Vertebral anomalies associated with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula with reference to the initial operative mortality

In a series of 40 patients with esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, the incidence of musculoskeletal anomalies was 45% (18 patients). An extra mesodermal segment was found in 15 patients (13 paired thoracic vertebrae and 13 paired ribs in nine patients; six lumbar vertebrae in 6 patients). The mortality in grade A infants with an extra mesodermal segment was significantly higher than in those infants with a normal spine (p > 0.01). It is suggested that segmentation or abnormal segmentation of the embryo may be important as a cause of esophageal atresia.