Diphtheritic conjunctivitis

This code represents an acute bacterial infection of the conjunctiva caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, characterized by the formation of a pseudomembrane. It is a severe form of conjunctivitis that can lead to significant ocular damage and systemic complications if untreated.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of diphtheritic conjunctivitis. This diagnosis is typically confirmed by laboratory identification of C. diphtheriae from conjunctival cultures, alongside clinical signs such as pseudomembrane formation, purulent discharge, and regional lymphadenopathy.

• Ensure documentation specifies "diphtheritic" to differentiate from other forms of bacterial conjunctivitis.
• Code any associated systemic manifestations of diphtheria, such as myocarditis or neuritis, separately.
• Do not confuse with other types of pseudomembranous conjunctivitis, which are coded differently.