Howell–Jolly body

Howell–Jolly bodies are small, round inclusions found inside the red blood cells that are typically seen in certain types of anemia or after the spleen has been surgically removed. They are named after American physiologists William Henry Howell and Justin Marie Jolly, who first described them in the early 20th century.

Etymology

The term "Howell–Jolly bodies" is named after William Henry Howell, an American physiologist who first described these inclusions in 1890, and Justin Marie Jolly, a French hematologist who further characterized them in 1906.

Description

Howell–Jolly bodies are small, round, basophilic inclusions that are found inside the red blood cells. They are composed of DNA and are remnants of the cell's nucleus that were not expelled during the maturation of the red blood cell in the bone marrow.

Clinical significance

The presence of Howell–Jolly bodies in the blood is a sign of certain medical conditions. They are typically seen in patients with megaloblastic anemia, sickle cell disease, and other conditions that cause rapid red blood cell turnover. They are also seen in patients who have had their spleen removed, as the spleen normally removes these inclusions from the blood.

Diagnosis

Howell–Jolly bodies can be identified in a blood smear under a microscope. They appear as small, dark spots inside the red blood cells.

Treatment

The treatment for Howell–Jolly bodies depends on the underlying cause. If they are due to a disease that causes rapid red blood cell turnover, treatment will focus on managing that disease. If they are due to the removal of the spleen, no specific treatment is needed as the body can usually adapt to the absence of the spleen.

See also

• Anemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Blood smear

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