Utilizing Abdominal Sonography in the Diagnosis of Ascites Caused by Heart Failure: A Patient With Cirrhosis

Abstract

Abdominal sonography is the most common imaging method used in the detection of ascites. In the presence of cirrhosis, the most likely etiology of ascites is portal hypertension, secondary to the chronic liver disease. A case study is presented of a male with hepatitis C cirrhosis, with symptoms of ascites, which was confirmed with abdominal sonography. Ascitic fluid obtained by paracentesis confirmed the etiology of the ascites was cardiogenic. Significant improvement was documented after heart failure protocol was implemented. Abdominal sonography can detect the presence of ascites with accuracy but lacks the accuracy to diagnose the precise cause.