MedGen

VATER is a mnemonically useful acronym for the nonrandom association of vertebral defects (V), anal atresia (A), tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia (TE), and radial or renal dysplasia (R). This combination of associated defects was pointed out by Quan and Smith (1972). Nearly all cases have been sporadic. VACTERL is an acronym for an expanded definition of the association that includes cardiac malformations (C) and limb anomalies (L). The VACTERL association is a spectrum of various combinations of its 6 components, which can be a manifestation of several recognized disorders rather than a distinct anatomic or etiologic entity (Khoury et al., 1983). Also see VATER/VACTERL association with hydrocephalus (VACTERL-H; 276950) and VACTERL with or without hydrocephalus (VACTERLX; 314390). [from OMIM]

An abnormally elevated proportion of exhausted T cells (Tex) among circulating T cells. T cell exhaustion is a distinct differentiation state that can be distinguished from naive, effector, and memory T cells. Compared to effector (TE) and memory (TMEM) T cells, exhausted T cells (TEX) display impaired effector functions (e.g., rapid production of effector cytokines, cytotoxicity). TEX have limited proliferative potential, especially compared to some subsets of TMEM and naive T cells. [from HPO]

VACTERL describes a constellation of congenital anomalies, including vertebral anomalies, anal atresia, congenital cardiac disease, tracheoesophageal fistula, renal anomalies, radial dysplasia, and other limb defects; see 192350. Cases of familial VACTERL with hydrocephalus (H) have been reported with suggestion of autosomal recessive or X-linked inheritance (see 314390). Other patients thought to have VACTERL-H, including 2 unrelated infants reported by Porteous et al. (1992), had been found to have Fanconi anemia (see 227650). Porteous et al. (1992) suggested that chromosomal breakage studies should be performed in all cases of VACTERL/VACTERL-H to rule out Fanconi anemia. Alter et al. (2007) noted that a VATER phenotype had been reported in Fanconi anemia of complementation groups A (227650), C (227645), D1 (605724), E (600901), F (603467), and G (614082). X-linked VACTERL-H is also associated with mutations in the FANCB gene (300515). [from OMIM]

An abnormal connection (fistula) between the esophagus and the trachea. [from HPO]

Infections of the brain caused by the protozoan toxoplasma gondii that primarily arise in individuals with immunologic deficiency syndromes (see also aids-related opportunistic infections). The infection may involve the brain diffusely or form discrete abscesses. Clinical manifestations include seizures, altered mentation, headache, focal neurologic deficits, and intracranial hypertension. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1998, Ch27, pp41-3) [from MONDO]