Caput medusae: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Caput medusae | |||
| image = [[File:Caput_medusae_CT_ax_002.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = CT scan showing caput medusae | |||
| synonyms = Palm tree sign | |||
| specialty = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = Distended and engorged [[paraumbilical veins]] | |||
| complications = [[Portal hypertension]], [[ascites]], [[esophageal varices]] | |||
| onset = | |||
| duration = | |||
| causes = [[Liver cirrhosis]], [[portal vein thrombosis]] | |||
| risks = | |||
| diagnosis = [[Physical examination]], [[imaging studies]] | |||
| differential = [[Inferior vena cava obstruction]], [[superior vena cava syndrome]] | |||
| prevention = | |||
| treatment = Treat underlying cause, [[transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt]] (TIPS) | |||
| medication = | |||
| prognosis = Depends on underlying condition | |||
| frequency = | |||
| deaths = | |||
}} | |||
{{Short description|A medical condition characterized by distended veins around the umbilicus}} | {{Short description|A medical condition characterized by distended veins around the umbilicus}} | ||
==Caput medusae== | ==Caput medusae== | ||
[[File:Caput_medusae_CT_ax_002.jpg|thumb | [[File:Caput_medusae_CT_ax_002.jpg|left|thumb|CT scan showing caput medusae]] | ||
'''Caput medusae''' is a medical condition characterized by the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which radiate from the umbilicus across the abdomen. This condition is often associated with [[portal hypertension]], which is an increase in the blood pressure within the portal venous system. | '''Caput medusae''' is a medical condition characterized by the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which radiate from the umbilicus across the abdomen. This condition is often associated with [[portal hypertension]], which is an increase in the blood pressure within the portal venous system. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
Caput medusae occurs when there is an obstruction of the [[portal vein]], leading to increased pressure in the portal venous system. This pressure causes blood to be redirected through collateral circulation, including the paraumbilical veins, which become distended and visible on the surface of the abdomen. The condition is named after the Greek mythological character [[Medusa]], whose hair was transformed into snakes, resembling the appearance of the engorged veins. | Caput medusae occurs when there is an obstruction of the [[portal vein]], leading to increased pressure in the portal venous system. This pressure causes blood to be redirected through collateral circulation, including the paraumbilical veins, which become distended and visible on the surface of the abdomen. The condition is named after the Greek mythological character [[Medusa]], whose hair was transformed into snakes, resembling the appearance of the engorged veins. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
The primary cause of caput medusae is [[portal hypertension]], which can result from various underlying conditions, including: | The primary cause of caput medusae is [[portal hypertension]], which can result from various underlying conditions, including: | ||
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* [[Thrombosis]] of the portal vein | * [[Thrombosis]] of the portal vein | ||
* [[Budd-Chiari syndrome]] | * [[Budd-Chiari syndrome]] | ||
==Clinical presentation== | ==Clinical presentation== | ||
Patients with caput medusae typically present with visible, tortuous veins radiating from the umbilicus. These veins are often described as having a "snake-like" appearance. In addition to the cosmetic appearance, patients may experience symptoms related to the underlying cause of portal hypertension, such as [[ascites]], [[jaundice]], and [[splenomegaly]]. | Patients with caput medusae typically present with visible, tortuous veins radiating from the umbilicus. These veins are often described as having a "snake-like" appearance. In addition to the cosmetic appearance, patients may experience symptoms related to the underlying cause of portal hypertension, such as [[ascites]], [[jaundice]], and [[splenomegaly]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
The diagnosis of caput medusae is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the veins. However, imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]] may be used to assess the underlying cause of portal hypertension and to evaluate the extent of collateral circulation. | The diagnosis of caput medusae is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the veins. However, imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]], [[CT scan]], or [[MRI]] may be used to assess the underlying cause of portal hypertension and to evaluate the extent of collateral circulation. | ||
==Management== | ==Management== | ||
Treatment of caput medusae focuses on addressing the underlying cause of portal hypertension. This may include: | Treatment of caput medusae focuses on addressing the underlying cause of portal hypertension. This may include: | ||
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* [[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt]] (TIPS) to reduce portal pressure | * [[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt]] (TIPS) to reduce portal pressure | ||
* [[Liver transplantation]] in cases of end-stage liver disease | * [[Liver transplantation]] in cases of end-stage liver disease | ||
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
The prognosis of caput medusae depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. While the condition itself is not life-threatening, it is a sign of significant portal hypertension, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. | The prognosis of caput medusae depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. While the condition itself is not life-threatening, it is a sign of significant portal hypertension, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. | ||
==See also== | |||
== | |||
* [[Portal hypertension]] | * [[Portal hypertension]] | ||
* [[Cirrhosis]] | * [[Cirrhosis]] | ||
* [[Liver disease]] | * [[Liver disease]] | ||
* [[Varices]] | * [[Varices]] | ||
[[Category:Hepatology]] | [[Category:Hepatology]] | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | [[Category:Medical signs]] | ||
Latest revision as of 21:41, 4 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Caput medusae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Palm tree sign |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Gastroenterology |
| Symptoms | Distended and engorged paraumbilical veins |
| Complications | Portal hypertension, ascites, esophageal varices |
| Onset | |
| Duration | |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Liver cirrhosis, portal vein thrombosis |
| Risks | |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Inferior vena cava obstruction, superior vena cava syndrome |
| Prevention | |
| Treatment | Treat underlying cause, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) |
| Medication | |
| Prognosis | Depends on underlying condition |
| Frequency | |
| Deaths | |
A medical condition characterized by distended veins around the umbilicus
Caput medusae[edit]
Caput medusae is a medical condition characterized by the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which radiate from the umbilicus across the abdomen. This condition is often associated with portal hypertension, which is an increase in the blood pressure within the portal venous system.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Caput medusae occurs when there is an obstruction of the portal vein, leading to increased pressure in the portal venous system. This pressure causes blood to be redirected through collateral circulation, including the paraumbilical veins, which become distended and visible on the surface of the abdomen. The condition is named after the Greek mythological character Medusa, whose hair was transformed into snakes, resembling the appearance of the engorged veins.
Causes[edit]
The primary cause of caput medusae is portal hypertension, which can result from various underlying conditions, including:
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Hepatitis
- Liver fibrosis
- Thrombosis of the portal vein
- Budd-Chiari syndrome
Clinical presentation[edit]
Patients with caput medusae typically present with visible, tortuous veins radiating from the umbilicus. These veins are often described as having a "snake-like" appearance. In addition to the cosmetic appearance, patients may experience symptoms related to the underlying cause of portal hypertension, such as ascites, jaundice, and splenomegaly.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of caput medusae is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the veins. However, imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to assess the underlying cause of portal hypertension and to evaluate the extent of collateral circulation.
Management[edit]
Treatment of caput medusae focuses on addressing the underlying cause of portal hypertension. This may include:
- Medical management of liver disease
- Endoscopic procedures to manage varices
- Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to reduce portal pressure
- Liver transplantation in cases of end-stage liver disease
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis of caput medusae depends on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. While the condition itself is not life-threatening, it is a sign of significant portal hypertension, which can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately.
