Threatening life or tending to cause death... malignant  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    See MELANOMA.... malignant melanoma  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    Malignant hypertension has nothing to do with cancer; it derives its name from the fact that, if untreated, it runs a rapidly fatal course. (See HYPERTENSION.)... malignant hypertension  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    See MALIGNANT HYPERTHERMIA.... malignant hyperpyrexia  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    This disorder is a rare complication of general ANAESTHESIA caused, it is believed, by a combination of an inhalation anaesthetic (usually HALOTHANE) and a muscle-relaxant drug (usually succinycholine). A life-endangering rise in temperature occurs, with muscular rigidity the ?rst sign. TACHYCARDIA, ACIDOSIS and SHOCK usually ensue. About 1:20,000 patients having general anaesthesia suffer from this disorder, which progresses rapidly and is often fatal. Surgery and anaesthesia must be stopped immediately and appropriate corrective measures taken, including the intravenous administration of DANTROLENE. It is a dominantly inherited genetic condition; therefore, when a case is identi?ed it is most important that relatives are screened.... malignant hyperthermia  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    See LYMPHOMA.... malignant lymphoma  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    A rapid rise in body temperature to a dangerously high level, brought on by general anaesthesia. The condition is rare. In most cases, susceptibility is inherited; people suffering from certain muscle disorders may also be at risk. The patient’s body temperature rises soon after the anaesthetic is given. Emergency treatment and intensive care are needed.... hyperthermia, malignant  
  
  
   
    
    
  
  
    see neurocardiogenic syncope.... malignant vasovagal syndrome  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    a life-threatening syndrome seen after starting *antipsychotic medication. It is characterized by confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, pallor and sweating, urinary incontinence, and a high level of *creatine kinase. Its symptoms can appear similar to *catatonia. Treatment in a high-dependency unit with high-dose benzodiazepines and immediate cessation of antipsychotic drugs is usually indicated.... neuroleptic malignant syndrome  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    (RMI) a scoring system that combines ultrasound findings, menopausal status and age, and serum CA125 levels to give an estimate of the risk of malignancy in a woman with a mass in the Fallopian tubes or ovaries. If the total RMI score is <200 the risk of malignancy is considered to be low. If the total RMI score is >200 the chances of malignancy are raised and management should be planned with a gynaecological oncologist.... risk of malignancy index