RT Journal
A1 Lerner S, Rost MS
T1 SPontaneous abdominal paracentesis
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1959
FD July 11
VO 170
IS 11
SP 1310
OP 1311
DO 10.1001/jama.1959.63010110004011b
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1959.63010110004011b
AB Abdominal hernia developing as a complication of cirrhosis of the liver with ascites is a welldocumented entity.1 We recently encountered a patient with such a complication, who spontaneously perforated an umbilical hernia, resulting in a natural paracentesis. To the best of our knowledge this phenomenon has not previously been reported.Report of a Case 
    The first Meadowbrook Hospital admission of this 47-year-old man, in January, 1956, was because of the development of ascites. He had a history of "moderate" alcoholic intake for many years. Pertinent physical findings at that time were a loss of chest hair, hemangiomas over the neck and scapulae areas, and extensive psoriasis. His abdomen was distended with fluid, and the liver edge was felt 3 in. below the right costal margin. The spleen was not felt. Studies of liver function revealed an indirect bilirubin level of 5.0 mg.%, cephalin flocculation 4+, alkaline phosphatase level 21