Adhesive pericarditis

This code represents a chronic inflammatory condition of the pericardium where the layers of the pericardium become scarred and adhere to each other, potentially restricting heart movement. This adhesion can lead to impaired diastolic filling and reduced cardiac output.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of adhesive pericarditis, often characterized by fibrous thickening and adherence of the pericardial layers. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., echocardiogram, MRI) showing pericardial thickening and fusion, along with clinical signs of heart failure or restricted cardiac function.

• Differentiate from constrictive pericarditis, which has more severe hemodynamic consequences and a distinct code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "adhesive" to avoid confusion with other forms of pericarditis.
• Look for underlying causes of pericarditis, which may require additional coding.