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The Medical Journal of Australia Jan 2023
Topics: Humans; Paracentesis; Ascites; Ultrasonography; Liver Cirrhosis
PubMed: 36450339
DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51795 -
Revista de La Facultad de Ciencias... Jun 2023The term pseudoascitis is used in patients who give the false impression of ascites, with abdominal distension but without peritoneal free fluid. The case of a...
The term pseudoascitis is used in patients who give the false impression of ascites, with abdominal distension but without peritoneal free fluid. The case of a 66-year-old woman, hypertensive and hypothyroid with occasional alcohol consumption, who consults due to progressive abdominal distension of 6 months of evolution and diffuse percussion dullness is presented, in whom a paracentesis is performed with the wrong endorsement of examination ultrasound that reports abundant intrabdominal free fluid (Fig. 1), later finding in the CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis an expansive process of cystic appearance of 295mm x 208mm x 250mm. Left anexectomy is programmed (Fig. 2) with pathological report of mucinous ovarian cystadenoma. The case report refers to the availability of the giant ovarian cyst within the differential diagnosis of ascites. If no symptoms or obvious signs of liver, kidney, heart or malignant disease are found and / or ultrasound does not reveal typical signs of intra-abdominal free fluid (fluid in the bottom of the Morrison or Douglas sac, presence of floating free intestinal handles), a CT scan and / or an RMI should be requested before performing paracentesis, which could have potentially serious consequences.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Ascites; Cystadenoma, Mucinous; Ovarian Neoplasms; Ovarian Cysts; Kidney
PubMed: 37402307
DOI: 10.31053/1853.0605.v80.n2.27848 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Nov 2019Objective Ascites becomes refractory to diuretics in cirrhotic patients, who then require repeated large-volume paracentesis or cell-free and concentrated ascites...
Objective Ascites becomes refractory to diuretics in cirrhotic patients, who then require repeated large-volume paracentesis or cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART). The objective of this study was to confirm the safety and efficacy of CART, evaluate the actual situations with respect to the prescription of diuretics and determine the role of diuretics after the introduction of CART. Patients and Methods We recruited 34 cirrhotic patients who received CART with concomitant diuretics using furosemide (76.2%), spironolactone (48.5%), thiazide (4.0%) and tolvaptan (53.5%) from a post-marketing surveillance of CART. Results CART improved the tested clinical indices, i.e., body weight, abdominal circumference, performance status, dietary intake, total protein and albumin. The intervals of CART sessions were significantly prolonged in patients who received tolvaptan (mean, 22.5 days) compared to those not receiving tolvaptan (mean, 10.8 days) (p<0.001). The drop-out rate was significantly decreased in patients receiving tolvaptan compared to those not receiving tolvaptan when drop-out was defined as paracentesis (p<0.05). Conclusion We confirmed that CART is an effective treatment for refractory ascites occurring in cirrhotic patients. The administration of tolvaptan in combination with CART leads to a significantly reduced rate of ascites accumulation.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antidiuretic Hormone Receptor Antagonists; Ascites; Ascitic Fluid; Diuretics; Female; Fluid Therapy; Furosemide; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Male; Middle Aged; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; Serum Albumin; Spironolactone; Tolvaptan
PubMed: 31292400
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.3091-19 -
Gaceta Medica de Mexico 2022Peritoneal tuberculosis (abdominal tuberculosis) can be confused with a malignant neoplasm.
INTRODUCTION
Peritoneal tuberculosis (abdominal tuberculosis) can be confused with a malignant neoplasm.
OBJECTIVE
To describe clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with abdominal tuberculosis mimicking advanced ovarian cancer, diagnosed in a national reference cancer center.
METHODS
Clinical and pathological characteristics of nine patients with abdominal tuberculosis that clinically resembled advanced ovarian cancer are described.
RESULTS
Median age was 47 years; the most common socioeconomic status was low (44%). Abdominal pain and weight loss occurred in 77.7%; ascites, in 55.5%; 22.2% had a positive COMBE test, and 100% had no history of pulmonary tuberculosis. CA-125 elevation was reported in 77.7%, with levels > 500 U/mL in 57.1%. Tomography reported carcinomatosis in 50% and pelvic tumor and ascites in 37.5%. All patients underwent surgery, where 62.5% were diagnosed by intraoperative pathology study as neoplastic disease.
CONCLUSION
Tuberculosis is considered the great imitator, which is why abdominal tuberculosis diagnosis should be borne in mind when faced with a suspicious case, even when clinical presentation, imaging studies, and even intraoperative examination suggest ovarian cancer.
Topics: Ascites; CA-125 Antigen; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Ovarian Neoplasms; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 35894748
DOI: 10.24875/GMM.M22000654 -
European Review For Medical and... Feb 2023We aimed to present our experience with the management of 17 patients with ascites who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy, and histologic confirmation of wet...
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to present our experience with the management of 17 patients with ascites who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy, and histologic confirmation of wet ascitic type of peritoneal tuberculosis (TB).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Between January 2008 and March 2019, 17 patients whose ascites were investigated by a gastroenterologist and who were thought to have non-cirrhotic ascites were referred to our Surgery clinic for peritoneal biopsy. The clinical, biochemical, radiological, microbiological, and histopathological data of the patients who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy were analyzed retrospectively. Histopathological examination of peritoneal tissue samples in hematoxylin-eosin-stained preparations revealed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis and Langhans type giant cells. Ehrlich-Ziehl-Neelsen (EZN) staining was studied with the suspicion of TB. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were detected in EZN stained slide. Histopathological findings were also considered.
RESULTS
Seventeen patients aged 18 to 64 years were included in this study. The most common symptoms were ascites and abdominal distention, weight loss, night sweats, fever and diarrhea. Radiological examination revealed peritoneal thickening, ascites, omental cacking, and diffuse lymphadenopathy. Histopathologically, necrotizing granulomatous peritonitis consistent with peritoneal TB were detected. While direct laparoscopy was preferred in sixteen patients, laparotomy was preferred in the remaining one due to previous surgical procedures. However, seven were converted to open laparotomy.
CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis of abdominal TB requires high index of suspicion, and the treatment should be prompt to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with delay in treatment.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Retrospective Studies; Peritonitis, Tuberculous; Peritoneum; Laparoscopy
PubMed: 36808343
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202302_31192 -
Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences May 2019The aim of this study was to assess the role of transabdominal ultrasonography in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites in comparison with laboratory...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the role of transabdominal ultrasonography in characterizing and determining the etiology of ascites in comparison with laboratory ascitic fluid analysis and other methods used to establish the final diagnosis.
METHODS
A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 61 patients with ascites attending outpatient department (OPD) or admitted to wards of Tikur Anbesa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and referred to radiology department for imaging from June 2017 to November 2017. Data were collected following the internationally recommended scanning technique in consecutive bases. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The comparison of ultrasound and laboratory findings with final clinical diagnosis was analyzed using Chi-square test (X).
RESULTS
Of 61 patients with ascites enrolled in this study, females were 35(57.4%) with age range of 16 to 75 and mean age of 43.2±14.11. The cause of ascites was established in 59 cases using a combination of clinical, pathological, imaging evidences and tumor markers. However there were two cases who had ascites with indeterminate cause. US suggested the diagnosis in 54(91.5%) patients. Excluding mixed and indeterminate cases, ultrasound characterized ascites correctly as exudate and transudate in 95% cases.
CONCLUSION
Ultrasound has significant accuracy to distinguish transudate and exudate ascites and in suggesting the underlying cause. It can be a valuable method of investigation of ascites in places where CT and MRI are not available, and it is the best complement for laboratory investigations on ascites in suggesting the etiology based on ascitic fluid texture and ancillary findings.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascites; Ascitic Fluid; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Ultrasonography; Young Adult
PubMed: 31447507
DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v29i3.11 -
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Nov 2023Objective The presence of endotoxin (ET) in ascites at the time of cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is generally assessed in patients with...
Objective The presence of endotoxin (ET) in ascites at the time of cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is generally assessed in patients with infectious disease status, but the exact rate of ET positivity in ascites for patients treated with CART is unknown. Methods We evaluated ET levels in ascites at the time of CART, regardless of the presence of infectious symptoms. The analysis was performed for 529 cases in 183 patients in whom ET levels in ascites were measured at 2 time points (pre- and post-processing). Results ET in ascites was positive in 8 of 529 cases. In the positive cases, the ET level after CART was significantly decreased. ET-positive patients had a significantly higher white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and serum CRP level before CART than ET-negative patients. Conclusion Collectively, our data suggest that ET may be present in ascites, regardless of the infectious symptoms, especially in patients with a high white blood cell count, neutrophil count, and serum CRP level. Although the ET level in the re-infusion ascites seems to be decreased by CART, the possibility of endotoxemia after CART should be considered for such patients.
Topics: Humans; Ascites; Ascitic Fluid; Endotoxins
PubMed: 36858521
DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.0994-22 -
BMC Surgery Aug 2022Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical option for gallstone disease with minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Ascites is a relatively uncommon complication...
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a common surgical option for gallstone disease with minimal trauma and rapid recovery. Ascites is a relatively uncommon complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and is more frequently observed in patients with preoperative abnormal liver function. However, patients without underlying liver disease develop refractory ascites after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are rare. We report a case of massive ascites caused by lymphatic injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 63-year-old woman complained of abdominal discomfort and distension at the twelfth day after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones. Subsequently, the patient developed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and a decreased output of urine. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) identified abdominal effusion. The patient received abdominocentesis and the volume of slightly turbid yellow ascites averaged 1500-2000 ml per day. The results of laboratory analysis of ascitic fluid showed the following: serum-ascites albumin-gradient (SAAG), 11-12 g/L; albumin, 11-14 g/L; triglycerides, 0.91 mmol/L. After the diuretic therapy, repeated large-volume paracentesis with albumin supplementation, administration of antibiotics and renal vasodilating medications, the patient's symptoms did not relieve. Lymphoscintigraphy found a small amount of radioactive filling in the abdominal cavity. The patient finally received surgery with detection and ligation of the lymphatic leak. The ascites disappeared and the patient recovered well.
CONCLUSIONS
For patients with atypical characteristics of chylous ascites, lymphoscintigraphy could help to localize and qualify the diagnosis. Surgical treatment could be considered when conservative treatment fails.
Topics: Albumins; Ascites; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; Chylous Ascites; Female; Gallstones; Humans; Middle Aged
PubMed: 35978331
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-022-01758-x -
Asian Journal of Surgery Jan 2020Etiology of ascites of unknown origin varies with geographic area and ethnic origin. Tuberculous peritonitis and peritoneal carcinomatosis constitute a considerable... (Review)
Review
Etiology of ascites of unknown origin varies with geographic area and ethnic origin. Tuberculous peritonitis and peritoneal carcinomatosis constitute a considerable proportion of patients. Differentiation between both is a major challenge. The role of omental thickness (OT) by ultrasonography to predict risk of malignancy in unexplained ascites. This prospective study was done at Kasr Alainy School of Medicine, Cairo University and included 100 adults with unexplained ascites and thickened omentum (>15 mm) on ultrasonography. An expert performed ultrasonography to assess peritoneum and peritoneal cavity and measure OT. Ascites was assessed regarding volume, echogenicity, and loculation. The ascitic fluid was analyzed to measure lactate dehydrogenase, adenosine deaminase, and total leukocytic count. Laparoscopic exploration with biopsy was done for final diagnosis that divided the patients into; TB Group (n = 44) and peritoneal carcinomatosis group (n = 56). Main Outcome Measures were to determine degree of omental thickness as a predictor of malignancy risk in unexplained ascites and other ultrasonographic features to predict malignancy risk including omental echogenicity and results of diagnostic ascitic tapping. We found that OT was greater in the PC group compared to the TB group (24.6 ± 4.6 mm vs. 17.9 ± 3.0 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). Higher frequency of hypoechogenicity, irregular peritoneal surface, omental cakes, and lymph nodes was seen in PC Group. ADA, TLC, and relative lymphocyte count were higher in TB group. Omental thickness ≥19.5 mm has a sensitivity of 89.3%, specificity of 84.1% to diagnose PC. We can conclude that omental thickness >19 mm is a sensitive and specific predictor of malignancy in patients with unexplained ascites.
Topics: Aged; Ascites; Egypt; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Omentum; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 30910377
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2019.03.004 -
BMC Cancer Feb 2022Malignant ascites often causes discomfort in advanced cancer patients. Paracentesis is the most common treatment modality, but it requires frequently repeated treatment.... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Malignant ascites often causes discomfort in advanced cancer patients. Paracentesis is the most common treatment modality, but it requires frequently repeated treatment. Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) may prolong the paracentesis interval, but controlled trials are lacking. We assessed the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of CART vs. paracentesis alone for patients with refractory malignant ascites.
METHODS
This study was an open-label, fast-track, randomized controlled, feasibility trial. Patients admitted to four designated cancer hospitals who received no further anticancer treatments were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to a CART arm or control (simple paracentesis) arm. The feasibility endpoint was the percentage of patients who completed the study intervention. Secondary endpoints included paracentesis-free survival, patient's request on the questionnaire for paracentesis (PRO-paracentesis)-free survival (the period until the patients first reported that they would want paracentesis if indicated), and adverse events.
RESULTS
We screened 953 patients for eligibility. Of 61 patients with refractory malignant ascites, 21 patients were determined as eligible. Finally, 20 patients consented and were allocated; 18 patients (90%, 95% CI: 68.3-98.8) completed the study intervention. All patients had an ECOG performance status of 3 or 4. The median drained ascites volume was 3,200 mL in the CART arm and 2,500 mL in the control arm. In the CART arm, the median reinfused albumin volume was 12.6 g. Median paracentesis-free survivals were 5 days (95% CI: 2-6) in the CART arm, and 6 days (3-9) in the control arm. Median PRO-paracentesis-free survivals were 4 days (2-5) and 5 days (1-9), respectively. A total of 73% of patients received paracentesis within 2 days from their first request for the next paracentesis. One patient in the CART arm developed Grade 1 fever.
CONCLUSIONS
A fast-track randomized controlled trial of CART for patients with malignant ascites is feasible. The efficacy and safety of CART should be assessed in future trials. PRO-paracentesis-free survival may be a complementary outcome measure with paracentesis-free survival in future trials.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Registered at University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry as UMIN000031029 . Registered on 28/01/2018.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascites; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Cell-Free Nucleic Acids; Digestive System Neoplasms; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Paracentesis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35227250
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09336-3