In the VACTERL association, the 'R' component stands for:

• A Renal agenesis
• B Rectal atresia
• C Right-sided aortic arch
• D Radial (limb) defects ✓

Explanation

VACTERL: Vertebral anomalies, Anal atresia (anorectal malformations), Cardiac defects, Tracheo-Esophageal fistula/esophageal atresia, Renal anomalies, Limb (Radial) defects. The 'R' specifically refers to Radial limb defects (including radial aplasia, thumb hypoplasia, pre-axial polydactyly). Renal anomalies are represented by the second 'R' in some versions. When evaluating a child with esophageal atresia, all VACTERL components must be systematically screened, particularly cardiac (echocardiogram) and renal (ultrasonography) anomalies.

Reference: Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.