Dull Abdominal Discomfort in Medicine / Internal Medicine — 45yo Man | Gastroenterology | SMLE Q#334
SMLE Question #334
Medicine / Internal Medicine
Gastroenterology
Last updated: February 2026
A 45-year-old man has progressive abdominal distension for 3 months with dull abdominal discomfort. He has no known chronic liver disease, alcohol use disorder, or cardiac disease. Examination shows moderate ascites without peripheral edema or stigmata of chronic liver disease. Diagnostic paracentesis shows ascitic fluid albumin 30 g/L with simultaneous serum albumin 35 g/L. Which of the following is the most likely etiology of this low serum–ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) ascites?
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