Alma Valeria Popoca García

Imaging biomarkers have progressively transformed modern radiology by providing quantitative, functional, and molecular information capable of improving early disease detection, diagnostic precision, therapeutic monitoring, and clinical decision-making in systemic diseases. The present review aimed to analyze the current role of imaging biomarkers in oncology and internal medicine, emphasizing their contribution to precision medicine and multidisciplinary healthcare management. A structured documentary review was conducted using peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in internationally recognized databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink. The analyzed evidence focused on advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, hybrid imaging systems, radiomics, and artificial intelligence-assisted imaging analysis. The reviewed studies demonstrated that imaging biomarkers possess broad applicability in oncology, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory conditions, chronic hepatic disease, pulmonary pathology, and metabolic disorders. Functional and molecular imaging techniques showed particular relevance for evaluating metabolism, tissue perfusion, angiogenesis, fibrosis, inflammation, cellular density, and tumor heterogeneity. Radiomics and artificial intelligence were identified as emerging technologies capable of improving predictive analysis, treatment response assessment, and individualized therapeutic planning.

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) represents a complex bidirectional interaction between the cardiovascular and renal systems in which dysfunction of one organ may induce or worsen dysfunction of the other. The increasing global prevalence of heart failure, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus has significantly contributed to the growing clinical and epidemiological burden of CRS. This review aimed to analyze the principal pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and contemporary therapeutic strategies associated with cardiorenal syndrome through an evidence-based analysis of current scientific literature. The study was developed as a narrative and analytical review using scientific evidence obtained from internationally recognized databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and high-impact journals in nephrology, cardiology, and internal medicine. The analysis focused on hemodynamic alterations, neurohormonal activation, venous congestion, inflammatory pathways, endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, diagnostic biomarkers, pharmacological therapies, and multidisciplinary management approaches. The reviewed evidence demonstrated that CRS is a multifactorial systemic condition involving complex interactions between cardiac and renal dysfunction. Venous congestion, activation of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, sympathetic nervous system stimulation, chronic inflammation, and endothelial injury were identified as major contributors to disease progression. Biomarkers such as NT-proBNP, cystatin C, NGAL, and KIM-1 showed important diagnostic and prognostic value, although integrated clinical evaluation remains essential. Contemporary therapeutic strategies, particularly sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, demonstrated substantial cardiovascular and renal protective effects. Multidisciplinary care models were also associated with improved patient outcomes and optimization of long-term management. In conclusion, cardiorenal syndrome should be understood as a highly dynamic and multisystemic condition requiring integrated cardiovascular and renal assessment. Early diagnosis, evidence-based therapy, preventive medicine, and multidisciplinary collaboration remain fundamental for improving prognosis and reducing the global burden associated with CRS.