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Spider naevus

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Spider naevi are telangiectases that consist of a large arteriole from which radiate numerous small vessels that resemble, in the mind's eye, spider's legs. They are found in the distribution of the superior vena cava i.e. on the arms, neck, and chest wall.

They vary in size from barely visible to more than half a centimetre in diameter. Occasionally, they bleed profusely.

Pressure applied with a pointed object to the central arteriole causes blanching of the whole lesion. Pressure applied through a transparent glass object may illustrate pulsatile blood flow.

The finding of more than two spider naevi is abnormal.

Why they occur only in the upper part of the body is uncertain.

Click here for example images of this condition


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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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