[Tumor follow-up using sonography and computed tomography in the abdominal region of patients with malignant melanoma].

In this study we evaluated the use of computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) in detecting abdominal metastases. In 849 patients with malignant melanoma 809 CT scans and 4,014 ultrasound studies were performed. In 37 patients we detected a total of 56 metastases. US was found to have a sensitivity of 53% and a specificity of 98%. CT reached a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 94%. Because of high specificity of US we believe it is the method of choice for the routine follow-up of patients with malignant melanoma. Since there are differences in sensitivity, CT will remain absolutely necessary asa "back-up" method.