Differential Diagnosis for Elevated CRP (17.1) in a 77-Year-Old Female
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Given the patient's age, UTIs are common and can cause significant elevations in CRP levels. Elderly individuals may not always present with typical symptoms, making CRP a useful marker for infection.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Community-acquired pneumonia is a common cause of elevated CRP in the elderly, especially if they have symptoms such as cough, fever, or shortness of breath.
- Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or other chronic inflammatory diseases can cause elevated CRP levels, especially if there's an acute flare.
- Gastrointestinal Infection or Inflammation: Diverticulitis, appendicitis, or other gastrointestinal infections can cause significant CRP elevation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Although less likely without additional symptoms, sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Any sign of infection in an elderly patient should prompt consideration of sepsis.
- Malignancy: Certain cancers can cause chronic inflammation, leading to elevated CRP levels. While less common, malignancy is a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Endocarditis: Infective endocarditis, although rare, is a serious condition that can present with nonspecific symptoms in the elderly, including elevated CRP.
Rare Diagnoses
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or polymyalgia rheumatica can cause elevated CRP but are less common in new presentations at this age.
- Vasculitis: Giant cell arteritis or other forms of vasculitis can cause inflammation and elevated CRP but are relatively rare.
- Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Certain rare paraneoplastic syndromes associated with malignancy can cause chronic inflammation and elevated CRP levels.