Ultrasound is superior for screening for ascites and estimating the amount of ascites, and abdominal enhanced magnetic resonance is superior for specific diagnosis of the cause of ascites. There are many causes of ascites, the most common being portal hypertension due to cirrhosis. The examination of ascites includes a physical examination of the abdomen, as well as imaging tests such as ultrasound. Suspicion of ascites usually begins with the clinician palpating and percussing the abdomen, and further testing is only necessary if there are positive signs such as mobile turbidities. Ultrasound is more sensitive to intra-abdominal fluid, and can be used to determine the amount and location of ascites, as well as whether ascites is combined with cystic septum and the diameter of the main abdominal vessels, etc. It is relatively quick and simple to perform, and can be used as a screening tool. Abdominal enhanced magnetic resonance examination is more cumbersome to prepare, but its imaging is more clear, at the same time, it can judge the internal condition of the liver and other major organs, and it can be used as a means of diagnosis and etiological investigation, but it is generally not the first to be used. In the presence of ascites, in addition to imaging tests, blood, urine, ascites and other tests are also required. It cannot be said that one imaging test is necessarily better than another. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions.