• Spontaneous hemoperitoneum: This rare complication is due to mesenteric

variceal bleeding after removal of a large amount of ascitic fluid (>4 L).

• Hollow viscous perforation (small or large bowel, stomach, bladder)

• Catheter laceration and loss in abdominal cavity

• Laceration of major blood vessel (aorta, mesenteric assoc. with hypothyroidism)

Ovarian disease (Meig’s syndrome)

Chronic hemodialysis

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Small amounts of fluid may be asymptomatic

Increasing amounts cause:

Abdominal distention and discomfort

Anorexia

Nausea

Early satiety

Esophageal reflux

Flank pain

Respiratory distress (pressure exerted on diaphragm)

Physical examination

Increased abdominal girth