Neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia of infancy

This code describes a rare pulmonary disorder affecting infants, characterized by an abnormal proliferation of neuroendocrine cells within the small airways. This hyperplasia leads to air trapping and chronic hypoxemia, often presenting as tachypnea and crackles without wheezing. It is also known as persistent tachypnea of infancy.

Use this code for infants diagnosed with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia based on clinical presentation, characteristic chest CT findings (e.g., ground-glass opacities, air trapping), and exclusion of other causes of chronic tachypnea. Documentation should clearly indicate the diagnosis of NEHI, often confirmed by a pediatric pulmonologist.

• Do not confuse with other interstitial lung diseases of infancy; NEHI has distinct diagnostic criteria.
• Ensure documentation specifies "of infancy" to support this specific code.
• Consider co-reporting codes for associated symptoms like chronic hypoxemia (R09.02) if applicable and documented.