Epidemic pleurodynia

This code represents epidemic pleurodynia, also known as Bornholm disease, which is an acute infectious disease typically caused by coxsackievirus B. It is characterized by sudden onset of severe, spasmodic chest pain, often unilateral, accompanied by fever, headache, and malaise. The pain is due to inflammation of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of epidemic pleurodynia, often presenting with characteristic pleuritic chest pain and systemic viral symptoms. This diagnosis is typically made clinically based on symptoms and exclusion of other causes of chest pain, especially during outbreaks. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the classic symptoms and a confirmed or suspected viral etiology.

• Differentiate from other causes of pleuritic chest pain, such as bacterial pleurisy or pulmonary embolism, which have distinct ICD-9-CM codes.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "epidemic" or "Bornholm disease" to support the specificity of this code.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.