Diniz H, Ferreira F, Koratala A. Point-of-care ultrasonography in nephrology: Growing applications, misconceptions and future outlook. World J Nephrol 2025; 14(2): 105374 [DOI: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i2.105374]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Abhilash Koratala, Associate Professor, Senior Researcher, Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Road, Room A 7633, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States. akoratala@mcw.edu
Research Domain of This Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Article-Type of This Article
Minireviews
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Nephrol. Jun 25, 2025; 14(2): 105374 Published online Jun 25, 2025. doi: 10.5527/wjn.v14.i2.105374
Point-of-care ultrasonography in nephrology: Growing applications, misconceptions and future outlook
Hugo Diniz, Filipa Ferreira, Abhilash Koratala
Hugo Diniz, Filipa Ferreira, Department of Nephrology, Centro Hospitalar E Universitário De São João, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
Abhilash Koratala, Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
Author contributions: Diniz H and Ferreira F conceptualized and authored the initial draft; Koratala A reviewed and revised the manuscript for critical intellectual content.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Abhilash Koratala, Associate Professor, Senior Researcher, Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 W Watertown Plank Road, Room A 7633, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States. akoratala@mcw.edu
Received: January 21, 2025 Revised: March 13, 2025 Accepted: March 31, 2025 Published online: June 25, 2025 Processing time: 79 Days and 12.5 Hours
Abstract
Ultrasound has long been an essential tool in nephrology, traditionally used for procedures like vascular access and kidney biopsies. Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS), a rapidly evolving bedside technology, is now gaining momentum in nephrology by providing real-time imaging to enhance physical examination findings. Unlike comprehensive radiology-performed ultrasound, POCUS focuses on specific clinical questions, providing immediate and actionable insights. This narrative review examines the philosophy behind POCUS, its expanding applications in nephrology, and its impact on patient care, including its role in diagnosing obstructive uropathy, guiding fluid management, and evaluating hemodynamics in cardiorenal syndrome. Additionally, the review addresses barriers to widespread adoption, such as the need for structured training, competency validation, and interdisciplinary cooperation. By integrating POCUS into routine practice, nephrologists can refine diagnostic accuracy, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the role of bedside medicine.
Core Tip: Point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) holds transformative potential in nephrology by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and guiding the management of complex hemodynamic derangements, which often overlap with conditions that nephrologists are consulted for, such as acute kidney injury, renal replacement therapy, and electrolyte disorders. Unlike traditional imaging, POCUS provides real-time, bedside insights that enhance clinical decision-making. However, widespread adoption requires structured training, competency validation, and collaboration with other specialties. Overcoming these barriers will help integrate POCUS into routine nephrology practice, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
