Cryptococcosis
ICD-10 B45 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cryptococcosis.
Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, and patients on immunosuppressive therapy. The infection typically manifests in the lungs, leading to pneumonia-like symptoms, but it can disseminate to the central nervous system, resulting in cryptococcal meningitis, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms may include cough, chest pain, fever, and neurological signs such as headache, confusion, and altered mental status. Diagnosis is often confirmed through culture of the organism from respiratory secretions or cerebrospinal fluid, as well as serological tests for cryptococcal antigen. Treatment involves antifungal medications, primarily amphotericin B and flucytosine for severe cases, followed by maintenance therapy with fluconazole. Early diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy are crucial for improving outcomes, especially in high-risk populations.
Detailed clinical notes on the patient's immunocompromised status, symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms and a history of HIV/AIDS or recent organ transplant.
Ensure that all relevant lab results and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.
Thorough documentation of respiratory symptoms, diagnostic imaging findings, and response to treatment.
Patients with pneumonia-like symptoms and a known history of cryptococcal infection.
Document any co-existing lung conditions that may complicate the diagnosis.
Used to confirm diagnosis in patients with suspected cryptococcosis.
Document the indication for the test and results.
Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of test results.
Common symptoms include cough, fever, chest pain, and neurological symptoms such as headache and confusion, especially in cases of meningitis.
Diagnosis is typically made through culture of the organism from respiratory secretions or cerebrospinal fluid, along with serological tests for cryptococcal antigen.
Treatment usually involves antifungal medications such as amphotericin B and flucytosine for severe cases, followed by maintenance therapy with fluconazole.
