Acanthocytes are red blood cells that show many spicules (small needlelike structures) when viewed on a wet film. They are seen in abetalipoproteinaemia, McLeod syndrome and several inherited neurological disorders, such as neuroacanthocytosis. The Diseases Database is a free website that provides information about the relationships between medical conditions, symptoms, and medications. ... Abetalipoproteinemia is a rare genetic disorder that interferes with the normal absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins from food. ... McLeod syndrome (or McLeod phenomenon) is a genetic disorder caused by presence of the McLeod phenotype, a recessive anomaly on the X chromosome which alters production of XK protein (a precursor of Kell antigens on the surface of red blood cells). ... Neuroacanthocytosis (also known as Levine-Critchley syndrome or choreoacanthocytosis) is a rare movement disorder marked by progressive muscle weakness and atrophy, progressive cognitive loss, chorea (involuntary twisting movements of the body), and acanthocytosis (spiked red blood cells associated with several inherited neurological disorders). ...

In veterinary medicine, it may be seen in dogs with liver disease or hemangiosarcoma. It can also be related to disturbances in lipid metabolism.