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

Diseases	History and Symptoms				Physical Examination				Laboratory Findings				Other Findings
	Finding 1	Finding 2	Finding 3	Finding 4	Physical Finding 1	Physical Finding 2	Physical Finding 3	Physical Finding 4	Lab Test 1	Lab Test 2	Lab Test 3	Lab Test 4
Differential Diagnosis 1			+
Differential Diagnosis 2	↑			-
Differential Diagnosis 3		↓
Differential Diagnosis 4
Differential Diagnosis 5

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).