Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).
Alternative NamesPortal hypertension - ascites
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsA person with ascites usually has severe liver disease. Ascites due to liver disease is caused by high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low albumin levels.
Disorders that may be associated with ascites include:
Kidney dialysis may also be associated with ascites.
Signs and testsA physical examination may reveal a swollen abdomen, or belly.
Test to evaluate the liver may be done. This may include:
Paracentesis or abdominal tap may be performed. This procedure involves using a thin needle to pull fluid from the abdomen. The fluid is tested in various ways to determine the cause of ascites.
TreatmentThe condition that causes ascites will be treated, if possible.
Treatment may include:
Procedures used for ascites that do not respond to medical treatment include:
As patients develop end-stage liver disease, and the ascites no longer respond to treatment, liver transplantation becomes necessary.
ComplicationsAnyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.
ReferencesRunyon BA; AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee. Management of adult patients with ascites due to cirrhosis: an update. Hepatology. 2009;49(6):2087-2107.