Congenital corneal anesthesia in children with the VACTERL association.
OBJECTIVE
To describe ocular manifestations in patients with the VACTERL (vertebral, anal, cardiovascular, tracheoesophageal, renal, and limb defects) association.


METHODS
We reviewed the medical records of patients with the VACTERL association who had undergone treatment for amblyopia at the orthoptic department.


RESULTS
A striking similarity was found in three unrelated children, who, in addition to clinical manifestations of VACTERL association, showed total corneal anesthesia of one or both eyes that had resulted in recurrent corneal erosions, keratitis, and permanent corneal opacities. Other ocular manifestations included nonparalytic strabismus, anisometropia, and amblyopia.


CONCLUSIONS
Congenital corneal anesthesia may be part of the VACTERL association.
Cruysberg
J R
JR
Institute of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.cruysberg@ohk.azn.nl
Draaijer
R W
RW
Pinckers
A
A
Brunner
H G
HG
D000015:Abnormalities, Multiple; D001006:Anus, Imperforate / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003315:Cornea / Q000002:abnormalities*; D003316:Corneal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D065306:Corneal Injuries; D004933:Esophageal Atresia / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006228:Hand Deformities, Congenital / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000002:abnormalities; D008297:Male; D000699:Pain Insensitivity, Congenital / Q000150:complications*; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000150:complications; D013131:Spine / Q000002:abnormalities; D013771:Tetralogy of Fallot / Q000150:complications; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000150:complications; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications