Brief overview Prognosis: Very dependent on the underlying cause. If this is treatable, the prognosis is good. If the precipitating condition is not treatable, the prognosis is usually poor and life expectancy may be reduced. Causes: For example, diseases of the organs (such as liver or heart), inflammation of the abdomen (for example, peritonitis), infections … Ascites (Abdominal Edema): Causes and Therapy
Ascites is often the result of severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis. Other causes include weakness of the right heart in particular (right heart failure), inflamed peritoneum (peritonitis) or inflammation of the pancreas. If one gets ascites, sometimes cancer is behind it. In most cases, metastases in the liver or abdominal cavity are the trigger. … Ascites: Questions and Answers
Hydrops fetalis refers to fluid accumulation in several fetal compartments, serous cavities, or soft tissues. It is a serious symptom of several connatal conditions that cause anemia in the fetus. Hydrops fetalis can be diagnosed sonographically. What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is a term used in prenatal diagnosis and describes a generalized accumulation of … Hydrops Fetalis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
The portal vein transports oxygen-depleted but nutrient-rich blood from the gastrointestinal tract to the liver, where potential toxins are metabolized. Diseases of the portal vein can severely impair the liver‘s detoxification abilities. What is the portal vein? In general, portal veins are veins that carry venous blood from one capillary system to another capillary system. … Portal Vein: Structure, Function & Diseases
The peritoneum is a thin skin, also called the peritoneum, in the abdomen and at the beginning of the pelvis. It is raised in folds and covers the internal organs. The peritoneum serves to supply the organs and produces a viscous fluid that reduces frictional resistance when the organs move. What is the peritoneum? The … Peritoneum: Structure, Function & Diseases
The abdominal cavity, Latin cavitas abdominalis, refers to the cavity in the trunk area where the abdominal organs are located. It protects the organs and allows them to move against each other. What is the abdominal cavity? The abdominal cavity is one of the five cavities of the human body that serve to protect the … Abdominal Cavity: Structure, Function & Diseases
Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is a tropical disease caused by sucking worms (trematodes). The main areas of distribution of the worm larvae are inland waters of tropical and subtropical Africa, South and Central America, and Asia. What is schistosomiasis? The worm disease schistosomiasis can affect both humans and animals. Estimates have shown that approximately 200 million … Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Primary biliary cirrhosis refers to a rare chronic liver disease. In modern times, it is known as primary biliary cholangitis. What is primary biliary cirrhosis? Primary biliary cirrhosis is the former name for a rare liver disease. However, because the term “primary biliary cirrhosis” was considered misleading, the disease was renamed primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). … Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Hypalbuminemia is the name given to a form of hypoproteinemia. This is when there is too little albumin in the blood. Albumin is a plasma protein that is responsible for transporting many small-particle molecules. A deficiency of this protein can therefore cause various disorders such as the formation of edema and low blood pressure. What … Hypalbuminemia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
If the circumference of the abdomen increases, the cause is usually fat deposits that the body deposits for a rainy day. But disorders inside the abdomen can also be behind it: liver diseases in particular lead to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Ascites, i.e. an accumulation of fluid (edema) in the abdominal cavity, is not … Ascites (Abdominal Dropsy, Water Belly)
Portal hypertension refers to excessive pressure in the portal vein, the vena portae. The term portal hypertension is also used synonymously. The portal vein is responsible for carrying blood from the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, intestines, and spleen, to the liver. Any pressures that exceed 4 – 5 mmHg in the portal vein … Portal Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Acute kidney failure can trigger a condition called uremia, which is urine poisoning. This occurs when urine backs up in the urinary tract and triggers a variety of symptoms. Treatment of the underlying condition promises a good chance of recovery, but dialysis may still be necessary. What is uremia? Dialysis is a blood purification procedure … Kidney Failure with Urinary Toxicity (Uremia): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
