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VATER association

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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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

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