Diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess
ICD-10 K57.4 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of diverticulitis of both small and large intestine with perforation and abscess.
K57.4 refers to diverticulitis of both the small and large intestine with perforation and abscess. This condition arises when diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the walls of the intestines, become inflamed or infected. The clinical presentation often includes severe abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. The anatomy involved primarily includes the colon and, in some cases, the small intestine, where diverticula can develop. Disease progression can lead to complications such as perforation, which is a critical condition where the intestinal wall is breached, allowing intestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, potentially leading to peritonitis. An abscess may also form as a localized collection of pus due to the infection. Diagnostic considerations include imaging studies such as CT scans, which can reveal the presence of diverticula, inflammation, perforation, and abscess formation. Laboratory tests may show elevated white blood cell counts indicating infection. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent severe complications.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
K57.4 specifically covers diverticulitis of both the small and large intestine that is complicated by perforation and abscess formation. This includes cases where diverticula have become inflamed and have led to serious complications requiring surgical intervention.
K57.4 should be used when there is clear evidence of diverticulitis accompanied by perforation and abscess. If the diverticulitis is uncomplicated or without perforation, other codes such as K57.0 or K57.1 should be utilized.
Documentation for K57.4 should include clinical findings such as abdominal pain, fever, and imaging results (e.g., CT scans) that confirm the presence of diverticulitis, perforation, and abscess. Surgical notes and treatment plans should also be included to support the diagnosis.
