Gonococcal heart infection
ICD-10 A54.83 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of gonococcal heart infection.
Gonococcal heart infection is a rare but serious complication of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This condition typically arises when the infection spreads from the urogenital tract to the bloodstream, leading to disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI), which can subsequently affect the heart. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and skin lesions, alongside cardiovascular manifestations like endocarditis or pericarditis. Diagnosis is confirmed through laboratory testing, including cultures and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Treatment involves the use of appropriate antibiotics, often requiring hospitalization for severe cases. Early identification and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications, including heart damage. Contact tracing and treatment of sexual partners are essential components of managing gonococcal infections to prevent reinfection and further transmission.
Detailed patient history, laboratory results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with symptoms of gonorrhea and cardiovascular complaints.
Ensure that all relevant tests and treatments are documented to support the diagnosis.
Comprehensive cardiac evaluation, including echocardiograms and lab results.
Patients with endocarditis symptoms and a history of gonococcal infection.
Document the cardiac findings and their relation to the infectious process.
Used for confirming gonococcal infection in patients with suspected heart involvement.
Document the indication for testing and results.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure proper interpretation of results.
Common symptoms include fever, joint pain, chest pain, and signs of systemic infection. Patients may also present with skin lesions or other manifestations of disseminated gonococcal infection.
Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, blood cultures, and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Treatment usually involves intravenous antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for complications.
