New onset ascites	Posted on January 10, 2013	by thebileflow Question: A 50 year old male with a longstanding history of alcohol abuse is seen by you for recent onset of ascites. He has evidence of shifting dullness on exam along with significan pedal edema. Which of the following test results might cast doubt on your presumed diagnosis of alcohol-induced portal hypertension?
A. splenomegaly on abdominal ultrasound
B. a low serum albumin level
C. a low ascites albumin level
D. a high ascites total protein level
Answer:B
New onset ascites	Posted on January 10, 2013	by thebileflow Question: A 50 year old male with a longstanding history of alcohol abuse is seen by you for recent onset of ascites. He has evidence of shifting dullness on exam along with significan pedal edema. Which of the following test results might cast doubt on your presumed diagnosis of alcohol-induced portal hypertension?
A. splenomegaly on abdominal ultrasound B. a low serum albumin level C. a low ascites albumin level D. a high ascites total protein level