TITLE:
Left Nostril Agenesis in a Fetus with VACTERL Association: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Martha Martínez-Gómez, Elena Satorres-Pérez, Alicia Martínez-Varea
KEYWORDS:
VACTERL Association, Nostril Agenesis, Fetal Ultrasound, Fetal MRI
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.13 No.4,
April
20,
2023
ABSTRACT: VACTERL association represents a rare condition with a broad spectrum of coexisting congenital
abnormalities. Although a multifactorial origin has been described, the
etiology is still unclear. Prenatal diagnosis can be challenging, as specific
characteristics may be difficult to be determined before birth. This case report describes the
finding of multiple congenital abnormalities in a male fetus at 30 weeks of
gestation. The most notable findings were the presence of duodenal stenosis,
esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (type 3), interatrial
septal communication foramen ovale, and left nostril and choana agenesis. After
birth and making a broad differential diagnosis, all these characteristics
oriented the diagnosis towards the VACTERL association. To the best of our
knowledge, no cases of VACTERL association and unilateral nostril and choana
agenesis have been previously described.