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Trace abdominal free fluid

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Known type 2 diabetes. Screening.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Female
ultrasound

As an incidental finding an about 3 mm thick crescentic, circumscribed collection of anechoic intraperitoneal free fluid can be seen in the hepatorenal fossa. 

Case Discussion

As the hepatorenal fossa is the deepest, and thus most dependent part of the peritoneal space trace ascites due to any cause will first accumulate here. Scrutinising this region is particularly vital e.g. when assessing trauma patients as part of a FAST exam

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