In simple words: This code represents cardiovascular and cerebrovascular syphilis, a serious complication of late-stage syphilis. It affects the heart and blood vessels, including those in the brain. It can happen years after the initial syphilis infection and cause heart problems and neurological issues like stroke.

This code designates cardiovascular and cerebrovascular syphilis, a manifestation of late-stage syphilis (tertiary syphilis).It typically occurs 10-30 years after the initial infection by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Cardiovascular manifestations include aortitis (inflammation of the aorta), aortic aneurysm (weakening and bulging of the aorta), aortic insufficiency (leakage of the aortic valve), and coronary artery stenosis (narrowing of the coronary arteries). Cerebrovascular involvement can lead to stroke, meningitis, and other neurological complications.

Example 1: A 55-year-old patient presents with chest pain and shortness of breath.Diagnostic testing reveals aortic insufficiency and a history of untreated syphilis. A52.0 is used to code the cardiovascular syphilis., A 60-year-old patient with a history of syphilis experiences a stroke. Imaging studies show evidence of cerebrovascular damage. A52.0 is used to code the cerebrovascular syphilis., A 48-year-old female with a past syphilis infection presents with chest tightness and abdominal pain.She is diagnosed with myocardial infarction due to coronary artery stenosis caused by syphilis. A52.0 is coded along with the appropriate code for the myocardial infarction.

Documentation should include evidence of syphilis infection (e.g., positive serological tests), clinical findings related to cardiovascular or cerebrovascular involvement (e.g., aortitis, aortic aneurysm, stroke), and imaging results confirming the diagnosis.