A note on amylase concentration in ascitic fluid 

In uncomplicated ascites due to cirrhosis or congestive heart failure, ascitic fluid/serum ratio (AF/S ratio) of amylase is about 0.4. As this ratio rises other disease processes should be ruled out like  pancreatitis or bowel perforation. In pancreatic ascites, the ascitic fluid amylase concentration is usually above 1000 int. unit/L, and the A-F/S ratio may rise up to 6.0.


 Reference: 

 Runyon BA. Amylase levels in ascitic fluid. J Clin Gastroenterol 1987; 9:172.