[Spontaneous peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient (author's transl)]

A case of spontaneous peritonitis in a cirrhotic patient is reported. Because of marked peritoneal and hemodynamic signs, exploratory laparotomy was decided on. Such cases of spontaneous peritonitis, which mimick surgical affections, are very uncommon. Onset is usually insidious with increasing hepatic fluid as the only sign. Bacteriologic examination of the peritoneal fluid is often negative. Diagnosis should be considered if cytology shows more than 75 polynuclear leukocytes per mm. When bacteriology is negative, association of an aminoside with penicillin G and metronidazole seems to be the most satisfactory combination.