Chylous Ascites: Reassessment of Diagnostic Criteria in Patients With Portal Hypertension

INTRODUCTION: The triglyceride (TG) threshold for diagnosis of chylous ascites in patients with portal hypertension remains uncertain. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of lipoprotein electrophoresis was conducted in 286 consecutive ascites samples. RESULTS: Ascitic TG ≥ 81 mg/dL is 95.4% sensitive and 94.6% specific for chylous ascites diagnosed by the presence of significant chylomicron population. DISCUSSION: The cutoff for chylous ascites diagnosis should be TG ≥ 81 mg/dL.