What is a jellyfish head? In medicine, this is the name of a symptom that can often be observed in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. It is characterized by the fact that subcutaneous veins expand on the skin of the abdomen. In this place there is a very rich network of vessels with a large number of branches. All this resembles a character from the myths of Ancient Greece - a jellyfish, on whose head snakes grew instead of hair. This symptom appears with liver cirrhosis due to portal hypertension.
The head of a jellyfish in medicine: causes
The resulting cirrhosis of the liver leads to the fact that the blood flow in the portal vein system is disturbed. Blood volume due to vasodilation increases, but the flow inside the liver is impeded due to proliferation of connective tissue. Because of this, the pressure in the vein rises to 12 millimeters of mercury, when normally it should be no higher than 7 millimeters. Due to the development of portal hypertension, many complications of cirrhosis occur. Since there is an obstacle to blood flow inside the liver, bypass paths begin to appear in the portal vein in order to discharge the blood. They are called collaterals. The same paths develop on the skin of the abdomen. So they got the name "jellyfish head." In medicine, this phraseology has already become established, but for others it sounds unusual. Collateral vessels are connected to the umbilical vein. In addition to the growth of the venous network, all veins expand varicose. For this reason, the entire network of vessels is very clearly visible. It is even better seen when ascites develops. What it is? The so-called accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Because of it, the volume of the abdomen increases significantly, the skin becomes thin and in the later stages begins to shine and shine through.
So, the “jellyfish head” is one of the symptoms of portal hypertension, which indicates a violation of the blood flow in the portal vein system.
Other causes of a symptom
This symptom can be not only with cirrhosis of the liver. It accompanies other pathological conditions leading to the development of hypertension. These conditions include:
- acute liver diseases (alcoholic hepatitis, insufficiency);
- chronic liver diseases (malignant formations, sarcoidosis);
- thrombosis of the portal and inferior vena cava;
- abnormalities in the cardiovascular system.
Symptom treatment
Of course, there is no such therapy that is aimed at eliminating this particular symptom. But doctors prescribe the treatment of hypertension to the patient, which is dangerous because bleeding from dilated veins may develop and ascites will occur. In order to reduce the pressure in the venous system, different methods are used, among which there are both therapeutic and surgical ones.
Prescribing drugs that dilate blood vessels
These drugs contribute to the relaxation of the muscular walls of the vessels of the portal system. Drugs that dilate blood vessels are nitrates. They are prescribed only in combination with other means. Vasoconstrictors are used to narrow the vessels in the spleen. Thus, pressure in the portal vein system is reduced. 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. Often used indirect, which dilate blood vessels, and their point of application are directly the substances of the body. Such substances have almost no effect on 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 "Oktreopid" is prescribed only 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 drugs are used to treat the “jellyfish head” in medicine. A photo of this symptom looks unpleasant. To get rid of it, different types of shunting are used. This is the formation between the vessels entering the portal system and the vessels of the general blood flow of artificial compounds. The operation helps to reduce pressure in the portal vein and prevent bleeding. Ascites can also be avoided by surgery.
How common is the “jellyfish head” symptom with liver cirrhosis? Not in all cases. Most often, one or a pair of veins expand.
It must be remembered that self-medication can lead to irreparable health consequences. At the very first manifestations of the disease, you must immediately consult a doctor.