aetiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Ascites may be classified with respect to the protein content of the peritoneal fluid. A protein content of less than 3g per 100ml of fluid is defined as transudate; whereas a protein content of more than this is defined as exudate. There are different causes of ascites dependent on whether transudate or exudate is present and more detailed information is provided from the menu items below.

Some of the more well-known causes of ascites include:

• liver cirrhosis
• intra-abdominal malignancy
• nephrotic syndrome
• constrictive pericarditis
• Meig's syndrome
• Budd-Chiari syndrome
• tuberculous peritonitis

A rare cause of ascites occurs when there is massive obstruction of abdominal lymphatic drainage, this leads to a chylous ascites.