Association of tracheoesophageal anomalies with visceral and parietal malformations in a human embryo (Carnegie stage 21).

A human embryo (Carnegie stage 21) with tracheoesophageal malformations (esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula) and anomalies at the caudal end of the embryo (anorectal atresia, rectovesical fistula, vertebral and notochordal defects, and agenesis of the metanephros) was studied. Other anomalies observed were: absence of right umbilical artery, fusion of spinal ganglia, and absence of cloacal outlet of mesonephric ducts. The possible pathogenesis of these associated malformations is discussed.