ASCITES

exudate:

intra-abdominal or pelvic neoplasia � peritoneal metastases

tuberculous peritonitis

other peritoneal infections, eg bacterial, fungal, parasitic

severe pancreatitis (pancreatic ascites)

bile leakage (biliary ascites)

urinary obstruction or leakage (urine ascites)

myxoedema

transudate:

portal hypertension:

hepatic cirrhosis

hepatic or portal vein obstruction

other:

congestive heart failure, especially with tricuspid regurgitation

hypoalbuminaemia

Meig�s syndrome (ascites associated with benign ovarian tumour)

chylous:

cisterna chyli / thoracic duct obstruction:

trauma

mediastinal tumours