Tuberculosis of other specified organs
ICD-10 A18.8 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculosis of other specified organs.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can also involve other organs such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Tuberculosis of other specified organs refers to cases where the infection has spread beyond the pulmonary system to other anatomical sites. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (such as chest X-rays or CT scans), and microbiological tests including sputum smear microscopy, culture, and molecular tests like PCR. Treatment usually consists of a multi-drug regimen over an extended period, often 6 to 12 months, depending on the site of infection and drug susceptibility. Monitoring for treatment adherence and potential side effects is crucial, as is managing any drug-resistant strains of TB. Public health implications are significant, as TB is a reportable disease, necessitating contact tracing and isolation procedures for infectious cases to prevent transmission. The complexity of coding for TB of other specified organs arises from the need for precise documentation of the affected organ, the presence of any co-morbid conditions, and the treatment regimen employed.
Detailed clinical notes on diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and follow-up care.
Patients presenting with extrapulmonary symptoms, such as renal or spinal pain.
Need for comprehensive documentation of drug susceptibility testing and treatment adherence.
Thorough pulmonary assessments and imaging results.
Patients with concurrent pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB.
Coordination with infectious disease specialists for comprehensive care.
Used for screening in patients with suspected TB.
Document the reason for testing and results.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional follow-up testing.
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the organ involved but may include pain, swelling, fever, and systemic symptoms like weight loss and fatigue. Specific symptoms may relate to the organ affected, such as renal pain for kidney involvement or neurological symptoms for CNS involvement.
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies (like X-rays or CT scans), and microbiological tests such as sputum cultures or biopsies from the affected organ.
Treatment usually involves a multi-drug regimen that may include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, tailored based on drug susceptibility testing.
Public health measures include contact tracing, reporting to health authorities, and isolation of infectious patients to prevent transmission.
