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Imperforate anus
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<p>An imperforate anus or anorectal malformations (ARMs) are <a href="/facts/Birth_defects/ESfzQhTx">birth defects</a> in which the <a href="/facts/Rectum/caqqyk2e">rectum</a> is malformed. ARMs are a spectrum of different congenital anomalies which vary from fairly minor <a href="/facts/Lesion/WJDFnyLk">lesions</a> to complex anomalies. The cause of ARMs is unknown; the genetic basis of these anomalies is very complex because of their anatomical variability. In 8% of patients, genetic factors are clearly associated with ARMs. <a href="/facts/Anorectal_anomalies/WS9YrG0K">Anorectal malformation</a> in <a href="/facts/Currarino_syndrome/2BwwDwQU">Currarino syndrome</a> represents the only association for which the gene <i><a href="/facts/HLXB9/gXPWNf6u">HLXB9</a></i> has been identified. </p>