Neutrophils are the most easily recognised cells on a blood film due to their distinctive multi-lobed nuclear structure and cytoplasmic granulation pattern. As they have a short half life in the blood and are capable of responding rapidly to appropriate stimuli, quantitative and quantitative changes in these cells can provide valuable dynamic information to the pathologist and the clinician.
Morphological changes associated with normal neutrophil function are well described and familiar to most. However, there may be considerable overlap between normal/expected changes, inherited phenomena and more sinister evolving processes.
This presentation will focus on unusual presentations of both inherited and acquired neutrophil morphology, the clinical significance of these changes, and what warrants further investigation.