Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Ascites According to the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) - Flowchart
Algorithm for the Diagnosis of Ascites According to the Serum-Ascites Albumin Gradient (SAAG) - Flowchart
«Flowchart»

SAAG

SAAG

SAAG

End

End

End

1.1 g/dL

1.1 g/dL

>=1.1 g/dL

<1.1 g/dL

<1.1 g/dL

<1.1 g/dL

Biliary leak
Nephrotic syndrome
Pancreatitis
Peritoneal carcinomatosis
Tuberculosis

Biliary leak
Nephrotic syndrome
Pancreatitis
Peritoneal carcinomatosis
Tuberculosis

Biliary leak
Nephrotic syndrome
Pancreatitis
Peritoneal carcinomatosis
Tuberculosis





Heart failure/constrictive pericarditis
Early Budd-Chiari syndrome
IVC obstruction
Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

Heart failure/constrictive pericarditis
Early Budd-Chiari syndrome
IVC obstruction
Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

Heart failure/constrictive pericarditis
Early Budd-Chiari syndrome
IVC obstruction
Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome




Cirrhosis
Late Budd-Chiari syndrome
Massive liver metastases

Cirrhosis
Late Budd-Chiari syndrome
Massive liver metastases

Cirrhosis
Late Budd-Chiari syndrome
Massive liver metastases



Ascitic protein <2.5 g/dL

Ascitic protein <2.5 g/dL

Ascitic protein <2.5 g/dL

Ascitic protein 2.5 g/dL

Ascitic protein 2.5 g/dL

Ascitic protein >=2.5 g/dL

IVC, inferior vena cava.

IVC, inferior vena cava.

IVC, inferior vena cava.