VACTERL association in the newborn

Abstract

VACTERL association is a non-random association of birth (congenital) defects that affects multiple median and para-median structures. VACTERL association is a useful acronym to denote vertebral abnormalities (V), anal atresia (A), cardiac defects (C), tracheo-esophageal fistula (TE), renal or radial abnormalities (R), and limb abnormalities (L). Atleast 3 or more defects must be present to make a diagnosis of this condition. Most of these cases occur sporadically, although few cases with chromosomal abnormalities have been reported. Herein, we report a newborn who had most of the defects seen in VACTERL association.