Increased iron in the mitochondria of normoblasts is characteristic of which type of anemia?

The presence of increased iron in the mitochondria of normoblasts is a defining characteristic of sideroblastic anemia. In this type of anemia, there is a defect in heme synthesis that leads to the accumulation of iron in the mitochondria. This iron cannot be properly incorporated into hemoglobin, resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis and the formation of ringed sideroblasts when stained and observed under a microscope.

Sideroblastic anemia is often characterized by the appearance of these defective red blood cell precursors, which contain excess iron deposits that form rings around their nucleus. Understanding this process is essential, as it highlights the underlying pathophysiology of the condition and distinguishes it from other forms of anemia that do not have this specific mitochondrial iron buildup in normoblasts.