Pelger-Huet anomaly

Disease Overview

Pelger-Huet anomaly (PHA) is an inherited blood condition in which the nuclei of several types of white blood cells (neutrophils and eosinophils) have unusual shape (bilobed, peanut or dumbbell-shaped instead of the normal trilobed shape) and unusual structure (coarse and lumpy).  Click here to view a picture of these cells seen under the microscope. PHA is considered to be a benign disorder in most instances, as individuals with PHA are typically healthy.[4607] PHA is caused by mutations in the LBR gene. It is suspected that mutations within the LBR gene are responsible for a spectrum of disorders including isolated PHA; PHA with mild skeletal symptoms; and Hydrops, Ectopic calcification, Moth-eaten skeletal dysplasia (HEM). PHA was previously thought to be inherited in an autosomal dominant manner; however, co-dominant inheritance has been suggested as well.[11331] It is important to distinguish PHA from acquired or pseudo-Pelger-Huet anomaly, which may be found in individuals with certain types of leukemia or myelodysplastic syndromes. Diagnosis is made based on characteristic appearance of white blood cell nuclei identified by a blood smear. Most individuals with PHA do not require treatment as they do not have symptoms.[4607]

Synonyms

• PHA
• Pelger Huet anomaly
• Pelger-Huet nuclear anomaly
• Ovoid neutrophil nuclei, developmental delay, epilepsy and skeletal abnormalities