Postinfectious acute disseminated encephalitis and encephalomyelitis (postinfectious ADEM)
ICD-10 G04.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of postinfectious acute disseminated encephalitis and encephalomyelitis (postinfectious adem).
Postinfectious acute disseminated encephalitis and encephalomyelitis (postinfectious ADEM) is a neurological condition characterized by widespread inflammation of the brain and spinal cord that occurs following an infection. This condition is often triggered by viral infections, such as those caused by the measles, mumps, rubella, or varicella viruses, and can also follow bacterial infections. Clinically, patients may present with a range of symptoms including fever, headache, altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. The pathophysiology involves an autoimmune response where the immune system mistakenly attacks the central nervous system (CNS) tissues after the initial infection has resolved. Diagnosis typically involves neuroimaging, such as MRI, which may show lesions in the brain, and lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for inflammatory markers. Treatment often includes corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and supportive care. Early recognition and management are crucial to improve outcomes and minimize long-term neurological deficits.
Detailed clinical notes on neurological examination, history of infections, and diagnostic imaging results.
Patients presenting with acute neurological symptoms following a viral illness.
Ensure that all relevant lab results and imaging studies are included in the documentation.
Thorough history of infectious diseases, laboratory results, and treatment plans.
Patients with a history of recent infections presenting with neurological symptoms.
Document the timeline of infection and neurological symptom onset clearly.
Used to evaluate for signs of encephalitis in patients presenting with neurological symptoms.
Document the clinical indications for the CT scan and findings.
Neurologists should ensure that the rationale for imaging is clearly stated.
Performed to analyze CSF in suspected cases of ADEM.
Document the indication for the procedure and results of CSF analysis.
Infectious disease specialists should document the timeline of infection and neurological symptoms.
Postinfectious ADEM is primarily caused by an autoimmune response following viral infections, where the immune system attacks the CNS after the infection has resolved.
Diagnosis is made based on clinical symptoms, neuroimaging findings, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, which may show elevated white blood cells and protein levels.
