Mediastinitis

This code signifies inflammation of the mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity. This condition can be acute or chronic and often results from infection, trauma, or surgical complications.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of mediastinitis, such as in cases following esophageal perforation, sternal wound infection post-cardiac surgery, or descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Supporting documentation should detail the inflammatory process within the mediastinal space.

• Differentiate between acute and chronic forms if specified in the documentation, though this ICD-9 code does not distinguish.
• Always code the underlying cause of the mediastinitis, if known, as a primary diagnosis when applicable.
• Be mindful of post-procedural mediastinitis, which may require an additional code for the complication of the procedure.