The VACTERAL refers to a group of birth defects that occur together. These birth defects affect many parts of the body. It may cause many symptoms. It can also occur with some chromosome defects like Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome). It is also seen in children of mothers with diabetes.

• V stands for the vertebrae of bone sand spine which are abnormal
• A stands for anal atresia or imperforate anus.
• C stands for cardiac defects like ventricular septal defect or atrial septal defect.
• T stands for tracheoesophageal fistula.
• E stands for esophageal atresia.
• R stands for renal defects
• L stands for limb defects like absent or displaced thumbs, extra fingers (polydactyl), fused fingers (syndactyly) or absence of bone in arms or legs.

Some infants born with VACTERAL association have only one umbilical artery instead of normal two. Many infants are born small and have difficulty in growing and gaining weight.

Treatment

Surgical treatments are advised for heart diseases.