Virologic, gross, and microscopic studies of rubella embryopathy were performed. The presence of esophageal atresia with tracheal fistula allied with anomalies of the thoracic vessels were seen. We believe that both the mechanical action of the anomalous vessels on the developing organ, and the vascular degenerative aortic lesions, which are identical to those described in rubella syndrome, are probable causes of the esophageal malformation.