A curious case of unilateral spider nevi, cirrhosis and stroke: Unilateral nevoid telangiectasia syndrome

Abstract

A 55-year-old Caucasian man presented with unilateral right facial spider nevi. Relevant medical history included a right-sided cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in 1997 and decompensated alcoholic liver disease, diagnosed in 2007. The literature describes approximately 100 cases of unilateral spider nevi associated with different aetiologies, grouped under 'unilateral nevoid telangiectasia syndrome' (UNTS). This is a rare presentation of a commonly observed sign in clinical practice. This case offers an opportunity to explore the origins of spider nevi and highlights the benefit of sharing knowledge in order to help elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying common signs. © 2013 Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.