What is Medusa's head?
Medusa's head is a medical term that describes swollen or enlarged veins around the navel. In this diagnosis, the veins have a snake-like appearance, curling around the navel and resembling the head of a jellyfish, hence the term.
The most common cause is portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is a side effect of late-stage liver disease.
Medusa's head may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
• Swollen limbs;
• Swollen abdomen;
• Abdominal pain;
• Enlarged liver.
In acute clinical cases, the following symptoms are observed:
• Confusion or disorientation;
• Shortness of breath;
• Small amount of urine;
• The patient vomits blood.
Medusa’s head itself does not require treatment, but the underlying disease that causes it must be managed.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/caput-medusae
