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Carlo Catalano

Publications and source records attributed to Carlo Catalano.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2007

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance mammography: does it affect surgical decision-making in patients with breast cancer?

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic imaging in women with suspected breast cancer should accurately detect and diagnose malignant tumors and facilitate the correct choice of therapy. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance mammography (CE-MRM) is potentially the imaging modality of choice for accurate patient management decisions. METHODS: A total of 164 women with suspected breast cancer based on clinical examination, conventional mammography and/or ultrasound each underwent preoperative bilateral CE-MRM using an axial 3D dynamic T1-weighted gradient-echo sequence and gadobenate dimeglumine as contrast agent. Images were evaluated by two readers in consensus. Histological evaluation of detected lesions was performed on samples from core biopsy or surgery. Determinations were made of the sensitivity, accuracy and positive predictive value of CE-MRM compared to mammography/ultrasound for the detection of malignant lesions and of the impact of CE-MRM for surgical decision-making. FINDINGS: Conventional mammography/ultrasound detected 175 lesions in the 164 evaluated patients. CE-MRM revealed 51 additional lesions in 34/164 patients; multifocal and multicentric cancer was detected in 7 and 4 additional patients, respectively, contralateral foci in 21 additional patients and pectoral muscle infiltration in 2 additional patients. CE-MRM also confirmed the absence or benignity of 3 and 1 lesions suspected of malignancy on mammography/ultrasound. The sensitivity and accuracy for malignant lesion detection and identification was 100% and 93.4%, respectively, for CE-MRM compared to 77.3% and 72.1% for mammography/ultrasound, respectively. Patient management was altered for 32/164 (19.5%) patients as a result of CE-MRM. INTERPRETATION: CE-MRM positively impacts patient management decisions and should be performed in all women with suspected breast cancer based on clinical examination, mammography and/or ultrasound.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Initial experience with magnetic resonance fluoroscopy in the evaluation of oesophageal motility disorders. Comparison with manometry and barium fluoroscopy.

The aim of this paper was to assess the diagnostic value of magnetic resonance (MR) fluoroscopy in the study of oesophageal motility disorders and to compare MR fluoroscopy results with those of manometry and barium contrast radiography. Twenty-five subjects referred for dysphagia and three patients in follow-up after pneumatic dilatation of the lower oesophageal sphincter to treat severe achalasia underwent esophageal manometry, barium contrast radiography and MR fluoroscopy. Examinations were performed on a 1.5 T scanner. Dynamic turbo- fast low angle shot (turbo-FLASH) sequences acquired during oral contrast agent administration were used to perform MR fluoroscopy. MR fluoroscopy correctly diagnosed achalasia in nine patients, uncoordination of esophageal body motility in ten and scleroderma oesophagus in one. Diagnostic performance was satisfactory, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 100% in the general depiction of motility alterations. Our work demonstrates that MR fluoroscopic examination in subject affected by oesophageal motility disorders is feasible and can properly depict motility and morphology alterations, achieving correct diagnosis in the majority of cases. Studies on larger populations are necessary to obtain statistically significant results.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Hemodynamic characterization of focal hepatic lesions: role of ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging using T2-weighted multishot spin-echo echo-planar sequence.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging using multishot spin-echo echo-planar sequence in the evaluation of hemodynamics of focal hepatic lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-three focal hepatic lesions (24 benign and 39 malignant) from 53 consecutive patients who underwent both ferucarbotran-enhanced MR imaging and dynamic computed tomography (CT) were included in this study. MR imaging was performed with a 1.5-T scanner with a phased-array coil. T2-weighted multishot spin-echo echo-planar sequences (TR/TE = 1714-2813/80 msec) were obtained during a single breathhold before and 15, 60, 120, 180, and 600 seconds after intravenous injection of ferucarbotran. The enhancement patterns of lesions were classified into three categories by a study coordinator on the basis of dynamic CT images as hypervascular, hypovascular, and hemangioma type. The study coordinator created mean contrast-to-noise ratio of lesions vs. time curves for each enhancement pattern for quantitative analyses. Moreover, three radiologists separately and blindly reviewed MR images, and then assigned three confidence scores for the three enhancement patterns to each lesion. Sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Quantitative analyses showed characteristic enhancement curves for each enhancement pattern. Mean sensitivities/specificities were 0.816/0.882, 0.897/0.863, and 0.800/0.989 for hypervascular, hypovascular, and hemangioma types, respectively. Mean areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.886 for hypervascular type and 0.913 for hypovascular type. CONCLUSION: Ferucarbotran-enhanced dynamic MR imaging can be used to successfully characterize the hemodynamics of focal hepatic lesions.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Multinodular focal fatty infiltration of the liver: atypical imaging findings on delayed T1-weighted Gd-BOPTA-enhanced liver-specific MR images.

We report a case of pathologically confirmed multinodular focal fatty infiltration. MRI was performed after bolus injection of gadobenate dimeglumine (Gd-BOPTA, MultiHance; Bracco, Milan, Italy), a liver-specific paramagnetic, gadolinium (Gd)-based MR contrast agent that concomitantly enables the acquisition of a standard dynamic phase with timing strategies similar to those used for other extracellular fluid contrast agents, followed by a delayed T1-weighted liver-specific phase (the so-called hepatobiliary phase). In the present case, multiple rounded areas of fatty infiltration, although confidently diagnosed using chemical shift sequences due to a significant signal intensity reduction on out-of-phase images, were unexpectedly hypointense during the delayed liver-specific phase of Gd-BOPTA. Reduced Gd-BOPTA concentration during the liver-specific phase is generally correlated with liver malignancy. Since such lesions can be prospectively mistaken for metastatic disease, we performed a hepatic biopsy to establish a definitive diagnosis. Our empirical observations suggest that Gd-BOPTA uptake may be impaired in fatty infiltrated liver tissue. Because at present there is no report evaluating the kinetics of Gd-BOPTA in fatty liver, further studies are needed to specifically investigate this issue.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Quadruple-phase MDCT of the liver in patients with suspected hepatocellular carcinoma: effect of contrast material flow rate.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of contrast material flow rate (3 mL/sec vs 5 mL/sec) on the detection and visualization of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with MDCT and the safety profile of iodixanol at different injection rates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In a prospective, randomized multicenter trial, 97 patients (83 men and 14 women, with a mean age of 64 years) suspected of having HCC underwent quadruple-phase (double arterial, portal venous, delayed phase) 4-16-MDCT. Patients were randomized to receive iodixanol, 320 mg I/mL (1.5 mL/kg body weight), at a flow rate of 3 mL/sec (48 patients) or 5 mL/sec (49 patients). Qualitative (lesion detection, image quality) and quantitative (liver and aortic enhancement, tumor-liver contrast) analyses and safety assessment were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 145 HCCs were detected in the 5 mL/sec group and 100 HCCs in the 3 mL/sec group (p < 0.05). More lesions equal to or less than 1 cm were detected at 5 mL/sec (33 vs 16 lesions). The late arterial phase showed significantly more lesions than the early, arterial phase (133 vs 100 and 96 vs 67 lesions, respectively, p < 0.0001). Hyperattenuating HCCs were better visualized in the late arterial phase at 5 mL/sec (excellent visualization: 54% vs 27%). Using a flow of 5 mL/sec did not increase the rate of patient discomfort or contrast media-related adverse events. Most discomfort in both groups was of mild intensity and there was no severe discomfort. CONCLUSION: For detection of HCC with MDCT, a higher flow rate of 5 mL/sec is recommended. Visualization of hyperattenuating HCC is improved with no greater discomfort or adverse events.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular↗
PubMed2005

T staging of gastric cancer: role of multi-detector row CT.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retrospectively the accuracy of multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) in the assessment of serosal invasion in patients with gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Ethics Committee does not require approval or informed consent for retrospective studies. Forty-one consecutive patients (24 men, 17 women; mean age, 68 years) with gastric cancer were included in this study. All patients were given 600 mL of tap water to drink and were positioned prone or supine on the scanning table. The detector row configuration included four detector rows, a section thickness of 1.25 mm, a pitch of 6, and a reconstruction interval of 0.63 mm. Transverse and multiplanar reconstruction images were simultaneously evaluated by two independent observers to assess the depth of tumor invasion in the gastric wall (ie, T stage). T staging at multi-detector row CT was compared with T staging at histologic evaluation (reference standard), which was performed by means of surgical or histologic examination of the resected specimen. We also calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of multi-detector row CT for each observer in the assessment of serosal invasion. RESULTS: Analysis of interobserver agreement showed substantial or almost perfect agreement (nonweighted kappa value of 0.78 and weighted kappa value of 0.85). Correct assessment of gastric wall invasion was 80% and 85% for observers 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of multi-detector row CT in the assessment of serosal invasion were 90%, 95%, and 93%, respectively, for observer 1 and 80%, 97%, and 93%, respectively, for observer 2. Overstaging occurred in six patients, and understaging occurred in five patients. All understaged tumors were scirrhous subtype gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Multi-detector row CT scanning of patients with gastric cancer gave 93% accuracy in the assessment of serosal invasion in patients with gastric cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Breast lesion detection and characterization at contrast-enhanced MR mammography: gadobenate dimeglumine versus gadopentetate dimeglumine.

PURPOSE: To prospectively and intraindividually compare equivalent (0.1 mmol per kilogram of body weight) doses of gadobenate dimeglumine and gadopentetate dimeglumine for accuracy of detection and characterization of breast lesions at contrast material-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) mammography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethics committee approval and informed consent were obtained. Twenty-six consecutive women (mean age, 47.8 years) suspected of having a breast tumor at mammography and sonography underwent two identical MR examinations at 1.5 T; examinations were separated by more than 48 hours but less than 72 hours. A T1-weighted three-dimensional gradient-echo sequence was used, and images were acquired before and at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 minutes after randomized injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine or gadobenate dimeglumine at an identical flow rate of 2 mL/sec. Separate and combined assessment of unenhanced, contrast-enhanced, and subtracted images was performed blindly by two readers in consensus. Accuracy for lesion detection was determined against a final diagnosis based on findings at conventional mammography, sonography, and surgery. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy for malignant lesion identification were determined against histologic results. Data were analyzed with the McNemar test, proportional odds models, and analysis of variance. RESULTS: MR mammography with gadobenate dimeglumine depicted significantly (P = .003) more lesions (45 of 46) than did that with gadopentetate dimeglumine (36 of 46), and detected lesions were significantly (P < .001) more conspicuous with gadobenate dimeglumine. Confidence for characterization was significantly (P = .031) greater with gadobenate dimeglumine. Comparison of the contrast agents for their ability to help identify malignant lesions revealed significant (P = .02) superiority for gadobenate dimeglumine: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall accuracy for malignant lesion identification were, respectively, 94.7%, 100%, 100%, 80.0%, and 95.6% with gadobenate dimeglumine and 76.3%, 100%, 100%, 47.1%, and 80.4% with gadopentetate dimeglumine. Quantitative evaluation of signal intensity-time curves revealed significantly (P < .001) greater lesion enhancement with gadobenate dimeglumine. CONCLUSION: Detection of breast lesions and accurate identification of malignant lesions at MR imaging are significantly superior with gadobenate dimeglumine in comparison with gadopentetate dimeglumine.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Anomalous "benign" coronary arteries detected by multidetector computed tomography.

Being usually asymptomatic, anomalous coronary arteries (ACAs) are discovered in adulthood using invasive coronary angiography (CA) performed for suspected coronary artery disease. However, if only based on CA, the correct diagnosis is not easily made. We report on the importance of integrated data obtained by using multidetector computed tomography, and perfusional myocardial scintigraphy as alternative non-invasive imaging techniques in evaluating the exact course and the functional importance of usually considered "benign" ACAs in three symptomatic subjects, and of the development of official recommendations for the practitioners in the management of such patients.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Low-dose multidetector-row CT angiography of the infra-renal aorta and lower extremity vessels: image quality and diagnostic accuracy in comparison with standard DSA.

To investigate the possibility of reducing X-ray exposure during multidetector-row spiral computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography and to compare the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of different dosages with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the evaluation of the infra-renal aorta and lower extremities vessels. Seventy-five patients, randomly divided into three groups of 25 patients each, were evaluated for atherosclerotic disease with four-row spiral CT angiography (4x2.5 mm) and DSA. MDCT scanning parameters were kept constant, except for milliamperage (mAs): group A: 50 mAs; group B: 100 mAs; group C: 130 mAs. Images were analysed by two vascular radiologists in consensus. DSA represented the standard of reference. The diagnostic value of MDCT and total radiation exposure were evaluated for each data set. The simulated effective dose was 3.7 mSv for 50 mAs, 8.2 mSv for 100 mAs and 13.7 mSv for 130 mAs for men, and 4 mSv for 50 mAs, 8.9 mSv for 100 mAs and 14.8 mSv for 130 mAs for women. The dose reduction was 74% for group A and 40% for group B. The evaluation of the presence and degree of stenoses revealed a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV of 96%, 94%, 95%, 83% and 99% for Group A (50 mAs), 96%, 96%, 96%, 89% and 99% for Group B (100 mAs) and 98%, 96%, 97%, 91% and 100% for the standard dose protocol, Group C (130 mAs). Low-dose scanning is thus a feasible and accurate option for four-row CT angiography of the peripheral vessels. This technique provides substantial reduction of the radiation dose delivered to the patient while maintaining optimal diagnostic accuracy.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

ECG-gated multi-detector row spiral CT in the assessment of myocardial infarction: correlation with non-invasive angiographic findings.

Our objective was to retrospectively evaluate the ability of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) to detect previous myocardial infarctions (MIs) and to correlate necrosis with the status of coronary arteries supplying the infarcted territory. After having clinically evaluated 187 patients referred for ECG-gated MDCT of the coronary arteries, 30 previous MIs were identified in 29 patients (9 recent and 21 chronic). MDCT data were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively by measuring attenuation values and wall thickness within the infarcted region and normal adjacent myocardium. Each MI was also assigned to the distribution territory of a coronary vessel, and morphological data were combined with MDCT angiographic findings. MDCT was able to detect 25/30 MIs showing an overall sensitivity and specificity of 83 and 91%, respectively. Quantitative analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in attenuation values between normal and infarcted regions (38.9+/-14 HU vs. 104.0+/-16 HU). Regional wall thinning was observed in chronic MIs (4.1+/-2 mm vs. 10.5+/-3.8 mm), and not in patients with recent event (7.9+/-1.6 mm vs 9.1+/-4 mm). In 22/25 cases, MDCT angiographic findings showed the presence of suspicious critical lumen narrowing (n=3), previous coronary stenting (n=14) and surgical revascularization (n=5) in the infarct-related coronary. During a single examination, MDCT might provide comprehensive imaging of MI offering a combined morphological and angiographic assessment.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

High prevalence of spontaneous portal-systemic shunts in persistent hepatic encephalopathy: a case-control study.

Large spontaneous portal-systemic shunts have been occasionally described in patients with cirrhosis. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of portal-systemic shunts in patients with cirrhosis with recurrent or persistent hepatic encephalopathy (HE) as compared with patients with cirrhosis without HE. Fourteen patients with cirrhosis with recurrent or persistent HE (cases) and 14 patients with cirrhosis without previous or present signs of overt HE matching for age and degree of liver failure (controls) were studied. Each patient underwent neurological assessment and cerebral magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to exclude organic neurological pathological conditions. HE evaluation included psychometric performance (Trail-Making Test A), electroencephalogram (EEG), mental status examination and grading, arterial, venous, and partial pressure of ammonia determination. The presence of portal-systemic shunts was assessed by portal venous phase multidetector-row spiral computed tomography (CT). Large spontaneous portal-systemic shunts were detected in 10 patients with HE and in only 2 patients without HE (71% vs. 14%; chi square = 9.16; df = 1.0; P = .002). The patients with HE presented ascites (P = .002) and medium/large esophageal varices (P = .02) less frequently than the control group. In conclusion, our study suggests that large spontaneous shunts may often sustain the chronicity of HE; the presence of large shunts should be sought in patients with cirrhosis with recurrent or persistent HE.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Color-coded automated signal intensity curves for detection and characterization of breast lesions: preliminary evaluation of a new software package for integrated magnetic resonance-based breast imaging.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of a color-coded automated signal intensity curve software package for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance mammography (CE-MRM) in patients with suspected breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six women with suspected breast cancer based on mammographic and sonographic examinations were preoperatively evaluated on CE-MRM. CE-MRM was performed on a 1.5-T magnet using a 2D Flash dynamic T1-weighted sequence. A dosage of 0.1 mmol/kg of Gd-BOPTA was administered at a flow rate of 2 mL/s followed by 10 mL of saline. Images were analyzed with the new software package and separately with a standard display method. Statistical comparison was performed of the confidence for lesion detection and characterization with the 2 methods and of the diagnostic accuracy for characterization compared with histopathologic findings. RESULTS: At pathology, 54 malignant lesions and 14 benign lesions were evaluated. All 68 (100%) lesions were detected with both methods and good correlation with histopathologic specimens was obtained. Confidence for both detection and characterization was significantly (P < or = 0.025) better with the color-coded method, although no difference (P > 0.05) between the methods was noted in terms of the sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy for lesion characterization. Excellent agreement between the 2 methods was noted for both the determination of lesion size (kappa = 0.77) and determination of SI/T curves (kappa = 0.85). CONCLUSIONS: The novel color-coded signal intensity curve software allows lesions to be visualized as false color maps that correspond to conventional signal intensity time curves. Detection and characterization of breast lesions with this method is quick and easily interpretable.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Hepatocellular carcinoma: role of unenhanced and delayed phase multi-detector row helical CT in patients with cirrhosis.

PURPOSE: To determine, by using multi-detector row helical computed tomography (CT), the added value of obtaining unenhanced and delayed phase scans in addition to biphasic (hepatic arterial and portal venous phases) scans in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Local ethical committee approval and patient consent were obtained. One hundred ninety-five patients (129 men, 66 women; mean age, 61 years; age range, 39-78 years) with 250 HCCs underwent multi-detector row helical CT of the liver. A quadruple-phase protocol that included unenhanced, hepatic arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases was performed. Analysis of images from hepatic arterial and portal venous phases combined, hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the unenhanced phase, hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the delayed phase, and all phases combined was performed separately by three independent radiologists. Relative sensitivity, positive predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (A(z)) were calculated for each reading session. RESULTS: Mean sensitivity and positive predictive values, respectively, for HCC detection were 88.8% (666 of 750 readings) and 97.8% (666 of 681 readings) for the combined hepatic arterial and portal venous phases, 89.2% (669 of 750 readings) and 97.8% (669 of 684 readings) for hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the unenhanced phase, 92.8% (696 of 750 readings) and 97.3% (696 of 715 readings) for hepatic arterial and portal venous phases with the delayed phase, and 92.8% (696 of 750 readings) and 97.3% (696 of 715 readings) for all four phases combined. The reading sessions in which delayed phase images were available for interpretation showed significantly (P < .05) superior sensitivity and A(z) values. CONCLUSION: Unenhanced phase images are not effective for HCC detection. Because of the significant increase in HCC detection, a delayed phase can be a useful adjunct to biphasic CT in patients at risk for developing HCC.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Colorectal polyps: detection with low-dose multi-detector row helical CT colonography versus two sequential colonoscopies.

PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of low-radiation-dose computed tomographic (CT) colonography for detection of colorectal polyps by using two sequential colonoscopies, with the second colonoscopy as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was local ethics committee approved, and all patients gave written informed consent. Colonographic images were acquired by using a low-dose multi-detector row CT protocol (effective milliampere-second setting, 10 mAs). Three observers interpreted the CT colonographic data separately and independently by using a two-dimensional technique. Initial conventional colonoscopy was performed by an endoscopist unaware of the CT colonographic findings. Second colonoscopy performed within 2 weeks by a colonoscopist aware of both the CT colonographic and the initial colonoscopic findings served as the reference standard. The sensitivities of CT colonography and initial colonoscopy were calculated on a per-polyp and a per-patient basis. Specificities and positive and negative predictive values also were calculated on a per-patient basis. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients underwent CT colonography and initial conventional colonoscopy on the same day. Per-polyp sensitivities were 62% and 83% for CT colonography and initial colonoscopy, respectively. Sensitivities for detection of polyps 6 mm in diameter or larger were 86% and 84% for CT colonography and initial colonoscopy, respectively. Initial colonoscopy failed to depict 16 polyps, six of which were correctly detected with CT colonography. For identification of patients with polyps 6 mm in diameter or larger, CT colonography and initial colonoscopy, respectively, had sensitivities of 84% and 90%, specificities of 82% and 100%, positive predictive values of 70% and 100%, and negative predictive values of 91% and 95%. CONCLUSION: Low-dose CT colonography compares favorably with colonoscopy for detection of colorectal polyps 6 mm in diameter or larger, with markedly decreased performance for detection of polyps 5 mm in diameter or smaller.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: one year outcome of total and separate kidney function following stenting.

BACKGROUND: Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a known cause of hypertension and ischemic nephropathy. Stenting of the artery is a valid approach, in spite of cases of unexpected adverse evolution of renal function. METHODS: In this study, 27 patients with unilateral RAS were subjected to stenting and followed for a period of one year, while 19 patients were observed while on medical treatment only. The group of 27 patients, 67.33 +/- 6.8 years of age, creatinine of 2.15 +/- 0.9 mg/dl, following stenting, were followed at intervals with biochemical tests, renal scintigraphy and doppler ultrasonography. The control group (70.0 +/- 6.1 years, creatinine 1.99 +/- 0.7 mg/dl) was also followed for one year. RESULT: One year after stenting mean creatinine clearance (Ccr) increased from 36.07 +/- 17.2 to 40.4 +/- 21.6 ml/min (NS). Arterial BP, decreased after 1,3,6, and 12 months (p < 0.05). The number of antihypertensive drugs also decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in proteinuria was also observed. In the control group both Ccr, BP and proteinuria did not show significant changes. Based on renal scintigraphy and Ccr at subsequent times, it was possible to evaluate the timecourse of renal function in both kidneys of the stented patients. In the stented kidneys Ccr increased significantly. On the controlateral kidney a decrease of renal function (p < 0.05) was observed. Resistance index appeared to be a risk factor of the functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting of RAS due to atherosclerosis is followed by stabilization or improvement of Ccr, mainly at the stented kidney, while contralateral renal function showed a decrease.

Aged↗