The most common cause of ascites is due to which condition?

The most common cause of ascites is due to which condition?

• A. Portal hypertension
• B. Venous return
• C. Parietal cell differentiation
• D. Eccrine infection

Answer: (A)

Ascites most commonly results from portal hypertension, typically due to cirrhosis. When the portal venous system is under high pressure, fluid is pushed out of capillaries into the peritoneal cavity. At the same time, a weak liver reduces albumin production, lowering the blood’s oncotic pressure, and neurohormonal systems promote sodium and water retention. The combination leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. In practice, this mechanism is suggested by a high serum–ascites albumin gradient, which points to portal hypertension as the cause. The other options don’t explain why fluid collects in the abdomen: they don’t involve the portal pressure issue, and they’re not related to mechanisms that drive ascites.

Ascites most commonly results from portal hypertension, typically due to cirrhosis. When the portal venous system is under high pressure, fluid is pushed out of capillaries into the peritoneal cavity. At the same time, a weak liver reduces albumin production, lowering the blood’s oncotic pressure, and neurohormonal systems promote sodium and water retention. The combination leads to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. In practice, this mechanism is suggested by a high serum–ascites albumin gradient, which points to portal hypertension as the cause. The other options don’t explain why fluid collects in the abdomen: they don’t involve the portal pressure issue, and they’re not related to mechanisms that drive ascites.