What is the term used for abnormal red blood cells with a burr shape?

The abnormal red blood cells with a burr shape are commonly referred to as burr cells. These cells are characterized by their irregular, spiky projections that give them a distinctive appearance. Burr cells are often associated with various physiological conditions, such as liver disease, uremia, or lipid disorders, as they can be indications of alterations in the membrane lipid composition of red blood cells. The presence of these abnormal cells can be an important diagnostic clue for underlying health issues.

While target cells (target cells) and dacrocytes (teardrop cells) have their distinct shapes and associations with other hematological disorders, they do not resemble the burr shape. Spur cells (another term that may be related to burr cells) can also refer to the same morphology, but the term "burr cells" is more widely used in hematology to describe this specific appearance.