title: How should we investigate CUO (C-Reactive Protein elevation of unknown origin)? A case-based discussion of infective endocarditis in an octogenarian.
abstract: Infective endocarditis and other chronic infections may cause diagnostic difficulties, regardless of age. The likelihood of an atypical presentation of chronic infection probably increases with age. Serum CRP may be a useful guide to the presence of underlying infection and its resolution in older people. The term CUO (CRP elevation of unknown origin) may have a place in triggering further investigation for the presence of infection or other pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Woodend Hospital, Aberdeen, UK. Joanna.Lindsay@nhs.net
authors.forename: Joanna C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: D Gwyn
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Seymour
authors.forename: Donald M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Newnham
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein