Differential Diagnosis of Hypochromic Anemias

Abstract

Hypochromic anemia is not synonymous with iron-deficiency anemia. Hypochromia usually occurs in patients with depleted body iron stores, but it may also occur in the presence of adequate iron stores. Factors other than iron deficiency must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Iron-deficiency anemia is the only hypochromic anemia associated with inadequate body iron and the only anemia that responds to iron therapy.