Cabot rings

Cabot ring

Cabot rings are thin, red-violet staining, threadlike strands in the shape of a loop or figure-8 that are found on rare occasions in red blood cells (erythrocytes). They are believed to be microtubules that are remnants from a mitotic spindle, and their presence indicates an abnormality in the production of red blood cells.[1]

Histologic appearance

Cabot rings appear under a microscope as ring or loop-shaped structures. Cabot rings stains red or purple with a Wright's stain.

Associated conditions

Cabot rings have been observed in a handful of cases in patients with pernicious anemia, lead poisoning, certain other disorders of red blood cell production (erythropoiesis).[1]

History

They were first described in 1903 by American physician, Richard Clarke Cabot (1868-1939).

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 McPherson, Richard A; MR Pincus. Henry's clinical diagnosis and management by laboratory methods (22nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders. p. 526. ISBN 978-1437709742.

Further reading

External links