Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Congenital Heart Defects in Patients with Anorectal Malformations: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 281 Patients
Cunera M C de Beaufort1,2,3, Tara M Mackay4, Markus F Stevens5
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.m.debeaufort@amsterdamumc.nl.
Insights
Congenital heart defects (CHD) occur in about one-third of patients with anorectal malformations (ARM). Screening for CHD in ARM patients is crucial, especially for those with VACTERL-association or genetic syndromes, as they face a higher risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Cardiology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Anorectal malformations (ARM) are congenital anomalies that can be associated with other birth defects.
- Congenital heart defects (CHD) are a known comorbidity in patients with ARM, impacting their overall health and management.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of CHD in ARM patients is essential for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of disease and treatment details for CHD in patients with ARM.
- To analyze trends in CHD screening and diagnosis over time within a large cohort of ARM patients.
- To identify factors associated with the presence of CHD in ARM patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective single-center cohort study of consecutive ARM patients from January 2000 to July 2023.
- Data collection included patient demographics, ARM type, presence of CHD, and screening methods (echocardiography).
- Statistical analyses, including uni- and multi-variable logistic regression, were used to identify associations with CHD.
Main Results:
- Of 281 ARM patients, 80 (33.2%) had CHD. Echocardiography screening increased significantly over time (74.1% to 95.9%).
- The proportion of diagnosed CHD remained stable (around 30-34%) across three time periods.
- Atrial and ventricular septal defects were most common. VACTERL-association and genetic syndromes were independently associated with higher CHD risk.
Conclusions:
- CHD are prevalent in ARM patients, with screening identifying significant numbers.
- While screening rates improved, the overall diagnosis rate of CHD in ARM patients remained consistent.
- VACTERL-association and genetic syndromes are key indicators for increased CHD risk in ARM patients, necessitating vigilant screening.
Abstract:
In patients born with anorectal malformations (ARM), additional congenital heart defects (CHD) can occur. We aimed to provide an overview on disease and treatment details of CHD identified in patients born with ARM, from a unique large cohort of a very rare disease. We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study between January 2000 and July 2023. All consecutive patients with ARM were included. Outcomes were the number of patients with CHD, and screening percentage and percentage of patients diagnosed with CHD over 3 time periods (2000-2006, 2007-2014, 2015-2023). We used uni- and multi-variable logistic regression analyses to search for associations between CHD present and baseline characteristics. In total, 281 patients were included. Some 241 (85.8%) underwent echocardiography, of whom 80 (33.2%) had CHD. Screening percentage with echocardiography increased (74.1% vs. 85.7% vs. 95.9%, p < 0.001) and percentage of patients diagnosed with CHD remained similar over time (30.2% vs. 34.5% vs. 34.0%, p = 0.836). Atrial and ventricular septal defects (n = 36, n = 29), and persistent left superior vena cava (n = 17) were most identified. The presence of VACTERL-association or a genetic syndrome was independently associated with the presence of CHD. CHD were present in 33% of patients with ARM that underwent echocardiography. Over time, the number of CHD identified through screening remained similar. Patients with the presence of VACTERL-association or a genetic syndrome had a higher risk of having CHD. Therefore, acknowledging the potential presence of CHD in patients with ARM remains important.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

