Syphilitic episcleritis

This code represents inflammation of the episclera, the thin layer of tissue between the conjunctiva and the sclera, specifically caused by a syphilitic infection. It indicates an ocular manifestation of syphilis, which can be part of congenital or acquired syphilis.

Use this code when documentation clearly states episcleritis with a confirmed syphilitic etiology, often supported by positive serological tests for syphilis (e.g., VDRL, RPR, FTA-ABS). This diagnosis typically arises in patients with a known history of syphilis or those undergoing investigation for systemic inflammatory conditions.

• Always confirm the syphilitic etiology; do not assume if only "episcleritis" is documented.
• Code the underlying syphilis (e.g., 090.x, 091.x, 092.x, 093.x, 094.x, 097.x) as the primary diagnosis, with syphilitic episcleritis as a manifestation code.
• Differentiate from other forms of episcleritis (e.g., simple, nodular, or those associated with other systemic diseases) which would be coded elsewhere.