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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. Cabot Rings, considerably rare findings, when present are found in the cytoplasm of red blood cells and in most cases, are caused by defects of erythrocytic production and are not commonly found in the blood circulating throughout the body.

Cytologic appearance

Cabot rings appear as ring, figure-8 or loop-shaped structures on microscopy. Cabot rings stain red or purple with 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).

History

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

References

1. ^ McPherson, Richard A; MR Pincus (2011). Henry's clinical diagnosis and management by laboratory methods (22nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier/Saunders. p. 526. ISBN 978-1437709742.
2. "Cabot Rings - LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education". www.labce.com. Retrieved 2017-05-04.
3. "Cabot's Rings". www.chronolab.com. Archived from the original on 2018-05-14. Retrieved 2017-05-04.

Further reading

• Kass, L (July 1975). "Origin and composition of Cabot rings in pernicious anemia". American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 64 (1): 53–7. doi:10.1093/ajcp/64.1.53. PMID 1155375.

External links

• Microscopic Photo of Cabot Rings

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