From the Research
Transient abdominal telangiectasia of the newborn (TATN) is a benign, self-limiting vascular phenomenon characterized by a network of fine, red blood vessels visible on the skin of newborns, primarily on the abdomen, as recently described in a study published in 2024 1.
Key Characteristics of TATN
- The condition is often associated with transient abdominal distension, as reported in a study published in 2024 1.
- TATN appears as a fine, lacy network of dilated capillaries that blanch with pressure and become more prominent during crying or changes in temperature.
- The condition is caused by the immaturity of blood vessels and the thinness of newborn skin, which makes superficial blood vessels more visible.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- TATN typically presents with large abdominal patches of radially arranged purplish telangiectasia in a bilateral and symmetrical pattern, creating a "butterfly wing" pattern, as described in a study published in 2021 2.
- The diagnosis of TATN is made based on clinical examination and medical history, with no specific laboratory tests or imaging studies required.
Management and Prognosis
- No treatment is necessary for TATN, as it resolves spontaneously within the first few months of life, typically disappearing completely by 3-6 months of age.
- Parents should be reassured about the benign nature of these markings to alleviate any concerns, as they require no intervention, follow-up, or monitoring.
- The condition is entirely harmless and represents a normal physiological adaptation to extrauterine life rather than a pathological process, as supported by a study published in 2022 3.