Chagas disease with heart involvement
ICD-10 B57.5 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chagas disease with heart involvement.
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is endemic to parts of Latin America and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The disease is transmitted primarily through the bite of triatomine bugs, but can also be contracted through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child during pregnancy. The acute phase of Chagas disease may be asymptomatic or present with mild symptoms, but the chronic phase can develop years later, leading to severe cardiac complications. Heart involvement is characterized by cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and heart failure, which can significantly impact the patient's quality of life. Diagnosis typically involves serological tests to detect antibodies against T. cruzi, and echocardiography may be used to assess cardiac function. Treatment options include antiparasitic medications such as benznidazole or nifurtimox, which are most effective during the acute phase. Management of cardiac symptoms may require the use of beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) for arrhythmias.
Detailed history of exposure, serological test results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with acute symptoms after travel to endemic areas, chronic cases with cardiac symptoms.
Ensure accurate documentation of the disease phase and any co-morbidities.
Echocardiogram results, arrhythmia management, and treatment response.
Patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy presenting with heart failure or arrhythmias.
Document specific cardiac findings and treatment adjustments.
Used to monitor arrhythmias in patients with Chagas disease.
Document indications for ECG and any findings.
Cardiology specialists should ensure thorough documentation of arrhythmia management.
Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, body aches, and swelling at the site of infection during the acute phase. Chronic symptoms may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and swelling of the abdomen due to heart failure.
