Clinical outcome after intrahepatic venous stent placement for malignant inferior vena cava syndrome.

We evaluated the clinical outcome of malignant inferior vena cava (IVC) syndrome after intrahepatic IVC stent placement by retrospective analysis of 50 consecutive patients (25 men, 25 women, age 32-83 years) with malignant IVC syndrome who were treated with intrahepatic stent placement. Gianturco-Rosch-Z (GRZ) stents (n = 45), and Wallstents (n = 5) were inserted. Clinical outcome was assessed from patients' records using a score based on leg swelling, scrotal/vulvar edema, ascites and anasarca before and after stent placement, as well as at last follow-up visit before death.

Ultrasonographic detection of regional lymph node metastases in patients with intermediate or thick malignant melanoma.

Careful monitoring of regional lymph nodes and early detection of metastases in malignant melanoma patients has an impact on their survival, since it may permit beneficial surgical therapy. Palpation is routinely used in clinical practice. The value of ultrasonography for routine follow-up of melanoma patients, still, is not generally accepted.