Spider angioma

Spider angioma
Other namesNevus araneus, spider nevus, vascular spider, spider telangiectasia[1]
Non-benign angiomas indicating cirrhosis
SpecialtyDermatology Edit this on Wikidata

A spider angioma or spider naevus (plural: spider naevi), also nevus araneus, is a type of telangiectasis[2] (swollen, spider-like blood vessels on the skin) found slightly beneath the skin's surface, often containing a central red spot and deep reddish extensions (see Blood color) which radiate outwards like a spider's web or a spider's legs. They are common and often benign, presenting in around 10–15% of healthy adults and young children.[3] However, having more than three spider angiomas is likely to be abnormal and may be a sign of liver disease and/or hepatitis C (HCV virus);[4] it also suggests the probability of esophageal varices.[5]

  1. ^ Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. pp. 1621–22. ISBN 978-1-4160-2999-1.
  2. ^ "spider angioma" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  3. ^ Nevus Araneus at eMedicine
  4. ^ "What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Hepatitis C". Recovery Care Blog - What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Hepatitis C. March 16, 2021. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  5. ^ Udell, Jacob A.; Wang, Charlie S.; Tinmouth, Jill; FitzGerald, J. Mark; Ayas, Najib T.; Simel, David L.; Schulzer, Michael; Mak, Edwin; Yoshida, Eric M. (22 February 2012). "Does This Patient With Liver Disease Have Cirrhosis?". JAMA. 307 (8): 832–842. doi:10.1001/jama.2012.186. PMID 22357834. Retrieved 11 April 2018 – via jama.jamanetwork.com.