VATERLS

VACTERLS is an acronym used to describe categories of specific physical problems that occur together.  You need anomalies in three of the categories to be considered as having the association.

V - Vertebrae problem(s). For example, abnormally formed vertebrae, hemivertebrae, extra ribs, or sacral abnormalities.

A - Anal Anomalies and sometimes rectum problem(s). For example, there is no opening where the anus should be, called an imperforate anus; or fistulas between the rectum and urethra/vagina.

C - Cardiac (heart) problem(s). For example, there may be a hole in the heart (most commonly Ventricular Septal Defect or VSD) or a defective valve.

T - Trachea (windpipe) problem(s). For example, there is a connection between the trachea and esophagus, called a tracheal esophageal fistula.

E - Esophagus (tube from mouth to stomach) problem(s). For example, part of the esophagus is missing, called esophageal atresia.

R - Radius (lower arm bone) and/or Renal (kidney) problem(s). For example, the larger lower arm bone is abnormally formed, or a thumb is missing or absent or abnormally formed kidney.

L - Limb (arms, hands, legs or feet) problem(s). For example, there exists extra fingers or toes, shortened limbs, clubfoot.

S - Single umbilical artery. The umbilical cord had 2 blood vessels instead of three, there should be two arteries and one vein in the cord.

(adapted from the VATER Connection Information Sheet)