Cardiovascular disease and stroke risk assessment in patients with chronic kidney disease using integration of estimated glomerular filtration rate, ultrasonic image phenotypes, and artificial intelligence: a narrative review

Int Angiol. 2021 Apr;40(2):150-164. doi: 10.23736/S0392-9590.20.04538-1. Epub 2020 Nov 25.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) together result in an enormous burden on global healthcare. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a well-established biomarker of CKD and is associated with adverse cardiac events. This review highlights the link between eGFR reduction and that of atherosclerosis progression, which increases the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. In general, CVD risk assessments are performed using conventional risk prediction models. However, since these conventional models were developed for a specific cohort with a unique risk profile and further these models do not consider atherosclerotic plaque-based phenotypes, therefore, such models can either underestimate or overestimate the risk of CVD events. This review examined the approaches used for CVD risk assessments in CKD patients using the concept of integrated risk factors. An integrated risk factor approach is one that combines the effect of conventional risk predictors and non-invasive carotid ultrasound image-based phenotypes. Furthermore, this review provided insights into novel artificial intelligence methods, such as machine learning and deep learning algorithms, to carry out accurate and automated CVD risk assessments and survival analyses in patients with CKD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Glomerular Filtration Rate
  • Humans
  • Phenotype
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / complications
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic* / diagnosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Stroke*
  • Ultrasonics