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Distinguishing Malignant Ascites from Ascites due to Cirrhosis or Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Description

By measuring ascites fluid cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase, it is possible to distinguish malignant ascites from ascites due to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Malignant ascites involves peritoneal metastases from ovarian, endometrial, cervical, breast, or gastrointestinal carcinomas and from malignant lymphoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma frequently arises in cirrhotic livers and usually does not cause a malignant ascites.


 

discriminant score =

= (0.799 * (ln (ascites cholesterol))) + (1.459 * (ln (ascites LD))) - 7.119

 

where:

• ascites cholesterol is in mmol/L

• ascites LD is in U/L (SIU)

 

Interpretation:

• A discriminant scores < 1.39 are associated with ascites due to cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma.

• A discriminant scores > 1.39 are associated with malignant ascites.

 

Performance:

• The diagnostic efficiency 100%

 


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