Meningitis in Chagas' disease

This code signifies inflammation of the meninges (the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) specifically caused by infection with Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. It represents a neurological complication arising from this parasitic infection.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states meningitis as a manifestation of Chagas disease. This typically occurs in the acute or reactivated chronic phases of the infection, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Supporting documentation would include laboratory confirmation of T. cruzi infection and clinical findings consistent with meningitis.

• Always code the underlying Chagas disease (B57.40 or B57.49) as the primary diagnosis, followed by this code for the meningitis.
• Distinguish from other forms of infectious meningitis; the causal link to Chagas disease must be clearly documented.
• Do not use if meningitis is suspected but not confirmed as directly related to Chagas disease.