What is the "jellyfish head" in medicine?

What is the head of a jellyfish? In medicine, this is a symptom that can often be observed in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. It is characterized by the fact that the skin of the abdomen widens the subcutaneous veins. In this place is a very rich network of vessels with a large number of branches. All this reminds a character from the myths of Ancient Greece - a jellyfish, on whose head serpents grew instead of hair. This symptom occurs with cirrhosis due to portal hypertension.

The head of jellyfish in medicine: the reasons for the appearance

The arisen cirrhosis of the liver leads to the fact that the blood flow in the portal vein system is disturbed. The volume of blood due to vasodilation increases, but the current inside the liver becomes more difficult due to the proliferation of connective tissues. Because of this, the pressure in the vein increases to 12 millimeters of mercury, when the norm should not be more than 7 millimeters. Due to the development of portal hypertension, many complications of cirrhosis occur. Since there is an obstruction inside the liver for blood flow, in the portal vein, there are beginning to appear detours for dropping blood. They are called collaterals. The same way develops on the skin of the abdomen. So they got the name "jellyfish head". In medicine, this phraseology has already settled, but for others it sounds unusual. Collateral vessels are connected to the periapical vein. In addition to the proliferation of the venous network, all the veins are expanding varicose. For this reason, the entire network of blood vessels is very clearly visible. It is even better seen when ascites develops. What it is? This is the name for the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Because of it, the volume of the abdomen is significantly increased, the skin becomes thin and at later stages begins to shine and shine through.

Thus, the "jellyfish head" is one of the symptoms of portal hypertension, which indicates the violation of blood flow in the portal vein system.

Other causes of symptom development

This sign can be not only for cirrhosis of the liver. He accompanies other pathological conditions, leading to the development of the same hypertension. These states include:

• Acute hepatic diseases (alcoholic hepatitis, insufficiency);
• Chronic liver diseases (malignant formations, sarcoidosis);
• Thrombosis of portal and inferior vena cava;
• Deviations in the cardiovascular system.

Treatment of a symptom

Of course, there is no such therapy, which is aimed at eliminating this particular symptom. But doctors prescribe to the patient the treatment of hypertension, which is dangerous because bleeding from the enlarged veins can develop and ascites occur. In order to reduce the pressure in the venous system, different methods are used, among which there are both therapeutic and surgical ones.

Appointment of drugs that dilate blood vessels

These drugs help to relax the muscular walls of the vessels of the portal system. Drugs that dilate the vessels are nitrates. They are appointed only in conjunction with other agents. Vasoconstrictors are used to narrow the vessels in the spleen. Thus, the pressure in the portal vein system decreases. Such drugs reduce the volume of blood flow and have a direct effect on the walls of blood vessels. It is worth noting that direct vasoconstrictors have a large number of side effects, so their widespread use is difficult. Most often used indirect, which expand the vessels, and their point of application are directly the substances of the body. Such substances almost do not affect the systemic blood flow and do not cause many side effects. They are used in the treatment of portal hypertension, as well as its complications.

Sometimes the drug "Octreopid" is prescribed solely if the bleeding has already stopped by the time when its localization is diagnosed. Thus, the use of drugs of both the first and second groups helps in the treatment of hypertension, reducing pressure in the portal vein. "The head of the jellyfish" is reduced.

Surgical methods

Not only medications are treated "jellyfish head" in medicine. The photo of this symptom looks unpleasant. To get rid of it, different kinds of shunting are used. This formation between the vessels entering the portal system, and the vessels of the total blood flow of artificial compounds. The operation helps reduce pressure in the portal vein and prevent the occurrence of bleeding. Ascites avoided by surgical operations also succeed.

How often does the "jellyfish head" symptom occur in cases of cirrhosis of the liver? Not in all cases. The most common enlargement of one or a pair of veins.

It must be remembered that self-medication can lead to irreparable health consequences. At the very first manifestations of the disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.