VACTERL/VATER ASSOCIATION
Why not syndrome and why association? VATER or VACTERL is not a syndrome as there is a no single pathological cause responsible for the common incidence. Components of VACTERL are V - Vertebral anomalies occur in 80 t0 85% cases - hemivertebrae or hypoplastic vertebrae A - Anal atresia or imperforate anus occur in 50-55% cases C - cardiac malformations occur in 75% cases VSD, ASD and ToF are common TE - tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia occur in 70% cases Renal anomalies renal anomalies occur in 50% cases like agenesis or dysgenesis, single umbilical artery can also occur Limb anomalies Radial anomalies like radial aplasia, hypoplastic thumbs can occur. Syndactyly, polydactyly can also occur.