[Reversible acquired acanthocytosis and hemolytic anemia associated with hypobetalipoproteinemia in a chronic alcoholic].

A 38-year-old male chronic alcoholic developed spur-cell anemia during an episode of non-A, non-B hepatitis. Lipid evaluation showed a marked decrease in cholesterol (1.98 mmol/l), in triglycerides (0.41 mmol/l) and in phospholipids (1.38 mmol/l) in total serum as well as in VLDL and LDL. Serum apolipoprotein B was also low. Cholesterol (C) and phospholipid (PH) content of the erythrocytic membrane was increased, as was the intraerythrocytic C/PH ratio. Hemolysis ceased with correction of the hypobetalipoproteinemia. The relationship between acquired acanthocytosis and lipid disorders is discussed.