Illustration of an abnormal red blood cell (erythrocyte) known as an spherocyte. Red blood cells with this appearance occur in hereditary spherocytosis (also known as Minkowski-Chauffard syndrome), a disorder of production of certain red blood cell structural proteins. It results in red blood cells forming spheres rather than normal biconcave discs. This difference in shape makes the cells more prone to destruction. Spherocytes are also found in autoimmune haemolytic anaemia, and small spherocytes are sometimes seen in severe burn cases.