Systemic sclerosis induced by drug and chemical

This code signifies a form of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) that has been directly caused or exacerbated by exposure to specific drugs or chemical agents. It represents a rare but distinct etiology of this autoimmune connective tissue disorder, characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular damage.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links the onset or progression of systemic sclerosis to a particular medication or chemical. This typically involves a detailed patient history, including exposure to known scleroderma-inducing agents (e.g., certain chemotherapeutics, industrial solvents, contaminated L-tryptophan).

• Always code the specific drug or chemical responsible as an external cause code (T36-T65) in addition to this diagnosis.
• Distinguish from idiopathic systemic sclerosis (M34.0, M34.1, M34.8, M34.9) where no drug or chemical cause is identified.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states the causal relationship between the exposure and the systemic sclerosis.