Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Acquired
Introduction
Overview
An acquired disorder is a medical condition which develops post-fetally; in contrast with a congenital disorder, which is present at birth. A congenital disorder may be antecedent to an acquired disorder (such as Eisenmenger’s syndrome).
The term acquired may also be used to describe or modifications or devices (such as a shunt) which have been placed or created by a medical professional during palliation or treatment of a medical condition.