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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. M00–M99
  4. M30-M36
  5. Systemic disorders of connective tissue in diseases classified elsewhere (M36)

Systemic disorders of connective tissue in diseases classified elsewhere (M36)

The ICD-10 code M36 covers **systemic disorders of connective tissue caused by diseases classified elsewhere**, addressing complications where connective tissues are affected secondary to other health conditions. These codes are essential for coding conditions linked to cancers, blood disorders, and allergic reactions that involve connective tissue and joints.

The code M36.0 is used for **dermatomyositis or polymyositis associated with neoplastic diseases**, including terms like juvenile polymyositis due to paraneoplastic syndrome or myopathy from cancer. M36.1 refers to **arthropathy secondary to malignancy**, covering joint inflammation related to different types of cancer. For bleeding disorders, M36.2 identifies **hemophilic arthropathy**, joint damage due to repeated bleeding in patients with hemophilia. M36.3 describes joint problems linked to other blood disorders, such as hemoglobinopathies or bleeding disorders. M36.4 applies to joint diseases caused by hypersensitivity reactions classified under other conditions. Finally, M36.8 includes other systemic connective tissue disorders occurring as complications of different diseases. These codes help distinguish systemic connective tissue issues that are not primary diseases but secondary to other health problems, enabling precise medical documentation and care planning.

Instructional Notations

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

  • arthropathies in diseases classified elsewhere M14

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Dermatomyositis

A subacute or chronic inflammatory disease of muscle and skin, marked by proximal muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash. The illness occurs with approximately equal frequency in children and adults. The skin lesions usually take the form of a purplish rash (or less often an exfoliative dermatitis) involving the nose, cheeks, forehead, upper trunk, and arms. The disease is associated with a complement mediated intramuscular microangiopathy, leading to loss of capillaries, muscle ischemia, muscle-fiber necrosis, and perifascicular atrophy. The childhood form of this disease tends to evolve into a systemic vasculitis. Dermatomyositis may occur in association with malignant neoplasms. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1405-6)

Polymyositis

Diseases characterized by inflammation involving multiple muscles. This may occur as an acute or chronic condition associated with medication toxicity (DRUG TOXICITY); CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES; infections; malignant NEOPLASMS; and other disorders. The term polymyositis is frequently used to refer to a specific clinical entity characterized by subacute or slowly progressing symmetrical weakness primarily affecting the proximal limb and trunk muscles. The illness may occur at any age, but is most frequent in the fourth to sixth decade of life. Weakness of pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles, interstitial lung disease, and inflammation of the myocardium may also occur. Muscle biopsy reveals widespread destruction of segments of muscle fibers and an inflammatory cellular response. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1404-9)