Posthypoxic ascites: a cause of post-traumatic abdominal distention.

A previously unreported etiology for post-traumatic abdominal distention was observed in a 5-year-old girl who suffered only head trauma and a prolonged period of hypoxemia. When there is a rapid accumulation of peritoneal fluid containing a high concentration of protein but negative for amylase, no evidence of blood loss, plus abnormal serial liver enzyme studies and the need for placement of large volumes of fluid, posthypoxic ascites should be suspected. Peritoneal aspiration confirmed the diagnosis and treatment was supportive. Because early operative intervention is necessary in pancreatic ascites and treatment is supportive for posthypoxic ascites, it is imperative to differentiate them.