Simultaneous occurrence of diabetes insipidus and ascites due to liver cirrhosis: clinical and pathophysiological studies.

Authors describe the simultaneous occurrence of ascites due to liver cirrhosis and diabetes insipidus in a patient with consistently normal urine volume. The diagnosis of diabetes insipidus has been proved by the water deprivation test combined with the administration of dDAVP as well as by serial determinations of plasma arginine vasopressin levels before and during infusion of hypertonic sodium chloride solution. Authors discuss the differential-diagnostic difficulties of the case and consider the mechanisms playing a role in the abolishment of diabetic polyuria by hepatic disease.