Peritonitis; spontaneous

Alternative names:

spontaneous peritonitis

Definition:

An inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the wall of the abdomen and covers the organs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of spontaneous peritonitis is infection in the blood. Fluid accumulates in the peritoneal cavity when it is not reabsorbed in the normal way. Risk factors include alcoholic cirrhosis and other forms of cirrhosis (the greatest risks), nephrotic syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, appendicitis, or diverticulitis. The incidence of this disease is approximately 2 out of 1 million people per year. It is rare in children.