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Cause of Ascites

Ascites, also known as peritoneal fluid excess, is a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the peritoneal cavity, the body's largest serosal sac. Ascites can be caused by many diseases, but it can also be a symptom of other conditions. Some of the causes of ascites are rare, but there are several common causes.

  1. Cirrhosis

    • Cirrhosis is commonly caused by chronic liver disease, alcoholism, hepatitis B or C or fatty liver disease. Ascites is the most frequent and serious result of cirrhosis, and is often deadly. The retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity caused by cirrhosis leaves individuals with the condition susceptible to infection. In advanced cases of cirrhosis, a liver transplant is the only treatment option.

    Veno-occlusive Disease

    • Veno-occlusive disease is also known as VOD or hepatic veno-occlusive disease. VOD results when some of the veins in the liver are blocked. This blockage causes fluid retention, especially in the abdominal cavity, which can develop into acsites. VOD is a common complication resulting from high dose chemotherapy.

    Constrictive Pericarditis

    • Constrictive pericarditis results from inflammation or infection of the pericardium (the tissue lining the heart). The condition can also occur after heart attack or heart surgery. Those with constrictive pericarditis experience vast respiratory variation in the heart's blood flow. Ascites results as a consequence of fluid building in the abdominal cavity due to the change in blood flow.

    Cancer

    • The type of cancer that frequently causes ascites is referred to as peritoneal carcinomatosis. In this form of cancer, widespread tumors develop inside the abdomen. Treatments for acsites caused by peritoneal carcinomatosis include cytoreduction surgery and peritoneal chemotherapy.

    Serositis

    • Serositis is the inflammation of the serous tissues, which includes the peritoneal cavity, the pleura (tissue lining the lungs) and pericardium. With this inflammation comes the development of excess fluid in the abdomen, resulting in ascites.

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