Ascites differential diagnosis

Numerous diseases can cause ascites. In terms of aetiology, liver diseases, malignant processes and chronic cardiac diseases rank right at the top. Yet inflammatory, renal, metabolic, vascular and endocrinological causes also have to be borne in mind when drawing up a differential diagnosis. The mechanisms at work in the formation of ascites are often still unresolved, as is the case, for example, in hypothyroidism, diseases of the ovaries or the POEMS syndrome (P.A. Bardwick et al., 1980). (100,168) (s. tab. 16.6)... 

Colli, A., Buccino, G., Cocciolo, M., Parravicini, R., Mariani, F., Scal-trini, G. Diagnostic accuracy of fibronectin in the differential diagnosis of ascites. Cancer 1986 58 2489-2493... 

Akriviadis E, Kapnias D, Hadjigavriel M, Mitsiou A, Goulis J. Serum/ascites albumin gradient Its value as a rational approach to the differential diagnosis of ascites. Scand J Gastroenterol 1996 31 814-7. 

Table 18.2. Ultrasonographic differential diagnosis between benign and malignant ascites...

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