Background: Although the frequency of associated malformation is high, the incidence of inheritable syndromes is widely underestimated in children with anorectal malformation (ARM).

Data sources: OMIM database, patient records and charts of the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.

Methods: We analyzed all associations, sequences and syndromes listed in the OMIM database that can be accompanied by ARM. A large cohort of children born with ARM was then retrospectively investigated as to the type of ARM, presence of additional malformations and possible categorization as a syndrome, sequence or association. For this process a syndrome finder was developed and employed. This simplistic tool allows for a rapid first check of possible syndromes before a more complex analysis is started using the OMIM database and consulting specialists.

Results: Among 317 children with ARM, associated malformations were present in 77.7% of 127 children with high ARM, in 68.7% of 32 with intermediate ARM, and in 25.3% of 158 with a low type ARM. Three or more organ systems were involved in 29.1% children with high type ARM and 25% with intermediate ARM and 8.2% with a low type ARM. An association of the vertebral anal tracheo-esophageal renal (VATER) and vertebral anal cardiac tracheo-esophageal renal limb (VACTERL) type was found in a total of 35 patients. Before analysis, 11 syndromes and 35 associations which were not clear previously in this patient cohort were described. In other 17 patients, 14 syndromes and 3 associations were identified.

Conclusions: The high number of only retrospectively identified syndromes suggests that a routine search is necessary in every patient with ARM and additional malformations.

Key words: anorectal malformation; associated malformation; association; syndrome; VACTERL/VATER