Reversibility of spur cell anemia.

A diagnosis of spur cell anemia was made. Spur cell anemia is found in end-stage alcoholic liver disease. The morphologic changes of spur cells are caused by accumulation of excess membrane cholesterol, leading to an impaired deformability and consequently a reduced red cell survival. The prognosis of patients with spur cell anemia is poor, with a median survival of a few months. Liver transplantation represents the only potentially curative option.