Ascites

Ascites
Other namesPeritoneal cavity fluid, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum, abdominal dropsy[1]
The abdomen of a person with cirrhosis that has resulted in massive ascites and prominent superficial veins
Pronunciation
SpecialtyGastroenterology
SymptomsIncreased abdominal size, increased weight, abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath[3]
ComplicationsSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, low blood sodium[3][4]
CausesLiver cirrhosis, cancer, heart failure, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, blockage of the hepatic vein[4]
Diagnostic methodPhysical exam, ultrasound, CT scan[3]
TreatmentLow-salt diet, medications, draining the fluid[3]
MedicationSpironolactone, furosemide[3]
Frequency>50% of people with cirrhosis[4]

Ascites (/əˈsaɪtiz/;[5] Greek: ἀσκός, romanized: askos, meaning "bag" or "sac"[6]) is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen.[1] Technically, it is more than 25 ml of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, although volumes greater than one liter may occur.[4] Symptoms may include increased abdominal size, increased weight, abdominal discomfort, and shortness of breath.[3] Complications can include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.[3]

In the developed world, the most common cause is liver cirrhosis.[4] Other causes include cancer, heart failure, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, and blockage of the hepatic vein.[4] In cirrhosis, the underlying mechanism involves high blood pressure in the portal system and dysfunction of blood vessels.[4] Diagnosis is typically based on an examination together with ultrasound or a CT scan.[3] Testing the fluid can help in determining the underlying cause.[3]

Treatment often involves a low-salt diet, medication such as diuretics, and draining the fluid.[3] A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) may be placed but is associated with complications.[3] Attempts to treat the underlying cause, such as by a liver transplant, may be considered.[4] Of those with cirrhosis, more than half develop ascites in the ten years following diagnosis.[4] Of those in this group who develop ascites, half will die within three years.[4]

  1. ^ a b "Ascites". National Library of Medicine. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  2. ^ "Ascites | Definition of Ascites by Lexico". Lexico Dictionaries | English. Archived from the original on October 25, 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Ascites - Hepatic and Biliary Disorders". Merck Manuals Professional Edition. May 2016. Retrieved 14 December 2017.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Pedersen, JS; Bendtsen, F; Møller, S (May 2015). "Management of cirrhotic ascites". Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease. 6 (3): 124–37. doi:10.1177/2040622315580069. PMC 4416972. PMID 25954497.
  5. ^ Staff writer (2010). "Ascites". Dictionary.com. Oakland, CA: IAC. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  6. ^ "Ascites: background". 2024-01-22.