Recurrent ascites due to oral contraceptives and pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Ascites during pregnancy is a rare disorder with wide differential diagnosis. CASE: We report on 8 years of follow-up of a patient suffering from recurrent episodes of ascites following oral contraceptive use and during both her pregnancies. Each ascitic event resulted in spontaneous recovery. CONCLUSION: The mechanism underlying our patient's fluid shift remains an enigma. We hypothesize that during her pregnancy and when oral contraceptives were administered, high levels of endogenous or exogenous sex hormones led to increased permeability and fluid displacement.