How Do You Spell CAPUT MEDUSAE?

Pronunciation: [kˈapʊt mˈɛdjuːsˌiː] (IPA)

Caput medusae is a Latin term that is used to refer to the distinctive appearance of swollen veins in the abdomen of individuals with portal hypertension. The term is pronounced as /ˈkæp.jʊt mɪˈdjuːziː/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It is derived from the Latin words "caput," meaning head, and "Medusa," a Greek mythological monster with snakes for hair. The term reflects the snake-like appearance of the swollen veins, which are visible beneath the skin, and gives the impression of Medusa's head.

CAPUT MEDUSAE Meaning and Definition

1. Caput medusae is a Latin phrase that translates to "head of Medusa" and refers to a medical condition involving the dilated veins visible on the abdominal wall. It is a manifestation of portal hypertension, which is an increase in blood pressure within the portal vein system.

   The portal vein carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, and pancreas to the liver. When there is an obstruction or resistance to the flow of blood through the liver, such as in liver cirrhosis or portal vein thrombosis, the pressure within the portal vein system increases.

   As a result, there is a diversion of blood flow through the collateral vessels, causing the appearance of dilated veins on the surface of the abdomen. These vessels resemble the writhing snakes on the head of the mythical creature Medusa, hence the name "caput medusae".

   This condition can present as a network of prominent veins radiating from the umbilicus in a spider-web-like pattern. It is considered a sign of advanced liver disease and can be associated with other clinical features of portal hypertension, such as ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity) and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).

   The presence of caput medusae warrants further investigation of the liver, including evaluation for underlying causes and the need for management to prevent complications. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying liver disease and managing portal hypertension to avoid potential complications like variceal bleeding.

2. A coil of varicose veins on the surface of the abdomen, surrounding the umbilicus, due to obstruction of the portal circulation in the liver.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CAPUT MEDUSAE

• xaput medusae
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Etymology of CAPUT MEDUSAE

The term caput medusae originates from Latin. Caput translates to head in English, while Medusae refers to Medusa, a mythological Greek creature with snakes instead of hair. The name Medusa comes from the Greek word médein, meaning to protect, rule, or govern.