LAUSR

EUS-FNA of pleural and ascitic f luid was first described in 1995,[1] with the first large series following in 2001.[2] Ensuing studies have shown that the EUS‐guided approach has numerous unique benefits. EUS is more sensitive for the detection of ascites than other diagnostic measures including computed tomography, ultrasound, and physical examination.[2-4] With EUS-guided paracentesis (EUS-P), even small amounts of f luid (as little as 2.7 mL) can yield valuable diagnostic information in patients with omental caking and thick peritoneal deposits, the EUS-guided approach can still be easily performed to access otherwise compartmentalized pockets of fluid that would be challenging to drain by the transabdominal approach.[5] As such, EUS-P should be part of the armamentarium of any gastroenterologist trained in EUS. ASCITES ETIOLOGY