Role of C-reactive protein in effective utilization of emergent MRI for spinal infections

Emergent spinal MRI is recommended for patients with back pain and red flags for infection. However, many of these studies are negative due to low prevalence of spinal infections. Our purpose was to assess if C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used to guide effective utilization of emergent MRI for spinal infections. 316/960 (33%) MRIs performed for infection by the emergency department over 75-month period had CRP levels obtained at presentation,...