telangiectasia /təlan′jē·ektā″zhə/ [Gk, telos, end, angeion, vessel, ektasis, swelling] , permanent dilation of groups of superficial capillaries and venules. Common causes are actinic damage, atrophy-producing dermatoses, rosacea, elevated estrogen levels, and collagen vascular diseases. See also Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, spider angioma.
