Trace ascites

[Mikec1960]

Just wondering if anyone knows what trace ascites means exactly. It was reported on my wifes mri,she has stage 3 cirrhosis caused by pbc,diagnosed 4 years ago.Has 6 month ultrasounds and mris alternatively, first time seeing this on a report,thank you

[butterflyEi]

Ascites is a build up of fluid in the abdomen, trace would indicate that there are early signs that ascites can be seen in the abdomen. Your specialist will be able to advise on what can be seen on the MRI but while you wait to speak to him/her your wife might like to reduce her salt intake also avoid any hidden salt in foods that you purchase. Is she able to exercise? Keeping a healthy weight is beneficial in PBC. Ascites can be managed medically and in severe cases the fluid build up can be drained.

If you have a long wait to speak to the specialist then a chat with your primary carer will give you some peace of mind.

hope this is helpful to you

[NFTom]

As butterflyEi stated Ascites is a buildup of water in the stomach. I have this condition for 2 years and I manage it effectively with medications and diet. You may also have some swelling in legs where water also builds up. This and a gurgling stomach were my early signs.

[IAmTheGlue]

I also had trace ascites for years but as of my latest imaging done Thursday it was gone now “no ascites” so it can go away . But… my “mildly cirrhotic” liver is now described as “stable cirrhotic morphology”. 🤷🏻‍♀️