Giant spider angioma following cirrhosis in HIV-infected individuals

Abstract

Spider angioma refers to a type of telangiectasis that presents slightly beneath the skin surface on the face, neck, arms or upper trunk, often manifesting with a central red spot and reddish extensions that radiate outwards like a spider's web. The cutaneous spider angioma may be benign but it often indicates abnormal liver function, especially in patients with chronic cirrhosis. The spider angioma is irreversible and rarely occurred diffusely over the body or with giant sizes. Here, we report two rare multiple and giant spider angioma cases in patients with HIV/AIDS who developed chronic cirrhosis. In addition, we comprehensively reviewed related literatures and evaluated the existing possible mechanisms of spider angioma.

Keywords: Cases report; Cirrhosis; Giant spider angioma; HIV; Literature review.