Definition

Noun A form of hemochromatosis (a disorder causing the body to absorb and store too much iron) that is not inherited but develops later in life due to external factors, such as repeated blood transfusions or a diet excessively high in iron.

Usage

This is a medical term used specifically to describe a condition caused by external, non-genetic factors leading to iron overload. It contrasts with hereditary (or genetic) hemochromatosis.

Examples

• The patient developed acquired hemochromatosis after years of receiving blood transfusions for a chronic anemia.
• Diagnosis of acquired hemochromatosis was based on the patient's history of excessive iron supplementation and high serum ferritin levels.
• Unlike the genetic form, acquired hemochromatosis is not passed down through families.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in differential diagnosis to distinguish the cause of iron overload. For example: "The iron studies confirmed overload, but the lack of family history pointed toward acquired hemochromatosis."
• It can be part of a compound noun phrase in medical literature, such as "transfusion-related acquired hemochromatosis."

Variants and Related Words

• Hemochromatosis (n): The general term for iron overload disorders.
• Hereditary hemochromatosis (n): The genetic form of the condition.
• Secondary hemochromatosis (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with .
• Iron overload (n): The broader physiological state of excess iron in the body.

Synonyms

• Secondary hemochromatosis
• Non-hereditary hemochromatosis

Related Phrases

• Transfusion iron overload: A specific cause of acquired hemochromatosis.
• Dietary iron overload: A less common cause related to excessive intake.

Noun

1. hemochromatosis resulting from repeated transfusions or from excessive intake of foods containing iron