Ammonia Tolerance Test Used to Differentiate between Ascites of Cirrhotic and Malignant Genesis

Abstract

Eighteen patients with ascites, 9 with cirrhosis of the liver and 9 with malignant disease, were subjected to the ammonia tolerance test by instillation of ammonia transrectally. Arterial blood samples were taken before and 15 and 30 min after the instillation to determine the plasma ammonia concentrations. The results show a significant difference in the plasma ammonia concentration between the two groups of patients after instillation of ammonia. Since the method is non-invasive, it is recommended as a screening test in the differentiation between ascites of cirrhotic and malignant genesis.

Key words:

• Ammonia
• ascites