Postdysenteric arthropathy, multiple sites

This code signifies a reactive arthritis that develops after an intestinal infection, specifically dysentery, affecting multiple joints throughout the body. It is an inflammatory condition where the immune system, triggered by the prior infection, mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, primarily the synovial membranes of joints.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of reactive arthritis following a confirmed or suspected episode of dysentery, with involvement of more than one joint. This diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation, patient history of recent gastrointestinal infection, and exclusion of other arthropathies.

• Ensure documentation specifies "multiple sites" to differentiate from single-site involvement.
• Code the underlying dysenteric infection (e.g., Shigellosis, Amebiasis) as a primary diagnosis if still active or as a history code if resolved, depending on the encounter.
• Do not confuse with other forms of reactive arthritis not specifically linked to dysentery.