Demonstration of abnormal peritoneal communication in patients with ascites.

Patients with ascites are known to have complications such as pleural effusions and hernias. Special diagnostic procedures are occasionally necessary to determine the nature of the abnormality and to determine the corrective medico-surgical approach. The two cases described illustrate the usefulness of intraperitoneal as well as intrapleural injection of a radionuclide in diagnosing the leakage of ascitic fluid.