Subtypes

Definition: collection of lymph in the abdominal cavity, which is characteristically triglyceride-rich and has a milky appearance

Etiology: malignancy (e.g., lymphoma), hepatic cirrhosis, or other lymph disorders (e.g., lymphatic hyperplasia) which result in increased lymph production

Definition: ascitic fluid with RBC > 50,000 mm3

Etiology: may be spontaneous (e.g., due to peritoneal carcinomatosis or a malignant mass eroding into vessels) or iatrogenic (e.g., following paracentesis or biopsy in patients with cirrhosis)