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.

MATERIAL AND 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.