Table of Contents
How ascites occur in portal hypertension?
As portal hypertension develops, the formation of collateral vessels and arterial vasodilation progress, which results in increased blood flow to the portal circulation. Eventually the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome develops, leading to esophageal varices or ascites.
Why is SAAG high in ascites?
The SAAG correlates with the sinusoidal pressure,6 and a SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL (high SAAG ascites) indicates a hepatic vein–portal vein pressure gradient more than 11 mm Hg (i.e., portal hypertension). High SAAG ascites is almost always caused by a sinusoidal or postsinusoidal source of the ascites.
Can you have ascites without portal hypertension?
Patients with cirrhosis but without PHT do not develop ascites or edema [6]. A portal pressure >12 mmHg appears to be required for fluid retention [6,7]; on the other hand, ascites will usually disappear if portal pressure is reduced below 12 mmHg (eg, after a surgical or radiologic portosystemic shunt) [8].
How is chylous ascites diagnosed?
Typically, chylous ascites is diagnosed when the ascites triglyceride level is greater than 110 mg/dL. Levels as high as 8100 mg/dL have been described. Other authors have identified an elevated ascites-to-plasma triglyceride ratio (between 2:1 and 8:1) as being indicative of chylous ascites.
Is ascites fluid high in protein?
An elevated SAAG and a high protein level are observed in most cases of ascites due to hepatic congestion. The combination of a low SAAG and a high protein level is characteristic of malignant ascites (see Causes).
What autoimmune disease causes ascites?
Some more prevalent immune-mediated causes of ascites include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, and polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes (POEMS) syndrome, all of which are also rare [3, 4, 5].
What is the purpose of a peritoneal fluid test?
Peritoneal fluid analysis is used to help diagnose the cause of fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) and/or inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis). There are two main reasons for fluid accumulation, and an initial set of tests is used to differentiate between the two types of fluid that may be produced, transudate or exudate.
Is it necessary to drain excess peritoneal fluid?
Yes. Sometimes it will be performed to drain excess peritoneal fluid – to relieve pressure in the abdomen. The volume of fluid removed may be large – sometimes as much as four liters (1 gallon) or more. This may need to be repeated periodically with some diseases.
What should the SAAG level of peritoneal fluid be?
A SAAG level of 1.1 g/dL or greater suggests the presence of a transudate and less than 1.1 g/dL, an exudate.
What is the function of the peritoneum in paracentesis?
Paracentesis is effectively the analysis of ‘Ascites’ – the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the abdomen. The peritoneum is important in osmoregulation Passive diffusion of water and solute (up to a certain size) Maintains osmotic and chemical equilibrium with blood and lymph