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 permanent or temporary 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.
Famous quotes containing the words acquired and/or disorder:
“Minerva House ... was a finishing establishment for young ladies, where some twenty girls of the ages from thirteen to nineteen inclusive, acquired a smattering of everything and a knowledge of nothing.”
—Charles Dickens (18121870)
“The history of the genesis or the old mythology repeats itself in the experience of every child. He too is a demon or god thrown into a particular chaos, where he strives ever to lead things from disorder into order.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (18031882)