The paraumbilical veins are small veins that run with the ligamentum teres in the falciform ligament, linking the veins of the anterior abdominal wall around the umbilicus with the portal vein. They form one of the main portosystemic anastomoses. Normally they carry little blood.
| Origin | Small veins in the superficial tissues around the umbilicus |
|---|---|
| Course | Run backward along the ligamentum teres in the falciform ligament to drain into the left branch of the portal vein |
| Branches |
|
In portal hypertension, blood flows backward through the paraumbilical veins into the superficial abdominal wall veins, producing dilated veins radiating from the umbilicus known as caput medusae. A recanalised paraumbilical vein can be seen on Doppler ultrasound and is a useful sign of portal hypertension. A large recanalised vein may also cause a venous hum near the umbilicus (Cruveilhier-Baumgarten murmur).
Dilated periumbilical superficial veins from reversed flow through the paraumbilical veins in portal hypertension, managed by treating the underlying liver disease and portal hypertension.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
