Nonspecific mesenteric lymphadenitis

This code represents inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery, the tissue that attaches the intestines to the abdominal wall, without an identified specific cause. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, often presenting with abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.

Use this code when documentation indicates mesenteric lymphadenitis where a specific infectious agent (e.g., bacterial, viral) or other underlying condition has not been identified. It is commonly seen in pediatric patients presenting with acute abdominal pain mimicking appendicitis. Documentation should explicitly state "nonspecific" or "unspecified" mesenteric lymphadenitis.

• Ensure the physician's documentation clearly rules out specific causes of lymphadenitis.
• Do not use this code if a definitive infectious agent or other underlying condition is identified; code the specific condition instead.
• Consider sequencing this code after symptoms like abdominal pain (789.0x) if the lymphadenitis is considered the cause of the symptoms.