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Updated: May 13, 2026

A Large Animal Model for Acute Kidney Injury by Temporary Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion
Published on: February 2, 2021
Contrast-induced acute kidney injury following PCI
Shana Tehrani1, Chris Laing, Derek M Yellon
1The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, London, UK.
Insights
Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is an underdiagnosed complication following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Early recognition and management are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a common procedure for stable coronary artery disease.
- Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) is a significant but often overlooked complication of PCI.
- Millions of patients annually undergo PCI, highlighting the importance of understanding CI-AKI risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the definition, pathogenesis, and management of CI-AKI.
- To highlight potential therapeutic strategies for CI-AKI prevention in post-PCI patients.
- To emphasize the clinical significance of CI-AKI in the context of PCI.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on CI-AKI.
- Analysis of CI-AKI definition and pathophysiology.
- Discussion of current and potential management and prevention strategies.
Main Results:
- CI-AKI is an underdiagnosed complication associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality.
- Patients with pre-existing renal impairment and diabetes are at higher risk for CI-AKI post-PCI.
- Optimizing circulating volume is the primary prevention strategy, though optimal methods remain debated.
Conclusions:
- CI-AKI following PCI is an overlooked complication with substantial morbidity and mortality implications.
- Understanding CI-AKI pathophysiology is key to developing effective prevention strategies.
- Further research into optimal CI-AKI prevention is warranted for post-PCI patients.
Background:
Coronary revascularization using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is one of the major treatments for patients with stable coronary artery disease, with approximately 1.5 million patients undergoing PCI in the United States and Europe every year. An important neglected complication of PCI is contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI).
Design:
In this article, we review the definition, pathogenesis and management of CI-AKI and highlight potential therapeutic options for preventing CI-AKI in post-PCI patients.
Results:
CI-AKI is an important but underdiagnosed complication of PCI that is associated with increased in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Patients with pre-existing renal impairment and diabetes are particularly susceptible to this complication post-PCI. Optimization of the patients' circulating volume remains the mainstay for preventing CI-AKI, although the best strategy for achieving this is still controversial.
Conclusion:
Following PCI, CI-AKI is an overlooked complication which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this article, we review the pathophysiology of CI-AKI in patients undergoing PCI and discuss the potential therapeutic options for preventing it.
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