Determining the cause of new onset ascites in patients with serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) ≥1.1 g/dL

This figure shows an approach to determining the cause of new onset ascites in patients with SAAG ≥1.1 g/dL. The SAAG is calculated by subtracting the ascitic fluid albumin value (in g/dL) from the serum albumin value (in g/dL). Further evaluation is informed by ascitic fluid tests including total protein concentration and white blood cell count with differential. This figure includes several clinically important etiologies but does not include all possible causes. For additional details, refer to content on evaluating ascites and managing the underlying conditions.