Characteristic findings for diagnosis of baby complicated with both the VACTERL association and duodenal atresia.

The VACTERL [vertebral defects (V), anal atresia (A), cardiac anomaly (C), tracheal-esophageal fistula with esophageal atresia (TE), renal defects (R), and radial limb dysplasia (L)] association can sometimes be diagnosed by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although the preaxial limb anomalies on ultrasonography were strongly associated with VACTERL association, the rate of limb anomalies is low. On ultrasonography, useful findings for prenatal diagnosis are a combination of esophageal atresia with hydramnion and renal anomalies. If esophageal atresia cannot be detected due to masking, diagnosis may be very difficult. In this case report, we reported the VACTERL association along with duodenal atresia. The detection of characteristic findings (enlarged stomach and duodenum, possibly change in gallbladder) by use of ultrasonography and MRI might be useful for the prenatal diagnosis of such cases. Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel