Abscess of mediastinum

This code signifies the presence of a localized collection of pus within the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. This infectious process can arise from various sources, including esophageal perforation, thoracic surgery, or extension from adjacent infections.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of a mediastinal abscess. This typically involves findings from imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI) confirming a fluid collection with characteristics of an abscess, often accompanied by clinical signs of infection such as fever, chest pain, and leukocytosis.

• Differentiate from mediastinitis (519.2), which is a more diffuse inflammation of the mediastinum without a discrete pus collection.
• Always look for an underlying cause or primary site of infection, which may require additional coding.
• Ensure documentation specifies "abscess" and not just "fluid collection" or "mass" to support this specific diagnosis.