chylous ascites

Q: Milky ascites confirm malignancy?

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

Milky ascites is due to high triglyceride levels, usually above 200 mg/dL, and is also known as chylous ascites. Although malignancy should be suspected in chylous ascites, it is more common in cirrhosis.

#hepatology

References:

1. Rector WG Jr. Spontaneous chylous ascites of cirrhosis. J Clin Gastroenterol 1984; 6:369.

2. Cardozo PL. A critical evaluation of 3000 cytologic analyses of pleural fluid, ascitic fluid, and pericardial fluid. Acta Cyto 1966; 10:455.