[Familial occurrence of esophageal atresia]

Two siblings with esophageal atresia are reported, and literature data as to familial occurrence and heredity have been reviewed. Until now, only statistical data can be given: the recurrence risk for sibs after one affected child is around 0.5-2% and after two affected children around 20%. The risk for the children of a parent affected by congenital esophageal atresia is estimated at around 3-4%. This is compatible with the recurrence risk of a multifactorial condition in first degree relatives. However, two patients have been described in which the possibility of autosomal dominant transmission has been raised.