Hereditary spherocytosis physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Shyam Patel [2] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

The physical examination findings in hereditary spherocytosis include; scleral icterus, jaundice, splenomegaly. Right upper quadrant abdominal pain may be elicited if gallbladder disease is present.

• The physical examination findings in hereditary spherocytosis include:^[1]
  • scleral icterus
  • jaundice
  • splenomegaly
• Palpable spleens have been detected in more than 75% of affected subjects. The liver is normal in size and function.
• Another important clue is right upper quadrant abdominal pain indicative of gallbladder disease. This is especially important if the patient has a family history of gallbladder disease.
• Any patient who presents with profound and sudden anemia and reticulocytopenia with the aforementioned physical findings also should have hereditary spherocytosis in the differential diagnosis.^[2]

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