Vacterl syndrome: Medical and stomatological considerations for comprehensive patient management

The VACTERL association or Syndrome consists of Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheo-Esophageal, Renal, and Limb defects. The diagnosis relies on the presence of at least three of these structural abnormalities. This study reports a single case of a patient with VACTERL Syndrome (VS), aiming to assist dentists in recognizing the general aspects, systemic changes, and oral care related to this condition.

A 14-year-old female patient medically diagnosed with VS. The study evaluated the presence of systemic alterations, medication use, behavioral deviations, cognitive development, and oral aspects. The patient exhibited cardiovascular alterations including a ventricular septal defect (C), anal atresia (A), polydactyly (considered limb alteration-L), and scoliosis (a possible indication of vertebral anomalies-V). In the intraoral examination, findings included tooth crowding, enamel hypomineralization in several teeth, a deep and atretic palate, generalized gingivitis, bleeding, gingival hyperplasia, Class III malocclusion, and a right unilateral crossbite.

Patients diagnosed with VACTERL syndrome experience significant systemic impairments. The research subject presented compromised oral health, challenges in dental management, delays in neuropsychomotor development, though these are not inherent to the syndrome. It is crucial to prevent oral diseases and provide early dental care for these patients to avoid the need for complex and invasive dental treatments due to systemic impairments.