Trichinellosis, unspecified
ICD-10 A71.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of trichinellosis, unspecified.
Trichinellosis is a parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of larvae of the Trichinella species, typically through undercooked or raw meat, particularly pork. The disease is characterized by a range of symptoms that can vary in severity, including gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea, followed by systemic manifestations like fever, muscle pain, and swelling of the face and eyes. In severe cases, trichinellosis can lead to complications such as myocarditis, encephalitis, and respiratory distress due to the migration of larvae to various tissues. The unspecified designation indicates that the specific type of trichinellosis or the severity of the infection has not been determined. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, serological tests, and muscle biopsy. Treatment primarily involves the use of antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or mebendazole, along with supportive care for symptomatic relief.
Detailed patient history, including dietary habits and exposure to undercooked meats, along with laboratory test results.
Patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms followed by systemic manifestations after consuming undercooked pork.
Consideration of co-infections and the need for comprehensive testing to rule out other parasitic diseases.
Thorough documentation of gastrointestinal symptoms and any relevant imaging or endoscopic findings.
Patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of potential exposure to Trichinella.
Differentiating from other gastrointestinal infections and ensuring accurate coding based on symptomatology.
Used when serological testing is performed to confirm diagnosis.
Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical findings.
Infectious disease specialists may order this test more frequently.
Common symptoms include gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, followed by systemic symptoms like fever, muscle pain, and swelling.
Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, serological tests, and muscle biopsy to confirm the presence of Trichinella larvae.
Treatment usually involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole, along with supportive care for symptoms.
Prevention includes cooking meat to safe temperatures and avoiding consumption of undercooked or raw pork.
