VATER association

This is the acronym of birth defects which occur together sufficiently frequently to warrant consideration as a an entity in itself.

The VATER acronym signifies:

• V - vertebral anomalies
• A - anal atresia
• T - tracheo-oesophageal fistula
• E - oesophageal atresia
• R - renal anomalies

At least three of the components of VATER must be present in order to make a diagnosis. Also commonly associated are cardiac malformations and digital anomalies such as polydactyly, syndactyly and abnormal thumbs.

Many of these patients are afflicted by additional anomalies leading to the VACTERLS association:

• V - vertebral anomalies
• A - anal atresia
• C - cardiac defects
• T - tracheo-oesophageal fistula
• E - oEsophageal atresia
• R - renal anomalies
• L - limb deformities
• S - single umbilical artery