Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, the potential space around the organs within the abdomen. Ascites is caused by fluid leaking out from blood vessels as a result of various disease processes.
Ascites most frequently results from liver damage. As the liver gets injured from toxins or infection, the substance of the liver scars and becomes stiffer, resulting in high pressure in the blood vessels within the liver, called portal hypertension. The increased pressure causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels and build up in the peritoneal cavity.
Conditions and risk factors for ascites include:
Symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly, and mild ascites may initially seem just like weight gain, depending on the amount of abdominal distension.
Ascites can be detected with a physical exam or ultrasound. Your physician may look for "shifting dullness" to check if abdominal sounds change as the abdominal fluid moves.
Other tests to look for causes of ascites and check organ functions include:
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our IR physicians, please call 310-481-7545.
