A bite cell is an erythrocyte with smooth semicircular bit of cytoplasm missing from its periphery, resembling a bite mark into a cookie.
Mechanism: removal of a Heinz body by a phagocyte, typically within the spleen
Causes of Heinz bodies:
(1) G6PD deficiency or other enzyme deficiency that makes the erythrocyte susceptible to oxidative injury
(2) exposure to oxidative drugs or chemicals
(3) unstable hemoglobin
(4) hemolytic anemia associated with severe alcoholic liver disease (Zieve syndrome)
The oxidizing drug or chemical can result in methemoglobinemia.
Drugs involved include:
(1) phenylhydrazine
(2) chlorates
(3) nitrites
(4) phenazopyridine (Pyridium)
(5) trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology
