, is different and may signal a bone marrow disorder or a drug reaction that needs follow-up.

What is the difference between inherited and acquired Pelger-Huët anomaly?

Inherited Pelger-Huët anomaly is a lifelong genetic trait that affects nearly all neutrophils and causes no symptoms. Pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly appears later in life. It usually affects a smaller proportion of neutrophils, and it is linked to myelodysplastic neoplasms, leukemia, or certain drugs such as tacrolimus, mycophenolate, ibuprofen, or chemotherapy agents.

When are reactive lymphocytes a sign of cancer rather than infection?

Most reactive lymphocytes reflect viral infections like infectious mononucleosis and resolve as the infection clears. They become concerning when their numbers stay elevated for weeks, when there are very abnormal-looking forms with cleaved nuclei, when smudge cells appear, or when they occur with weight loss, fever, or swollen lymph nodes. Flow cytometry and clinician review separate benign reactive changes from leukemia or lymphoma.

  • Apoptosis — Programmed cell death; a controlled, orderly process by which damaged or unneeded cells self-destruct.
  • Auer rods — Pink-red, needle-shaped crystalline inclusions made of fused azurophilic granules; found in myeloid blasts.
  • Azurophilic — Stains purple-blue with azure dyes used in Romanowsky stains (e.g., Wright-Giemsa).
  • Bandemia / left shift — A rise in immature neutrophils (band cells) in peripheral blood.
  • Basophilic — Stains dark blue with basic dyes due to acidic cellular components like RNA.
  • Cytopenia — A low count of one or more blood cell types (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).
  • Dysplasia — Abnormal cell development, often signaling disordered bone marrow maturation.
  • Faggot cells — Promyelocytes containing bundles of multiple Auer rods; characteristic of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL).
  • Granulocyte — A WBC with visible cytoplasmic granules: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.
  • Hyposegmentation — Fewer nuclear lobes than normal in a granulocyte.
  • Hypersegmentation — Six or more nuclear lobes in a neutrophil; classic clue for B12 or folate deficiency.
  • Leukogram — The white blood cell portion of a complete blood count.
  • Lysosomal storage disorder — Inherited disease in which a missing or faulty enzyme allows substances to build up inside cells.
  • Megaloblastic anemia — Anemia caused by impaired DNA synthesis (typically B12 or folate deficiency), producing large red cells.
  • Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) — A group of inherited disorders caused by enzyme defects that prevent breakdown of glycosaminoglycans.
  • Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) — Clonal bone marrow disorders with ineffective blood cell production and a risk of progression to AML.
  • Peripheral blood smear — A thin layer of blood spread on a glass slide and stained for microscopic examination.
  • Phagocytosis — The process by which cells engulf and digest particles like bacteria.
  • Pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly (PPHA) — Acquired hyposegmentation of neutrophils, usually a marker of dysplasia or drug effect.

Reactive lymphocyte — A lymphocyte enlarged and altered in response to antigenic or immune stimulation.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and is specifically targeted towards medical students. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the information presented here is derived from credible medical sources and is believed to be accurate and up-to-date, it is not guaranteed to be complete or error-free. See additional information.

References

  1. Khoury, J.D., Solary, E., Abla, O. et al. The 5th edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Haematolymphoid Tumours: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms. Leukemia 36, 1703–1719 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41375-022-01613-1
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  3. Wang, E., Boswell, E., Siddiqi, I., Lu, C. M., Sebastian, S., Rehder, C., & Huang, Q. (2011). Pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly induced by medications: a clinicopathologic study in comparison with myelodysplastic syndrome-related pseudo-Pelger-Huët anomaly. American journal of clinical pathology135(2), 291–303. https://doi.org/10.1309/AJCPVFY95MAOBKRS
  4. Farrelly, S. J., & O'Connor, K. A. (2017). Hypersegmented neutrophils and oval macrocytes in the setting of B12 deficiency and pancytopaenia. BMJ case reports2017, bcr2016218508. https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2016-218508
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