caput medusae

caput /cap·ut/ (kap´ut) pl. cap´ita   [L.] the head; a general term applied to the expanded or chief extremity of an organ or part.

---

caput medu´sae  dilated cutaneous veins around the umbilicus, seen mainly in the newborn and in patients with cirrhosis.

caput succeda´neum  edema occurring in and under the fetal scalp during labor.

---

caput me·du·sae (m-ds)

n.

1. See Medusa head.

2. Dilated ciliary arteries surrounding the corneoscleral limbus in absolute glaucoma.

---

caput medusae

[mədo̅o̅′sē]

Etymology: L, head of Medusa, a mythical snake-haired Gorgon

a pattern of dilated cutaneous veins radiating from the umbilical area of a newborn. The feature is also observed in adults with cirrhosis of the liver with portal hypertension.

---

Caput Medusae

A term of art referring to the engorged veins that radiate from a recanalized umbilical vein—falciparum ligament in portal hypertension—which is most commonly seen in advanced cirrhosis, and is accompanied by ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, and patent hepatic veins

---

caput [kap´ut] (pl. cap´ita) (L.)

head.

anatomical terminology for the expanded or chief extremity of an organ or part.

caput medu´sae the dilated cutaneous veins around the umbilicus, seen mainly in the newborn and in patients suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.

caput succeda´neum localized edema, congestion, and petechiae on the fetal and newborn scalp (presenting part), crossing the suture lines.

---

caput medusae

Medusa head Hepatology A term for the engorged veins that radiate from a recanalized umbilical vein–falciparum ligament in portal HTN, most common in advanced alcoholic cirrhosis, and accompanied by ascites, hepatosplenomegaly, patent hepatic veins