LAUSR

Cardiac and renal dysfunction often coexist, and one begets the other. The association is referred to as cardio-renal syndrome. One subtype, acute cardiorenal syndrome, is often described as a clinical scenario in which acute worsening of cardiac function leads to acute kidney injury. Though this definition covers the basic pathophysiologic framework, a robust clinical definition is still lacking. Acute cardiorenal syndrome is common and often leads to emergency room visits and hospitalization. Our understanding of the hemodynamic mechanisms of acute cardiorenal syndrome is advancing. Correction of hypervolemia is the mainstay of therapy. Volume overload is central to its pathogenesis, and accurate assessment of volume status is critical.