Two syndromes in particular are associated with esophageal atresia: VACTERL (v ertebral anomalies, a nal atresia, c ardiac malformations, t racheoesophageal fistula, e sophageal atresia, r enal anomalies and r adial aplasia, and l imb anomalies) CHARGE (c oloboma, h eart defects, a tresia of the choanae, r etardation of mental and / or physical development, g enital hypoplasia, and e ar abnormalities) About 19% of infants with esophageal atresia meet criteria for VACTERL.