- Caput medusae
Infobox_Disease
Name = Caput medusae
Caption =
DiseasesDB =
ICD10 = ICD10|I|86|8|i|80 (ILDS I86.820)
ICD9 = ICD9|456.8
ICDO =
OMIM =
MedlinePlus =
eMedicineSubj =
eMedicineTopic =
MeshID =Caput medusae is the appearance of distended and engorged
paraumbilical veins which are seen radiating from theumbilicus across the abdomen to joinsystemic vein s. The name "caput medusae" (Latin for "head of Medusa") originates from the apparent similarity toMedusa 's hair onceMinerva had turned it into snakes.Causes
It is a sign of severe
portal hypertension that has decompressed by portal-systemic shunting through theparaumbilical veins .cite web |url=http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/LIVEHTML/LIVER061.html |title=Hepatic Pathology |accessdate=2007-12-09 |format= |work=]Differential diagnosis
Inferior vena cava obstruction
*Produces
abdominal collateral veins develop to bypass the blockedinferior vena cava and permit venous return from theleg s.How to differentiate
Determine the direction of
flow in the veins below theumbilicus .
*Caput Medusae - flow is towards the legs
*Inferior vena cava obstruction - flow is towards the head.ee also
*
Portacaval anastomosis References
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