Hereditary Spherocytosis and Hereditary Elliptocytosis By Evan M Braunstein, MD, PhD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Jun 2022 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Topic Resources Spherocytes Hereditary spherocytosis and hereditary elliptocytosis are congenital red blood cell (RBC) membrane disorders that can cause a mild hemolytic anemia.