We have seen many alcoholics with thin limbs and distended abdomen. The diagnosis in those case uniformly is Alcoholic Liver cirrhosis with Ascites. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in peritoneal cavity. There are other causes in which fluid accumulates in tummy.  Tuberculosis of intestine is the common reason in India. Other deadly cause would be cancer. Invaribly when fluid appears in Cancer case in Abdomen, it signifies advanced stage of the disease. Clinnical history and Sonography gives strong clues regarding the original cause behind the fluid. Fluid examination , Laparoscopy , few special types of Xray or CT scan may be useful.
Dr. Shriniwas Deshpande MS
Consultant Surgeon
Samarth Gastroenterology
Pune, India
http://www.samarthgastroenterology.com
9960644561