spider angioma [ME, spithre + Gk, angeion, vessel, oma, tumor] , a form of telangiectasis characterized by a central elevated red dot the size of a pinhead from which small blood vessels radiate. Spider angiomas are often associated with elevated estrogen levels, such as occur in pregnancy or when the liver is diseased and unable to detoxify estrogens. Also called spider nevus. See also telangiectasia.
