What is ascites?

What is ascites?

• A. Accumulation of fluid in peritoneal space.
• B. Blood in the peritoneal cavity.
• C. Pus in the peritoneal space.
• D. Air in the peritoneal cavity.

Answer: (A)

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space. It commonly develops with advanced liver disease and portal hypertension, where increased pressure in the portal system drives fluid out of liver capillaries, and low blood albumin reduces fluid staying in the vessels. This fluid buildup, often with kidney-sodium retention, causes abdominal distension and can lead to discomfort and breathing difficulties. Understanding this helps distinguish it from other peritoneal conditions: the presence of blood in the peritoneal cavity is a hemoperitoneum, usually from trauma or organ rupture; pus indicates infection and peritonitis; and air in the peritoneal cavity is pneumoperitoneum, often from a perforated viscus. Thus, the description that matches ascites is fluid buildup in the peritoneal space.

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space. It commonly develops with advanced liver disease and portal hypertension, where increased pressure in the portal system drives fluid out of liver capillaries, and low blood albumin reduces fluid staying in the vessels. This fluid buildup, often with kidney-sodium retention, causes abdominal distension and can lead to discomfort and breathing difficulties. Understanding this helps distinguish it from other peritoneal conditions: the presence of blood in the peritoneal cavity is a hemoperitoneum, usually from trauma or organ rupture; pus indicates infection and peritonitis; and air in the peritoneal cavity is pneumoperitoneum, often from a perforated viscus. Thus, the description that matches ascites is fluid buildup in the peritoneal space.