Dipetalonemiasis

Dipetalonemiasis, also known as acanthocheilonemiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Acanthocheilonema (formerly Dipetalonema). This infection is typically asymptomatic but can manifest with subcutaneous nodules, pruritus, or, rarely, more severe systemic involvement.

This code is used when documentation confirms a diagnosis of dipetalonemiasis, often identified through microscopic examination of blood smears or skin biopsies revealing microfilariae. It applies to cases where the patient has been infected with Acanthocheilonema perstans or Acanthocheilonema streptocerca.

• Ensure documentation specifies the causative agent as Acanthocheilonema or Dipetalonema to differentiate from other filarial infections.
• Do not confuse with other filarial diseases like onchocerciasis (river blindness) or lymphatic filariasis, which have distinct ICD-9 codes.
• Consider co-morbidities or complications related to the infection, such as dermatological manifestations, and code them separately if documented.