The list of causes of ascites begins with the liver. Regardless of the reason for liver failure, a malfunctioning liver cannot make enough protein to maintain oncotic pressure to keep fluid in the circulatory system.
Causes of ascites due to liver problems include:
Causes of ascites due to liver problems include:
- Cirrhosis describes a form of liver failure in which liver tissue that is damaged is replaced by scar tissue. As more liver tissue is lost is progressive liver failure occurs. Alcoholic liver disease or alcoholic hepatitis (hepar=liver +itis=inflammation), viral hepatitis (B or C), and fatty liver disease are the most common causes for cirrhosis.
- Acute liver failure can result in ascites. This may be due to any acute injury to liver cells including adverse reactions to medications or drug abuse (for example, liver failure is the major consequence of acetaminophen overdose).
- Budd-Chiari syndrome is caused by the blockage of the hepatic veins (those that drain the liver). This causes the triad of ascites, abdominal pain, and hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen).
- Cancer that has metastasized or spread to the liver can also be the source of ascites.
