RBCs originating from glomerular disease are often described as what shape?

RBCs originating from glomerular disease are frequently described as dysmorphic. This term refers to red blood cells that have an abnormal shape, which can occur due to damage or disturbances in the glomerular filtration barrier. When RBCs pass through a compromised glomerulus, they can become deformed, resulting in various shapes such as fragmented or distorted forms. This characteristic is indeed a crucial marker in diagnosing glomerular diseases, as they indicate a pathological process affecting the kidneys.

Other shapes like ovoid, round, or echinocytic do not specifically relate to the changes seen in RBCs due to glomerular diseases. For example, round RBCs are typically the normal shape seen in healthy individuals, while echinocytic refers to cells with spiky projections, commonly associated with certain types of hemolysis or other conditions, but not specifically linked to glomerular damage. Thus, dysmorphic RBCs serve as a distinct indicator in the context of glomerular pathology.