Echocardiographic Findings in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and spectrum of echocardiographic abnormalities among patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Echocardiographic evaluation is critical in this population due to the high incidence of cardiac complications, which may remain asymptomatic yet significantly elevate cardiovascular risk if left undetected. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2023, enrolling 150 patients with diagnosed CKD. Participants were categorized by CKD stage: Stage III (40%, n=60), Stage IV (33.33%, n=50), and Stage V (26.67%, n=40). Echocardiographic parameters assessed included Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, and pericardial effusion. All echocardiograms were interpreted by certified cardiologists to minimize interobserver variability. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square tests, with a p-value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: LVH was observed in 60% of patients, peaking in Stage IV (72%). Systolic dysfunction was present in 50%, with the highest frequency in Stage V (60%). Diastolic dysfunction occurred in 56.67%, also most common in Stage IV (60%). Pericardial effusion was identified in 26.67% of patients, with the highest prevalence in Stage V (35%). Statistically significant associations were found between CKD stage and LVH (p=0.002), systolic dysfunction (p=0.003), and diastolic dysfunction (p=0.014), whereas pericardial effusion did not show a significant correlation (p=0.061), suggesting alternate etiologies such as dialysis-related fluid shifts. Conclusion: Echocardiographic abnormalities are highly prevalent among CKD patients and become increasingly severe with disease progression. Routine echocardiographic assessment should be integrated into the clinical management of CKD to facilitate early detection and intervention for cardiovascular complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes.