Syphilitic aortitis

This code signifies inflammation of the aorta due to a Treponema pallidum infection, typically occurring in the tertiary stage of syphilis. It represents a late manifestation of the disease affecting the cardiovascular system, specifically the largest artery in the body.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states syphilitic aortitis or luetic aortitis. This diagnosis is often supported by a history of syphilis and findings such as aortic aneurysm, aortic insufficiency, or coronary ostial stenosis attributed to the infection.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the aortitis to syphilis; otherwise, a non-specific aortitis code may be more appropriate.
• Code any associated cardiovascular manifestations, such as aortic aneurysm (I71.-) or aortic valve disorders (I35.-), as additional diagnoses.
• Do not confuse with non-syphilitic forms of aortitis, such as those due to other infections or autoimmune conditions.