Rheumatic myocarditis

This code represents inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) specifically caused by acute rheumatic fever. It is a serious complication of rheumatic fever that can lead to significant cardiac dysfunction and long-term heart damage. The condition results from an autoimmune response following a Group A streptococcal infection.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states myocarditis due to rheumatic fever or a history of rheumatic fever with current myocarditis. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical findings of myocarditis alongside evidence of recent streptococcal infection or a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Ensure the physician's documentation clearly links the myocarditis to a rheumatic etiology.

• Do not use this code if the myocarditis is not specified as rheumatic; refer to the Excludes1 note for non-rheumatic myocarditis.
• Always review the patient's history for a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatic fever when considering this 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.