Causes of Ascites
Ascites results from high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver (portal hypertension) and low levels of a protein called albumin. Diseases that can cause severe liver damage can lead to ascites. These include: Chronic hepatitis C or B infection Alcohol abuse over many years Fatty liver disease (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) Cirrhosis caused by genetic diseases People with certain cancers in the abdomen may develop ascites. These include cancer of the appendix, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, and liver. Other conditions that can cause this problem include: Clots in the veins of the liver (portal vein thrombosis) Congestive heart failure Pancreatitis Thickening and scarring of the sac-like covering of the heart (pericarditis) Kidney dialysis may also be linked to ascites.