Telangiectasia
Pronunciation: tel-an-jee-ek-TAY-zhah
Permanently dilated small blood vessels (capillaries, venules, or arterioles) visible at the skin surface, appearing as fine red or purple linear markings.
Full Definition
Telangiectasias are chronically dilated superficial cutaneous vessels that produce visible, blanching, red or violaceous markings on the skin. They are a diagnostic feature in conditions including rosacea, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, and as side effects of prolonged topical corticosteroid use. In dermatology manuscripts, editors must confirm the plural form: 'telangiectases' is the classical Greek-derived plural, while 'telangiectasias' is widely accepted in modern medical publishing — house style should be applied consistently. The singular 'telangiectasis' is used less frequently than the plural. The term blanches under diascopy, distinguishing it from purpura.
Usage
Usage note: Accept both 'telangiectasias' and 'telangiectases' as plurals; enforce house style. Note that telangiectasia blanches (distinguishing from purpura). Do not use 'spider veins' in clinical manuscripts.
In Context
- "Facial telangiectasias and persistent central erythema were consistent with subtype 1 rosacea." — Dermatology outpatient consultation letter
- "The editor standardized 'telangiectases' to 'telangiectasias' throughout the manuscript in accordance with the journal's preferred plural form." — Copy-editing annotation