Condition
Ascites
David Cohen, M.D.Published 24 April 20051 min read
Definition
Ascites is excess fluid in the space between the membranes lining the abdomen and abdominal organs (the peritoneal cavity). This 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
- protein-losing enteropathy
- nephrotic syndrome
- pancreatitis
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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