Dr.Sanaalmost 7 years ago

Spider telangiectasia

The central red dot is the dilated arteriole and the red "spider legs" are small veins carrying away the freely flowing blood. If momentary pressure is applied, it is possible to see the emptied veins refilling from the centre. The dilation, in turn, is caused by increased estrogen levels in the blood. Many pregnant women or women using hormonal contraception have spider telangiectasia due to high estrogen levels in their blood. Individuals with significant hepatic disease also show many spider angiomas, as their liver cannot metabolize circulating estrogens, specifically estrone, which derives from the androgen androstenedione