[Lymphographically detectable long-term changes caused by endolymphatic radionuclide therapy (ELRT) in the infradiaphragmatic lymph system]

In sixteen patients who had been treated 42 months before on an average for malignant melanomas of the lower extremity (stage I) by a unilateral endolymphatic therapy with 32P/131J-Lipiodol UF, bipedal lymphography with oily contrast medium was performed. In consequence of the high-dosed intralymphatic radiotherapy the lymph nodes of the treated side are markedly reduced in size and number; fourteen out of the sixteen patients, however, showed lymph nodes of normal size and structure which had not been coloured during ELRT. On the basis of this phenomenon, a possible mechanism of formation of metastases in previously treated lymph nodes is discussed. The presentation and extent of radiogenic reactions in the lymph vessels correspond to the changes known for percutaneous irradiation.