2025 ICD-10-CM code A36.81
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Certain infectious and parasitic diseases - Other bacterial diseases (A30-A49) 1 Feed
Diphtheritic cardiomyopathy.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of diphtheria and the development of cardiomyopathy as a direct result of the infection. The documentation should clearly link the cardiac condition to the diphtheria infection and indicate the severity of the heart involvement.
The provider diagnoses diphtheritic cardiomyopathy based on the patient’s symptoms, exposure history, and physical examination. Additional tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), might be necessary to assess heart function and detect any abnormalities. Treatment includes prompt administration of diphtheria antitoxin to neutralize the bacterial toxin, antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, diuretics to reduce fluid retention, and antiarrhythmic medications to regulate heart rhythm. Supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and hemodynamic monitoring, may also be necessary. The provider may also educate the patient about the importance of diphtheria vaccination for prevention.
In simple words: Diphtheritic cardiomyopathy is a heart problem caused by diphtheria. Diphtheria bacteria release a toxin that can harm the heart, making it thick, large, and stiff. This can lead to serious problems like heart failure and even death. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, a swollen belly and legs, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, coughing while lying down, dizziness, and fainting. Treatment involves giving an antitoxin to fight the diphtheria toxin, along with other medications to help the heart and remove extra fluid. Sometimes, surgery may be needed.
Diphtheritic cardiomyopathy is a rare but serious cardiac complication of diphtheria, caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The toxin produced by the bacteria damages the heart muscle, leading to thickening, enlargement, and stiffness of the heart muscle. This can result in heart failure and even death if left untreated. Symptoms include labored breathing, abdominal distension, swelling in the lower extremities, arrhythmias, chest pain, cough when lying down, dizziness, and syncope. Treatment involves administering diphtheria antitoxin, antibiotics, diuretics, and antiarrhythmic medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
Example 1: A 10-year-old unvaccinated child presents with difficulty breathing, swollen neck glands, and a thick gray coating on the throat. The child develops heart failure symptoms, including shortness of breath and leg swelling. Diphtheria is confirmed, and A36.81 is used to code the cardiac complication., A young adult with a history of recent travel to a region with low diphtheria vaccination rates presents with sore throat, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Later, they develop an irregular heartbeat and signs of heart failure. Diphtheria is diagnosed, and A36.81 is used to code the resulting cardiomyopathy., An elderly individual with a weakened immune system develops diphtheria after contact with an infected person. In addition to the respiratory symptoms, they experience chest pain, dizziness, and an irregular heartbeat. The ECG reveals heart damage, and A36.81 is used to code the diphtheritic cardiomyopathy.
Documentation should include evidence of diphtheria infection, such as positive laboratory tests or clinical findings consistent with diphtheria. Additionally, documentation should support the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy, including symptoms, physical exam findings, imaging studies (e.g., echocardiogram, cardiac MRI), and electrocardiogram abnormalities.
- Specialties:Infectious Disease, Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office