Polyarteritis nodosa

This code represents a rare, systemic necrotizing vasculitis affecting medium-sized arteries, leading to inflammation and damage in various organs. It is characterized by the formation of aneurysms and occlusions, which can result in ischemia and infarction of affected tissues.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of polyarteritis nodosa. This typically involves a constellation of symptoms such as fever, weight loss, myalgia, arthralgia, and evidence of multi-organ involvement (e.g., renal, gastrointestinal, neurological, dermatological). Biopsy confirmation of necrotizing vasculitis in medium-sized arteries supports this diagnosis.

• Differentiate from other systemic vasculitides; ensure documentation specifies "polyarteritis nodosa" rather than a more general vasculitis.
• Code any associated organ manifestations or complications separately, linking them to the polyarteritis nodosa as appropriate.
• Review pathology reports and physician notes for definitive diagnostic statements and to confirm the specific type of vasculitis.