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Related Concept Videos

Ascites01:19

Ascites

DefinitionAscites is the buildup of fluid inside the peritoneal cavity. It occurs when fluid moves out of the vascular system faster than the peritoneal lymphatics can remove it. This fluid shift is most commonly seen in liver cirrhosis but can also appear in several other systemic disorders.EtiologyCirrhosis remains the leading cause of ascites. Other conditions that can contribute include:Heart failureConstrictive pericarditisAbdominal cancersNephrotic syndromeSevere protein–calorie...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis centers on injury to pancreatic acinar cells, which initiates a cascade of harmful intracellular events.This injury leads to premature activation of trypsinogen to trypsin in the pancreas. Trypsin then activates other digestive enzymes, such as chymotrypsin, elastase, and phospholipase A2, which begin breaking down pancreatic tissue. The resulting autodigestion causes local inflammation, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, and fat necrosis.Injured acinar cells...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology01:24

Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology

Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...

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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
07:10

Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Published on: June 18, 2020

Ascites: pathogenesis and therapeutic principles.

Søren Møller1, Jens H Henriksen, Flemming Bendtsen

  • 1Department of Clinical Physiology 239, Hvidovre Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark. soeren.moeller@hvh.regionh.dk

Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 30, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Ascites, a common complication of cirrhosis, significantly impacts patient survival. Current treatments focus on diuretics and managing complications, but liver transplantation remains crucial for improving outcomes.

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Measurement of the Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Transjugular Liver Biopsy
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Partial Bile Duct Ligation in the Mouse: A Controlled Model of Localized Obstructive Cholestasis

Published on: March 28, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Ascites is a frequent complication of advanced cirrhosis, signaling hepatic decompensation.
  • It affects over 50% of cirrhosis patients, worsening prognosis and survival.
  • Pathophysiology involves portal hypertension, splanchnic vasodilatation, liver insufficiency, and cardiovascular dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the pathophysiology and current management strategies for ascites in cirrhosis.
  • To discuss treatments for tense, refractory ascites, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
  • To highlight the prognostic implications and the role of liver transplantation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current medical literature on ascites pathophysiology and treatment.
  • Description of standard therapies including salt restriction, diuretics, and paracentesis.
  • Discussion of advanced interventions like transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) and novel therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

  • Standard treatment involves diuretics (spironolactone, loop-diuretics) and salt restriction.
  • Refractory ascites requires paracentesis with volume expansion or TIPS.
  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis necessitates antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Ascites formation indicates a poor prognosis in cirrhosis.
  • While treatments manage fluid retention, they do not significantly improve survival.
  • Liver transplantation should be strongly considered for patients with ascites due to cirrhosis.