Late congenital syphilitic interstitial keratitis

This code signifies a specific manifestation of late congenital syphilis, characterized by inflammation of the corneal stroma. Interstitial keratitis in this context is a non-ulcerative inflammation that typically affects both eyes, leading to corneal clouding and potential vision impairment. It is a delayed consequence of syphilis transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "late congenital syphilitic interstitial keratitis" or when a patient with a confirmed history of congenital syphilis presents with interstitial keratitis. This diagnosis requires evidence of both congenital syphilis and the specific corneal involvement.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the interstitial keratitis to congenital syphilis, not acquired syphilis or other causes.
• Do not confuse this with other forms of keratitis; the syphilitic etiology is crucial for this specific code.
• Sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it is a co-morbidity.