A new concept of ascitic fluid distribution.

Of 26 patients with ascites examined by B-mode ultrasonography, 14 had scans appropriate for evaluating the presence of fluid within the abdominal cavity. These studies demonstrate localization of fluid anteriorly around the tip of the liver and emphasize the importance of such factors as density relationships and the "pliability" of the anterior abdominal wall in the distribution of ascitic fluid. A reveiw of the literature is presented.