Caput medusae

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.

Caput medusae
File:Caput medusae CT ax 002.jpg
Axial CT showing portosystemic collateral circulation via the umbilical vein: caput medusae in liver cirrhosis
Classification and external resources
Specialty Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 446: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
ICD-10 I86.8 (ILDS I86.820)
Patient UK Caput medusae
[[[d:Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 863: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).|edit on Wikidata]]]

For the cactus see Astrophytum caput-medusae

Caput medusae, also known as palm tree sign, is the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which are seen radiating from the umbilicus across the abdomen. The name caput medusae (Latin for "head of Medusa") originates from the apparent similarity to Medusa's head, which had venomous snakes in place of hair. It is also a syndrome of portal hypertension. It is caused by the paraumbilical veins, which carries oxygenated blood from mother to fetus in utero and normally closes within one week of birth, becoming re-canalised due to portal hypertension caused by liver failure.

Differential diagnosis

Inferior vena cava obstruction

How to differentiate

Determine the direction of flow in the veins below the umbilicus. After pushing down on the prominent vein, blood will:

  • flow toward the legs -> Caput Medusae
  • flow toward the head-> Inferior Vena cava obstruction .

See also

References