Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: October 21, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Telangiectasias on Costophrenic Angles

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Liver Disease with Portal Hypertension: The presence of telangiectasias on the skin, particularly in the distribution described, can be associated with liver disease leading to portal hypertension. This condition can cause spider nevi (telangiectasias) due to the increased pressure and subsequent shunting of blood through smaller vessels.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Hepatic Cirrhosis: Similar to liver disease with portal hypertension, cirrhosis itself can lead to the formation of telangiectasias due to the liver's compromised ability to detoxify and the subsequent buildup of toxins that can affect blood vessels.
  • Chronic Liver Disease: Conditions such as chronic hepatitis can also lead to the development of telangiectasias due to the ongoing liver inflammation and potential progression to cirrhosis.
  • Hemochromatosis: This genetic disorder leads to excessive iron accumulation in the body, which can cause liver damage and potentially result in telangiectasias among other symptoms.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome (Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia): Although less common, this genetic disorder is characterized by the formation of telangiectasias and can lead to significant morbidity if not recognized, including risk of bleeding from vascular malformations.
  • Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): This autoimmune disease can cause telangiectasias, and while it may not be the first consideration, missing it could lead to delayed treatment of a potentially severe disease.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Ataxia-Telangiectasia: A rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other bodily systems, characterized by telangiectasias, among other symptoms.
  • Telangiectasia Macularis Eruptiva Perstans (TMEP): A rare form of cutaneous mastocytosis that presents with telangiectasias, which could be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained telangiectasias.
  • Carney-Stratakis Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by telangiectasias, among other features like myxomas and endocrine abnormalities.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.