title: Characteristics of ascitic fluid in cardiac ascites.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Cardiac ascites remains a rare entity with unique clinical and pathogenetic features that are not adequately recognized by clinicians. The purpose of this study was to contribute towards elucidating the nature of cardiac ascites.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a series of 26 ascitic fluid samples from eight patients with cardiac ascites that were referred and further evaluated for the etiology and nature of their ascites.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all samples ascitic fluid was an exudate with an increased serum-ascitic fluid albumin gradient, a pattern unique in ascites. Other causes of ascites were excluded, often through a protracted differential diagnostic procedure.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The unique pattern of cardiac ascites should allow for rapid diagnosis and characterization: The clinical implications of furosemide use in its response and biochemical properties warrant further description.
authors: 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
authors: Leonidas
authors: L
authors: Christou
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Economou
authors: Georgios
authors: G
authors: Economou
authors: Theophilos M
authors: TM
authors: Kolettis
authors: Epameinondas V
authors: EV
authors: Tsianos
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis; D001201:Ascites / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000166:cytology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005665:Furosemide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000418:Albumins; D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase