Spider Angioma Number and Location as Potential Prognostic Indicators in Chronic Liver Disease: A Case Report

Spider angiomas (SAs) are a well-known physical exam feature found in patients with chronic liver disease. While SAs are thought to correspond with a higher risk of mortality in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients, only few studies have been done to assess the number and location of SAs as prognostic indicators. We present a case of a 64-year-old patient with decompensated CLD who was found to have three SAs on physical exam. The patient presented to the inpatient service at a community hospital in Miami, Florida. He had experienced previous esophageal varices banding, had a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score of 31, and needed large-volume paracentesis due to significant ascites. It was determined that he had a very poor prognosis and was in need of a liver transplant. We suggest that more research is necessary to determine if there is a prognostic importance to the number and location of SAs in patients with CLD, as earlier interventions could potentially lead to improvements in outcomes through this physical exam finding.