Paragonimiasis

This code represents paragonimiasis, a parasitic lung fluke infection caused by species of Paragonimus, most commonly P. westermani. The infection typically manifests as chronic inflammatory lung disease, mimicking tuberculosis, with symptoms such as cough, hemoptysis, and chest pain. Extrapulmonary manifestations can also occur, affecting organs like the brain, skin, or abdominal viscera.

Use this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of paragonimiasis, often through identification of parasite eggs in sputum, stool, or pleural fluid, or serological testing. This code is appropriate for both pulmonary and extrapulmonary forms of the disease. Clinical scenarios include patients presenting with chronic respiratory symptoms after consuming raw or undercooked crustaceans in endemic areas.

• Ensure documentation specifies the diagnosis of paragonimiasis, not just general parasitic infection.
• Do not confuse with other helminthic infections affecting the lungs; this code is specific to Paragonimus species.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, followed by codes for specific manifestations (e.g., pleural effusion, cerebral paragonimiasis).