Contrast-induced acute kidney injury.

Cardiac angiography and coronary/vascular interventions depend on iodinated contrast media and consequently pose the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). This is an important complication that accounts for a significant number of cases of hospital-acquired renal failure, with adverse effects on prognosis and health care costs. The epidemiology and pathogenesis of contrast-induced AKI, baseline renal function measurement, risk assessment, identification of high-risk patients, contrast medium use, and preventive strategies are discussed in this report. An advanced algorithm is suggested for the risk stratification and management of contrast-induced AKI as it relates to patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures. Contrast-induced AKI is likely to remain a significant challenge for cardiologists in the future because the patient population is aging and chronic kidney disease and diabetes are becoming more common.