Caput medusae

For the cactus see Astrophytum caput-medusae

Caput medusae, also known as palm tree sign, is the appearance of distended and engorged superficial epigastric veins, which are seen radiating from the umbilicus across the abdomen. The name caput medusae (Latin for "head of Medusa") originates from the apparent similarity to Medusa's head, which had venomous snakes in place of hair. It is also a syndrome of portal hypertension. It is caused by the paraumbilical veins, which carries oxygenated blood from mother to fetus in utero and normally closes within one week of birth, becoming re-canalised due to portal hypertension caused by liver failure.