A 58-year-old man with a history of alcohol-related cirrhosis presents with new-onset abdominal distension and ankle swelling over 2 weeks. Examinatio...

Question

A 58-year-old man with a history of alcohol-related cirrhosis presents with new-onset abdominal distension and ankle swelling over 2 weeks. Examination confirms shifting dullness and bilateral pitting oedema. He is afebrile, with mild tenderness but no peritonism. What is the most appropriate next investigation?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic ascitic tap

Answer

Abdominal CT with contrast as first-line

Answer

Upper GI endoscopy as first-line

Answer

Colonoscopy

Answer

No investigation is needed; simply start diuretics

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Ascites