Ascites

Ascites is abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It most often results from portal hypertension or cancer, but also occurs in other disorders.

Portal hypertension: Abnormally elevated pressure in the portal venous system, which carries blood from digestive organs to the liver. Increased portal pressure drives fluid from abdominal vessels into the peritoneal cavity.
Diagnostic paracentesis: A procedure that removes peritoneal fluid with a needle for laboratory analysis. New or worsening ascites is sampled to detect infection and distinguish likely causes.
Cirrhosis: Chronic liver scarring that disrupts liver structure and impairs its function. It is the leading cause of ascites in many settings through portal hypertension and sodium retention.
Pleural effusion: Excess fluid collected in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. It is fluid in the chest, unlike ascites in the peritoneal cavity.
Splanchnic circulation: The blood supply and venous drainage of the abdominal digestive organs. Vasodilation in this circulation lowers effective arterial blood volume and promotes fluid retention.
Serum–ascites albumin gradient: The difference between serum albumin and ascitic-fluid albumin concentrations. This measurement helps determine whether portal hypertension is driving the fluid accumulation.
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: Infection of ascitic fluid without an evident source of contamination within the abdomen. This dangerous complication can present subtly and requires prompt diagnosis and antibiotics.
Edema: Excess fluid accumulated in the interstitial spaces of tissues. Edema causes tissue swelling, whereas ascites collects within an internal body cavity.
Renin–angiotensin system: A hormonal system that regulates blood pressure, fluid balance, and sodium retention. Its activation causes the kidneys to retain sodium and water as ascites advances.
Large-volume paracentesis: Removal of a large quantity of peritoneal fluid, usually to relieve tense ascites. It can rapidly reduce discomfort and breathing difficulty from severe abdominal distension.

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