2025 ICD-10-CM code A39.53
Meningococcal pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart) due to meningococcal infection.
Medical necessity for treatment of A39.53 stems from the life-threatening nature of meningococcal infection and its potential to cause serious cardiac complications.Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent cardiac tamponade, heart failure, and other adverse outcomes.
Clinicians diagnosing meningococcal pericarditis consider patient history, symptoms (chest pain, altered heart rate/rhythm, breathing difficulties, fluid retention, muscle/joint pain), and physical findings. Lab tests (CBC, blood chemistry, CRP, cardiac markers, coagulation studies), ECG, and echocardiogram are essential. Blood cultures confirm meningococcal infection. Treatment includes antibiotics, diuretics (for fluid retention), anticoagulants (if needed), and medications to manage blood pressure and heart function.
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
- A39 Meningococcal infectionA39.5 Meningococcal heart disease A39.53 Meningococcal pericarditis
In simple words: Meningococcal pericarditis is inflammation of the heart sac caused by a serious bacterial infection spread through close contact.
Meningococcal pericarditis is a rare complication of meningococcemia (meningococcal septicemia), a severe blood infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis. This infection leads to inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart.
Example 1: A teenager presents with fever, stiff neck, headache, and chest pain. Subsequent tests reveal meningococcal infection and pericardial inflammation, leading to a diagnosis of A39.53., A patient with confirmed meningococcemia develops chest pain and shortness of breath. An echocardiogram shows pericardial effusion, confirming meningococcal pericarditis (A39.53)., An individual with a history of close contact with someone diagnosed with meningococcal meningitis experiences rapid heartbeat and chest discomfort.After a thorough evaluation including blood cultures and imaging, they receive a diagnosis of meningococcal pericarditis (A39.53).
Documentation should include signs and symptoms, history of exposure to N. meningitidis, laboratory results (positive blood culture for N. meningitidis, elevated inflammatory markers), ECG findings, and echocardiogram results demonstrating pericardial involvement.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Cardiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital