Geometric euclidean and fractal characterization of sickle cells

Introduction. Recent studies propose new methodologies that allow the recognition of the different alterations in the shape of red blood cells, establishing mathematical and geometric comparison patterns in the context of fractal and Euclidean geometry. Objective. To characterize the shape of sickle cells using a methodology designed in the context of fractal and Euclidean geometry. Methodology. 30 images of sickle cells were obtained in peripheral blood smears. The sickle cells were delineated and two grids were superimposed (Kp of 5 x 5 pixels and Kg of 10 x 10 pixels), to calculate the space occupied by these cells and the fractal dimension by means of the Box Counting method. Results: the spaces occupied by the sickle cells varied with the superposition of the Kp grid between 36 and 56; the surface of sickle cells varied between 969 and 1872 pixels, and the proportions between the surface and the values of the Kp grid varied between 23.1 and 39.6. Conclusions. The present study reveals the possibility of making more precise characterizations in sickle cells, from the occupation spaces of the sickle cell by superposing the Kp grid and the proportions between the surface and the Kp grid, and not by the values of the fractal dimension, contributing in this way in the design of methodologies that improve the recognition of this type of cells.