In a male, are they pathognomic for cirrhosis? Is it possible that fatty liver could lead to them rather than cirrhosis? Or can there be another etiology entirely?
They are not, they can be found in healthy people. That being said, if a large number is found, it would be wise to check LFTs. I believe any form of hepatic failure, specifically preventing detoxification of estrogen from the blood, can result in spider angiomas. Cirrhosis is the classic disease associated with spider angiomas