Etymed
ascites
Definition
The abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal distension
Clinical context
A 58-year-old man with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis presents to the emergency department with progressive abdominal distension and shortness of breath over the past week. On examination, his abdomen is distended with shifting dullness and fluid wave. Paracentesis reveals transudative fluid with low protein content. His serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) is 1.2 g/dL, consistent with portal hypertension.
Mnemonic
ASCITES - Abdominal distension, shifting dullness, fluid wave, and other signs of peritoneal fluid accumulation