The Vater Association

Abstract

A ten-year study of 277 patients who had esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, anorectal anomaly, or radial aplasia confirmed the association of these defects with vertebral anomalies and renal dysplasia (VATER association). Along with congenital heart disease, these defects appeared to form a spectrum of abnormalities. The complete set of abnormalities is seen occasionally. Five babies with four or more of the VATER defects and 17 with three of them were seen. The presence of any one of these anomalies should alert the clinician to look for the others. This association may provide a clue for research into the cause.