Cerebral arteritis

This code represents inflammation of the cerebral arteries, which are the blood vessels supplying the brain. This condition can lead to various neurological deficits due to impaired blood flow and potential vessel damage. It is often a manifestation of systemic vasculitis or an isolated inflammatory process affecting the brain's vasculature.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of cerebral arteritis, whether primary or secondary to another condition. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., MRA, CTA, angiography) showing arterial inflammation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and clinical neurological findings consistent with cerebral vasculitis.

• Always look for documentation specifying the underlying cause if the cerebral arteritis is secondary (e.g., lupus, giant cell arteritis) and code it first.
• Distinguish from cerebral atherosclerosis (437.0) or other non-inflammatory cerebrovascular diseases.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "arteritis" or "vasculitis" affecting the cerebral arteries, rather than just general cerebrovascular disease.