A cirrhotic patient with ascites was apparently well managed with diuretics and salt and water restriction for 9 months. A spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) developed and the patient finally died following septic shock. There were enough findings indicating that SBP in this case had been existing silently for some time. During this period the only apparent manifestation of this complication was a cutaneous pigmentation on the abdomen. It is suggested that pigmentation may be included among other presentations of this frequently silent process.