Hemorrhagic ascites: an unusual presentation of primary splenic lymphoma.

Hemorrhagic ascites is usually associated with a poor prognosis. A patient with hemorrhagic ascites having a potentially curable cause, primary splenic lymphoma (histiocytic type), is reported. It is believed that this is a new cause of hemorrhagic ascites that has not been previously described. The causes and pathogenesis of hemorrhagic ascites are reviewed. Computed tomography scan was helpful in suggesting the diagnosis and should be performed early in the evaluation of hemorrhagic ascites.