title: An unusual complication of paracentesis.
abstract: Paracentesis is an important and commonly performed procedure in patients with ascites. It is a safe procedure when carried out in the midline below the umbilicus, with a complication rate of less than 1%. We report an instance in which a large midline varix was entered during paracentesis. The utility of different imaging techniques in detecting such anomalies in the portal hypertensive patient with portal hypertension and ascites is discussed. The approach and management of this complication are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Qureshi
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Harshfield
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Netchvolodoff
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Banerjee
mesh_terms: D000009:Abdominal Muscles; D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000293:injuries*; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000150:complications