RT Book, Section
A1 Hwang, James Q.
A1 Huang, Calvin
A2 Carmody, Kristin A.
A2 Moore, Christopher L.
A2 Feller-Kopman, David
SR Print(0)
ID 56301825
T1 Chapter 19. Ultrasound for Paracentesis
T2 Handbook of Critical Care and Emergency Ultrasound
YR 2011
FD 2011
PB The McGraw-Hill Companies
PP New York, NY
SN 978-0-07-160489-5
LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56301825
RD 2023/03/31
AB Ascites  is  the  accumulation  of  free  fluid  in  the  peritoneal  cavity  and  is  typically  caused  by  portal  hypertension  due  to  hepatic  failure.  Other  common  causes  of  ascites  include  renal  failure,  congestive  heart  failure,  infection,  or  malignancy.  Ascites  may  be  extremely  uncomfortable  when  large  amounts  of  fluid  are  present,  and  may  be  life  threatening  if  it  becomes  infected  or  compromises  respiratory  efforts  or  venous  return.  Physical  examination  is  not  sensitive  for  ascites  and  cannot  reliably  determine  the  optimal  location  for  drainage.  Bedside  ultrasound  can  reliably  detect  ascites  and  aid  in  the  removal  of  fluid.