Ascites overview
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Ascites Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Ascites overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Ascites overview |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: M.Umer Tariq [2]
Overview
In medicine (gastroenterology), ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Although most commonly due to cirrhosis and severe liver disease, its presence can portend other significant medical problems. Diagnosis of the cause is usually with blood tests, an ultrasound scan of the abdomen and direct removal of the fluid by needle or paracentesis (which may also be therapeutic). Treatment may be with medication (diuretics), paracentesis or other treatments directed at the cause.