###### Created: 2024-06-17 13:26 ###### Areas & Topics: #medicine ###### Note Type: #permanent ###### Connected to: [[]] - Spider Naevi are also known as spider angiomas. - They are described as a central red papule or spot, with surrounding capillaries which radiate outwards (like a spider's web). - These lesions blanche when pressure is applied to them, and refill starting centrally. - This differentiates them from telangiectasia as telangiectasia fill from the edge. #### Cause - Spider naevi are caused by excess oestrogen associated with the reduced hepatic breakdown of sex steroids. - Excess oestrogen also causes palmar erythema, so this may be found alongside them. - Women may have up to five spider naevi in health with numerous spider naevi being normal findings during pregnancy. - In men, spider naevi signs suggest chronic liver disease. ### Associations - Pregnancy - Liver Disease - Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill ### Features - Central Rad Papule - Capillaries Radiating Outwards - Blanches when pressed - Refills Centrally ![[dsx061.jpg]] ![[VWH-GettyImages-1309408196-e6d1e6660bef43f4a112aea118164c69.jpg]] ### Resources Samant H, Kothadia JP. Spider Angioma. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507818/ Spider Naevi - PassMed Macleod's Clinical Examination https://www-clinicalkey-com.ezproxy.lancs.ac.uk/student/content/book/3-s2.0-B978032384770400006X#hl0002302