Congenital anal atresia with rectovestibular fistula, scoliosis, unilateral renal agenesis, and finger defect (VACTERL association) in a patient with partial bicornuate uterus and distal vaginal atresia: A case report

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Nov;97(45):e12822. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000012822.

Abstract

Rationale: Vertebral defect, anal atresia, cardiac defect, tracheoesophageal fistula/esophageal atresia, renal defect, and limb defect (VACTERL) association and Müllerian duct anomalies are rare conditions. We present a rare condition with the co-occurrence of the VACTERL association and Müllerian duct hypoplasia to characterize patients' clinical presentations, outcomes, and treatment.

Patient concerns: An 11-year-old girl presented to our hospital with severe lower abdominal pain, lower vaginal atresia with enlargement of the upper vagina and a bicornuate uterus with a Y-shaped uterine cavity filled with hematometra on pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. Her medical history included congenital anal atresia with a rectovestibular fistula, congenital right renal deficiency, congenital right thumb malformation, and scoliosis.

Diagnoses: 1. Congenital genital tract malformations, a partial bicornuate uterus, and distal vaginal atresia (U3aC0V4); 2. VACTERL association (congenital anal atresia with rectovestibular fistula, scoliosis with hemi vertebra and butterfly vertebra, unilateral renal agenesis, and finger defect).

Interventions: Colpotomy, laparoscopic exploration, pelvic adhesiolysis, and hysteroscopy were performed.

Outcomes: Two months after surgery, a pelvic examination showed an unobstructed vagina which was 10 cm long and 2 fingers wide, without adhesion or constriction.

Lessons: Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion when evaluating patients with genital malformations associated with VACTERL. Early diagnosis of distal vaginal atresia with appropriate surgical intervention decreases long-term morbidity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Multiple / diagnosis*
  • Abnormalities, Multiple / etiology
  • Adolescent
  • Anal Canal / abnormalities*
  • Anus, Imperforate / diagnosis*
  • Anus, Imperforate / etiology
  • Esophagus / abnormalities*
  • Female
  • Fingers / abnormalities
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney / abnormalities*
  • Limb Deformities, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Limb Deformities, Congenital / etiology
  • Rectal Fistula / congenital
  • Scoliosis / congenital
  • Solitary Kidney / congenital
  • Spine / abnormalities*
  • Trachea / abnormalities*
  • Uterus / abnormalities*
  • Vagina / abnormalities*

Supplementary concepts

  • VACTERL association