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This is one of the coronal CT slices from the previous series that is very far anterior, in the region of the umbilicus. This study was done with IV contrast, and it is lighting up a set of enlarged veins (varices) that are radiating out from the umbilicus like the snaky hair of Medusa (called caput medusae or 'head of Medusa'). This one of the diverting paths that blood can take to bypass the liver if there is very severe cirrhosis. The blood comes out from the portal vein in the liver along the falciform ligament to form connections (anastomoses) with abdominal wall veins. Other places that a similar process can occur include the region of the junction of esophagus and stomach (gastro-esophageal varices) and the rectum (hemorrhoids).
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