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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

Negative influences of ascites on the cardiac function of cirrhotic patients

M Guazzi, A Polese, F Magrini

    The American Journal of Medicine
    |August 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Paracentesis significantly improves cardiac function in cirrhosis patients with ascites by relieving abdominal pressure. Removing ascitic fluid enhances heart output and venous return, aiding recovery.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Gastroenterology
    • Internal Medicine

    Background:

    • Cirrhosis with tense ascites significantly impairs cardiac function.
    • Increased intra-abdominal pressure affects cardiac hemodynamics and venous return.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the impact of ascitic fluid removal on cardiac function in patients with cirrhosis.
    • To understand the relationship between fluid drainage, intra-abdominal pressure, and cardiac performance.

    Main Methods:

    • Cardiac function was assessed in 21 men with cirrhosis and ascites.
    • Staged paracentesis (ascitic fluid removal) was performed.
    • Hemodynamic parameters including cardiac output and atrial pressures were monitored.

    Main Results:

    • Paracentesis led to significant increases in cardiac output, stroke volume, and ventricular stroke work.
    • Fluid removal correlated with reduced intra-abdominal and right atrial pressures.
    • Improved cardiac function was directly linked to normalized right atrial pressure.

    Conclusions:

    • Ascitic fluid removal improves cardiac function by increasing heart filling and venous return.
    • Reduced intra-abdominal pressure alleviates mechanical constraints on the heart.
    • Paracentesis is a beneficial intervention for managing cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic ascites.

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