Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical complication, affecting up to 30% of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients, and contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Recent studies indicate that increased central venous pressure (CVP) might significantly contribute to the development of AKI by causing venous congestion and impairing renal blood flow. However, the association between CVP and AKI in patients undergoing CABG has not been thoroughly investigated. This scoping review evaluates the current evidence on CVP as a hemodynamic marker associated with AKI in adults undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), with a particular focus on CABG where reported.

Methods: This scoping review, conducted over 12 weeks, followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and Arksey and O’Malley framework. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE (2016–2024) identified studies on adult CPB-supported cardiac surgery, including CABG. Eligible studies reported quantitative CVP (intra- or postoperative) and standardized AKI criteria. No formal bias assessment was performed; data extraction was independently conducted by two reviewers using a standardized form.

Results: Of 1,717 studies screened, 16 met the inclusion criteria, mostly retrospective cohorts involving CABG patients. Overall, elevated CVP showed a positive association with postoperative AKI, though thresholds varied (intraoperative 6.5–12 mm Hg; postoperative>6.6–10.3 mm Hg). Several studies revealed a synergistic effect between high CVP and low mean arterial pressure (MAP). Despite consistent trends, heterogeneity in design and CVP assessment limits comparability. Most studies used the KDIGO criteria for AKI definition.

Conclusion: High CVP is commonly linked to the occurrence of AKI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The evidence mapped in this review suggests a potential role for CVP monitoring in perioperative care, though clinical recommendations require validation through prospective trials. Future research should focus on establishing standardized CVP thresholds and evaluating their utility in AKI risk stratification.