Revision of the VACTERL Acronym for the Screening of Gynecologic/Genitourinary Anomalies in Patients With Anorectal Malformations

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Medical learning is aided by acronyms and mnemonics that become entrenched philosophies for our evaluation and management of patients. Such examples as MUDPILES for the differential diagnoses of metabolic acidosis create a systematic way for physicians not to miss critical elements in our care of patients. But what happens if the acronym has a flaw that systematically results in missed diagnoses for decades?

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Article · Jul 2024 · 1 min read

In brief

This article examines potential gaps in the VACTERL acronym used to screen for associated anomalies in patients with anorectal malformations, specifically focusing on whether gynecologic and genitourinary abnormalities are adequately captured. The authors propose revisions to improve systematic screening and prevent missed diagnoses in this patient population.

Traditional VACTERL screening may systematically miss gynecologic/genitourinary anomalies in anorectal malformation patients
Entrenched medical mnemonics can perpetuate diagnostic blind spots across generations of clinicians
Revision of established screening protocols is necessary when evidence reveals systematic gaps in patient evaluation
Anorectal malformations require comprehensive genitourinary assessment beyond standard VACTERL criteria

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