Acute and subacute infective endocarditis

This code represents an acute or subacute inflammation of the endocardium, typically involving heart valves, caused by an infectious agent. It is characterized by the formation of vegetations on the heart valves or endocardial surface, leading to potential valvular dysfunction, embolization, and systemic infection.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a diagnosis of infective endocarditis with an acute or subacute onset. This includes cases where the causative organism is identified or presumed, and the patient presents with symptoms such as fever, new heart murmur, or embolic phenomena. Documentation should clearly state the acute or subacute nature of the infection.

• Always code the specific infectious organism (e.g., B95-B97) as an additional diagnosis, if known.
• Distinguish carefully between acute/subacute and chronic infective endocarditis (I33.8).
• Ensure documentation supports the "infective" nature, differentiating it from non-infective endocarditis.