Fluid wave

Palpable transmission of a fluid impulse across the abdomen, elicited by tapping one flank while stabilizing the abdominal wall and feeling a transmitted wave on the opposite flank, indicating significant intraperitoneal free fluid (ascites). Possible causes are liver failure, heart failure, kidney failure, cancer (ovarian, pancreatic, colon, stomach), pancreatitis, tuberculosis, and hypoalbuminemia.