ascites
Sign in to saveAscites (; , meaning "bag" or "sac") is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen. Technically, it is more than of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, although volumes greater than may occur. Symptoms may include increased abdominal size, increased weight, abdominal discomfort, and shortness of breath. Complications can include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
AI overview
Ascites is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that can cause swelling, weight gain, discomfort, and breathing difficulties. It matters because it can lead to serious complications, such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and signals an underlying health problem that needs medical attention.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Medical condition (new).name
- Ascites
- Medical condition (new).synonyms
- Peritoneal cavity fluid, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum, abdominal dropsy
- Medical condition (new).image
- Hepaticfailure.jpg
- Medical condition (new).caption
- The abdomen of a person with cirrhosis that has resulted in massive ascites and prominent superficial veins
- Medical condition (new).pronounce
- ,
- Medical condition (new).field
- Gastroenterology, general surgery
- Medical condition (new).symptoms
- Increased abdominal size, increased weight, abdominal discomfort, shortness of breath
- Medical condition (new).complications
- Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, low blood sodium
- Medical condition (new).causes
- Liver cirrhosis, cancer, heart failure, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, blockage of the hepatic vein
- Medical condition (new).diagnosis
- Physical exam, ultrasound, CT scan
Article
15 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Signs and symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Classification
- Pathophysiology
- Treatment
- High serum-ascites albumin gradient (transudative) ascites
- Diet
- Diuretics
- Paracentesis
- Surgery
- Low SAAG ("exudative") ascites
- Society and culture
- References
Ascites (; , meaning "bag" or "sac") is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen. Technically, it is more than of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, although volumes greater than may occur. Symptoms may include increased abdominal size, increased weight, abdominal discomfort, and shortness of breath. Complications can include spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
In the developed world, the most common cause is liver cirrhosis, whose underlying mechanism involves high blood pressure in the portal system and dysfunction of blood vessels. Other causes include cancer, heart failure, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, and blockage of the hepatic vein. Diagnosis is typically based on an examination together with ultrasound or a CT scan. Testing the fluid can help in determining the underlying cause.