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Living with Congenital brachyesophagus-intrathoracic stomach-vertebral anomalies syndrome

A rare condition present from birth with a short esophagus, a stomach in the chest and spine differences.

Understanding Congenital brachyesophagus-intrathoracic stomach-vertebral anomalies syndrome

Congenital brachyesophagus-intrathoracic stomach-vertebral anomalies syndrome is a rare condition of the esophagus, diaphragm and spine present from birth.

The esophagus is very short, there is a hernia in the middle of the diaphragm, and part of the stomach sits in the chest. The bones of the spine, especially in the neck and upper back, have not closed or formed typically. Other reported features include slow growth before birth, a short neck, intestinal malrotation and cleft lip.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary describes these features:

  • Very short esophagus (brachyesophagus)
  • Diaphragm hernia with stomach in the chest
  • Spine differences in the neck and upper back
  • Slow growth before birth
  • Short neck
  • Cleft lip, in some

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is genetic testing available to find the cause?
Which surgeons and specialists should be on our care team?
What are the chances for future pregnancies?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startduring Pregnancy and as a Newborn

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.

GeneticGastrointestinal

Also known as: congenital brachyesophagus, intrathoracic stomach, vertebral anomalies syndrome; serpentine-like syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Congenital brachyesophagus-intrathoracic stomach-vertebral anomalies syndromeGARD ID 22076 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital brachyesophagus-intrathoracic stomach-vertebral anomalies syndrome.

Explore the Congenital brachyesophagus-intrathoracic stomach-vertebral anomalies syndrome blog

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