Caput medusae

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Dilated paraumbilical veins
Dilated paraumbilical veins
CaputMedusaeArt.jpg

Distended and engorged paraumbilical veins which are seen radiating from the umbilicus across the abdomen to join systemic veins. Sign of portal hypertension. The name caput medusae (Latin for "head of Medusa") originates from the apparent similarity to Medusa's hair once Minerva had turned it into snakes.