Ascites

Ascites is a collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Common cause 

1.   Liver failure

2.   Tuberculosis

3.   Peritoneal malignancy

4.   Heart failure

5.   Nephrotic syndrome

6.   Systemic lupus erythmatosis

Diagnosis:

Confirmed by Ultrasonography

Underlying etiology is diagnosed by various tests such as

1.   CECT abdomen

2.   Peritoneal biopsy

3.   Laparoscopy

4.   Ascites fluid evaluation

a)    ADA

b)    TLC/DLC

c)    Cytology Protein / albumin

d)    AFB and TB culture

Management:

Management depends upon the underlying cause

1.    Ascites in a patient with chronic liver disease is an indicator of advanced diseases; these patients are treated with diuretics and salt restriction, and many of these patients are candidate for liver transplantation.