A neonate is found to have a condition as shown below. You recommend studies to search for other anomalies. Associated abnormalities include which of the following?: (A) Abnormalities of the cervical spine, (B) Hydrocephalus, (C) Duodenal atresia, (D) Heart disease
Answer is D. Congenital anorectal anomalies are frequently associated with other congenital anomalies including heart disease; esophageal atresia; abnormalities of the lumbosacral spine; double urinary collecting systems; hydro nephrosis; and communication between the rectum and the urinary tract, vagina, or perineum They occur in approximately 1 in 2000 live births. Depending on the type of anomaly (whether the rectum ends above or below the level of the levator ani complex), a variety of surgical procedures has been devised to treat the problem.
However, even when anatomic integrity is established, the prognosis for effective toilet training is poor in 50% of cases continence is never achieved. Cervical spine abnormalities, hydrocephalus, duodenal atresia, and corneal opacities have no significant association with congenital anorectal anomalies.