What is VACTERL?

The Basics

VACTERL is a rare disease that affects approximately 1.6 out of every 10,000 live births. VACTERL has no known cause, genetic or otherwise. Each case of VACTERL is unique, as VACTERL is an association of different types of birth anomalies. In order to have VACTERL, one must have at least 3 of the 6 abnormalities.

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V - Vertebrae

A - Anal

C - Cardiac

TE - Trachea Esophagal fistula

R - Renal

L - Limb (radial abnormalites)

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Other rare diseases and abnormalities can be found with VACTERL (such as Down Syndrome). The severity of VACTERL is dependent on each case:  which letters, the type of abnormality, it all makes a difference.

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In order to distinguish the "type" of VACTERL, patients typically capitalize on the letters that they have. For example, someone with vACterL would have anal, cardiac, and limb abnormalities.