hyperchromic anemia
Definition
Noun: A type of anemia characterized by an increase in the concentration of hemoglobin within the red blood cells, often resulting in these cells appearing darker or more intensely colored than normal under microscopic examination.
Usage
This is a medical term used to describe a specific laboratory finding in hematology. It refers to a condition where the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is elevated.
Examples
- The blood test revealed hyperchromic anemia, indicating the red cells were saturated with hemoglobin.
- One cause of hyperchromic anemia can be severe dehydration, which concentrates the cellular contents.
- The physician noted the hyperchromic anemia on the lab report and ordered further tests to determine the underlying cause.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: True hyperchromic anemia is rare. More commonly, high MCHC is an artifact due to conditions like cold agglutinin disease (where red cells clump) or hemolysis (destruction of red cells) in the sample tube, which can falsely elevate the measurement.
- Pathophysiology: It contrasts with the more common hypochromic anemias (like iron deficiency anemia), where the red blood cells have too little hemoglobin and appear pale.
Variants and Related Words
- Hyperchromia (n): The condition of being hyperchromic; often used interchangeably with hyperchromic anemia in some contexts, but can refer specifically to the appearance of the cells.
- Hyperchromic (adj): Describing red blood cells that have an increased hemoglobin concentration. (e.g., hyperchromic red cells).
Synonyms
- Hyperchromic anaemia (British English spelling)
- Increased MCHC anemia (descriptive synonym)
Antonyms
- Hypochromic anemia: Anemia characterized by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
Noun
-
anemia characterized by an increase in the concentration of corpuscular hemoglobin
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