Ascites differential diagnosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Differential diagnosis

Ascites is broadly classified as two types based on the Serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG):

• Transudate - SAAG > 1.1 g/dL (indicates the ascites is due to portal hypertension).
• Exudate - SAAG < 1.1 g/dL (indicates the ascites is due to non-portal hypertension etiology).