title: Renal Resistive Index: not only kidney.
abstract: From growing data from the literature emerges that so-called ecoDoppler "Renal" Resistive Indexes (RRI) are not only specific markers of kidney damage and indicators of renal functional prognosis but they always express more clearly a strong link with the systemic circulation. In fact, some cardiovascular parameters such as aortic pulse pressure, aortic stiffness, abdominal aortic calcifications and clinical settings for instance heart failure progression have shown a great association with RRI. Relationships between renal and inflammatory indexes in hypertensive patients have been found and data from the literature on kidney transplants underline the capability of the graft RRI to change according to host hemodynamic features. The purpose of this article is to explain the emerging pathophysiological aspects of this relationship between renal microcirculation and cardiovascular system by emphasizing the importance for the ultrasonographer and for the nephrologist of not overlooking a global vision of the patient before interpreting the RRI.
authors.affiliation: Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, "S. Maria della Scaletta" Hospital, Via Montericco n. 4, 40026, Imola, BO, Italy. p.dinicolo@hotmail.it.
authors.forename: Pierpaolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Di Nicolò
authors.affiliation: Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, "St. Giovanni di Dio" Hospital, Agrigento, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Granata
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012079:Renal Circulation; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014655:Vascular Resistance
keywords: Cardiovascular system; Renal Doppler ultrasound; Renal Resistive Index