Rheumatic myocarditis

This code represents inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium) specifically caused by acute rheumatic fever. It is a serious complication that can lead to significant cardiac dysfunction and long-term sequelae. The condition typically manifests during or shortly after an episode of rheumatic fever.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates myocarditis as a direct result of rheumatic fever. Supporting documentation would include a diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever along with clinical findings consistent with myocardial inflammation, such as EKG changes, elevated cardiac enzymes, or echocardiographic evidence of impaired ventricular function.

• Ensure a definitive link between rheumatic fever and the myocarditis is documented; do not use for myocarditis of other etiologies.
• Code the underlying acute rheumatic fever (e.g., 390) as the primary diagnosis, with rheumatic myocarditis as a secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from other forms of myocarditis (e.g., viral, toxic) which are classified elsewhere.