A peripheral blood smear from a patient with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is most likely to show which of the following red blood cell morphologies?

Explanation

Schistocytes (fragmented red blood cells) are a characteristic finding in DIC. They result from the mechanical shearing of red blood cells as they pass through the fibrin strands deposited in the microvasculature, a process known as microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Spherocytes are seen in hereditary spherocytosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Target cells are associated with liver disease, thalassemia, and iron deficiency anemia. Howell-Jolly bodies are nuclear remnants seen in asplenia or hyposplenism.