Ascites: comparison of plain film radiographs with ultrasonograms.

Plain film abdominal radiographs of 100 cases of ultrasound-proved ascites were reviewed for findings of ascites. In addition, 100 nonascitic cases proved by sonography were reviewed to evaluate the specificity of these findings. We found that all the described plain film radiographic signs of ascites except the hepatic angle sign are insensitive though specific. The hepatic angle sign has a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 70%.