Caput medusae is which finding?

Caput medusae is which finding?

• A. Portosystemic shunt
• B. Caput medusae
• C. Esophageal varices
• D. Hepatic adenoma

Answer: (B)

Caput medusae is a sign of portal hypertension, seen as distended, tortuous superficial veins around the umbilicus caused by collateral flow through the paraumbilical veins. This is the best answer because the term itself defines the finding you’re identifying—the network of dilated abdominal wall veins that radiate from the umbilicus. The other options point to related concepts (a general porto-systemic shunt, varices at another site, or a liver tumor) but do not describe this specific abdominal-wall vein pattern. In ultrasound, spotting caput medusae suggests portal hypertension and prompts evaluation for collateral flow and underlying liver disease, often with Doppler confirming flow in these superficial veins.

Caput medusae is a sign of portal hypertension, seen as distended, tortuous superficial veins around the umbilicus caused by collateral flow through the paraumbilical veins. This is the best answer because the term itself defines the finding you’re identifying—the network of dilated abdominal wall veins that radiate from the umbilicus. The other options point to related concepts (a general porto-systemic shunt, varices at another site, or a liver tumor) but do not describe this specific abdominal-wall vein pattern. In ultrasound, spotting caput medusae suggests portal hypertension and prompts evaluation for collateral flow and underlying liver disease, often with Doppler confirming flow in these superficial veins.