Adolescent With VACTERL Association Presents With Recurrent Pneumonia.

Authors :: Stack M
Westmoreland T
Source :: Cureus [Cureus] 2020 Sep 10; Vol. 12 (9), pp. e10365. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Sep 10.
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: VACTERL is a condition that includes various anatomic anomalies including vertebral, cardiac, tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF), renal, and limb defects. TEF can be found in up to 80% of patients with the condition. Although TEFs are usually identified early in life, the H-type TEF can be more difficult to detect. We report the case of a 15-year-old male with a previous diagnosis of VACTERL who presented with a history of recurrent pneumonia, chest pain, and asthma and was found to have a previously undetected H-type TEF that was surgically repaired. When evaluating a patient with features of VACTERL, it is important to choose studies that can explore the presence of all associated features. Clinical history and type of imaging utilized can be essential in making a timely diagnosis, especially for H-type TEF.<br />Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.<br /> (Copyright © 2020, Stack et al.)