Description:

Erythrocytes of normal volume and very reduced thickness. In the smears they are examined like anulocytes or “target” cells. Anulocyte has a more or less large, pale area in the center due to the lowered hemoglobin content. “Target” cells (“Mexican-hat cell”) have ring zones on the periphery as well, but there is an increase of hemoglobin in the central part. A bright zone between peripheral and central parts is visible.

Size:

Changeable.

Shape:

Center and the periphery are colored and separated by a clear ring. So, it has the appearance of a target (bull’s-eye).

Significance:     

Found most frequently in iron deficiency - sideropenic anemia, as a result of disturbances in the hemoglobin synthesis.
They can be found in hypochromic anemia, homozygous and heterozygous forms of C, D, E hemoglobinopathy. The presence of leptocytes in b-thalassemia major is a pathognomonic.