Diagnostic value of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in septic acute kidney injury

Purpose This study aimed to explore the clinical value of ultrasonic Doppler examination and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (US) in the circulation of septic acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods Patients with intensive care unit-related infection were divided into AKI group and control groups. The AKI group was divided into three subgroups according to the serum creatinine value: stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3. Relevant parameters and blood flow of the renal artery were measured, and further contrast-enhanced US was performed and time-intensity curve was analyzed. Results The renal blood flow (RBF) and time-averaged velocity decreased significantly in the AKI group compared with the control group (p = .021 and p = .001). The peak value decreased and time to peak (TTP) prolonged in the AKI group (p < .001). With the aggravation of the disease, the RBF decreased slightly among subgroups (p = 0.124). However, the peak value gradually decreased and the TTP prolonged (all p < .05). The multiple linear regression model showed that only PI, RI, and TTP were independently and linearly correlated with the serum creatinine value. Conclusions Doppler US and contrast-enhanced US are of great help in the detection of condition changes and prognosis of patients with sepsis-induced AKI.