Cerebral cryptococcosis

This code identifies an infection of the brain and surrounding membranes (meninges) caused by the Cryptococcus fungus. It specifically refers to the neurological manifestation of cryptococcosis, often presenting as meningitis or meningoencephalitis.

Assign this code when documentation confirms cryptococcal infection affecting the central nervous system, such as cryptococcal meningitis or cryptococcoma. This diagnosis is typically supported by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scan), and clinical signs of neurological involvement.

• Always look for documentation specifying the anatomical site of the cryptococcal infection; this code is specific to cerebral involvement.
• Do not confuse with systemic cryptococcosis without CNS involvement, or cryptococcosis affecting other organs.
• Consider sequencing this code after an underlying immunocompromised state (e.g., HIV infection B20) if applicable, as cryptococcosis often occurs in such patients.