The expanded spectrum of limb anomalies in the VATER association

The radiographs of 230 children who had undergone neonatal surgery for imperforate anus and/or esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula were reviewed. Of the 31 children with limb anomalies thus detected, the 24 who had no radiologic or laboratory evidence of chromosomal abnormality form the basis of this report. In 16 children the limb anomalies fell within the commonly described spectrum of the VATER association. In the other 8 children and in 3 of the children with typical VATER limb anomalies additional anomalies were encountered: Sprengel deformity [2], hypoplasia of the humerus [3], radioulnar synostosis [1], midline anomalies of the hand [1], absence of the pubis, femur, tibia, and fibula and two rays of the foot [1], and other foot deformities. Subtle anomalies of the hand were common and included: clinodactyly, syndactyly, shortening of the middle phalanx of the fifth digit, and rotary malposition of the digits. (orig.)