Telangiectasia

Definition

Telangiectasias are small, widened blood vessels on the skin. They are usually meaningless, but may be associated with several diseases.

Alternative Names

Vascular ectasias

Considerations

Telangiectasias may develop anywhere within the body but can be easily seen in the skin, mucous membranes, and whites of the eyes. Usually, they do not cause symptoms. However, some telangiectasias bleed and cause significant problems. Telangiectasias may also occur in the brain and cause major problems from bleeding.

Causes

Causes may include:

Alcohol use
Aging
Genetics
Pregnancy
Sun exposure

Diseases associated with this condition include:

Ataxia - telangiectasia
Bloom syndrome
Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome)
Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome
Nevus flammeus such as port-wine stain
Rosacea
Spider angioma
Sturge-Weber disease
Xeroderma pigmentosa

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you notice enlarged vessels in the skin, mucous membranes, or eyes.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms, including:

Where are the blood vessels located?
Do they bleed easily and without reason?
What other symptoms are present?

Tests may be needed to diagnose or rule out a medical condition. Such tests may include:

Blood tests
CT scans
Liver function studies
MRI scans
X-rays

Sclerotherapy is the treatment for telangectasias on the legs. Laser treatment is typically used to treat telangectasias of the face.

Review Date: 5/13/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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