Characteristics of ascitic fluid in cardiac ascites.
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.
Christou
Leonidas
L
1st Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Greece.
Economou
Michael
M
Economou
Georgios
G
Kolettis
Theophilos M
TM
Tsianos
Epameinondas V
EV
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
D000418:Albumins; D004232:Diuretics; D005665:Furosemide; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase