MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ascites

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Ascites

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes	Treatment When to Contact a Medical Professional

Illustrations

Ascites with ovarian cancer, CT scan

Digestive system organs

Definition Return to top

Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the tissues lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity).

Causes Return to top

Ascites is typically caused by liver disease. Disorders that may be associated with ascites include:

Cirrhosis
Hepatitis
Portal vein thrombosis (clots in the veins of the liver)
Constrictive pericarditis
Congestive heart failure
Liver cancer
Ovarian cancer
Protein-losing enteropathy
Nephrotic syndrome
Pancreatitis

Treatment Return to top

Treatment may include medicines called diuretics, which help remove the fluid, and antibiotics, if infection develops.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Anyone who has ascites and develops new abdominal pain and fever should contact their health care provider immediately.

Update Date: 10/26/2006

Updated by: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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