Anagen effluvium

Anagen effluvium refers to the sudden, diffuse shedding of hair that occurs during the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. This condition typically results from an acute insult to the hair follicles, leading to premature cessation of hair growth and subsequent shedding. It is characterized by widespread hair loss, often affecting the entire scalp.

This code is appropriate for documenting hair loss caused by systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, severe malnutrition, or poisoning (e.g., thallium). Documentation should clearly indicate an acute, widespread hair loss directly attributable to a systemic insult affecting the anagen phase of hair growth.

• Distinguish from telogen effluvium, which involves hair shedding during the resting phase and has different etiologies.
• Always code the underlying cause (e.g., chemotherapy, malignancy) first, as anagen effluvium is often a manifestation of another condition.
• Ensure documentation specifies the acute onset and diffuse nature of the hair loss to support this diagnosis.