A rare form of circulating plasma cell, Mott cell-like, in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

We presented a rare hematological anomaly observed in peripheral blood smears from two patients who tested positive for COVID-19. We found reactive lymphocytes and large plasma cells with eccentric nuclei and cytoplasm filled with vacuolar inclusions, called Russel's bodies. These particular plasma cells are most likely Mott cells. Though larger studies need to be carried out, Mott cell identification along with a systematic evaluation of morphologic changes in hematopoietic cells, could prove to be a straightforward and easy-to-perform supplementary diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with SARS-Cov2 infection.