Slightly Elevated CRP — Red Flag for Urgent CTs

Background: Flank pain is a common emergency department (ED) presentation and is often due to urinary calculi. Low-dose CT of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder (CT KUB) is the standard first imaging step, as it readily detects stones, but many evaluations reveal alternative acute illnesses that may be better characterized with the contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis (CTAP). Choosing the correct initial imaging test is important to avoid repeat scans, delays, and unnecessary radiation or contrast media exposure. Inflammatory markers, particularly C-reactive protein (CRP), are available in EDs and might help differentiate stone disease from more serious or alternative disorders. Objective: To evaluate whether the CRP level at presentation can indicate which individuals with suspected renal colic are more likely to benefit from CTAP rather than CT KUB. Design: Retrospective, single-center diagnostic accuracy study. Methods: The authors reviewed ED cases from a single UK hospi more...