Question

A 62-year-old man with a long history of heavy alcohol use presents with tense ascites due to cirrhosis. He is afebrile but has mild diffuse abdominal tenderness. Which is the most appropriate immediate investigation?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic paracentesis with cell count and culture of ascitic fluid

Answer

Serum amylase measurement

Answer

Abdominal CT scan with contrast

Answer

Upper GI endoscopy

Answer

No investigation; start diuretics empirically

Practice question

A 62-year-old man with a long history of heavy alcohol use presents with tense ascites due to cirrhosis. He is afebrile but has mild diffuse abdominal tenderness. Which is the most appropriate immediate investigation?