Đầu Medusa (Caput medusae)

Mô tả: Dilated veins of the abdominal wall, named after the snakes that made up the hair of the goddess Medusa in Greek mythology.

Nguyên nhân: Any condition causing portal hypertension, e.g.: • Cirrhosis of the liver • Severe heart failure • Inferior vena cava obstruction

Cơ chế: Portal hypertension causes backflow from the portal vein to the para-umbilical veins. The increased pressure and blood volume distend the veins.

Ý nghĩa lâm sàng: Caput medusae is a sign of advanced liver disease and portal hypertension and is rare. Normally, only a few prominent veins may be present. To distinguish between inferior vena cava obstruction and portal hypertension with caput medusa, occlusion of the vein is required. Caput medusae 453