Ascites
Definition
The accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It becomes readily detectable when > 500 ml are present.
1. Portal hypertension |
SAAG more/=1.1 |
The serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is calculated by subtracting the ascites albumin concentration from the serum value. A SAAG value of greater than 1.1 g/dL predicts a portal hypertensive cause with more than 95% accuracy. Values less than 1.1 g/dL are associated with neoplasms, tuberculosis, pancreatitis, or bile leak.
- Cirrhosis
- Chronic hepatic congestion
- Right sided heart failure
- Budd-Chiari
- Constrictive pericarditis
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Massive liver metastasis
2. Other cause |
SAAG less than 1.1 |
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Biliary leak
- Peritoneal tuberculosis
- Peritoneal carcinomatosis
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