Tumor lysis syndrome

This code represents a potentially life-threatening metabolic complication that occurs when large numbers of cancer cells are rapidly destroyed, releasing their intracellular contents into the bloodstream. This rapid cell lysis leads to severe electrolyte imbalances, including hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia. These imbalances can result in acute kidney injury, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and even death if not promptly managed.

This code is used when a patient develops tumor lysis syndrome, typically as a complication of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other anti-cancer treatments for highly proliferative malignancies (e.g., leukemias, lymphomas, or rapidly growing solid tumors). Documentation should clearly indicate the diagnosis of tumor lysis syndrome and the associated metabolic derangements.

• Always code the underlying malignancy first, followed by this code for the complication.
• Specify any associated complications, such as acute kidney injury (N17.-), using additional codes.
• Ensure documentation supports the diagnosis of tumor lysis syndrome, including laboratory findings of electrolyte abnormalities.