Viral meningitis (A87)
ICD-10 code section A87 covers viral meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by viral infections. These codes are used to specify the type of viral meningitis for accurate diagnosis and treatment records.
The main code A87 refers broadly to viral meningitis, while subcodes identify specific causes. For example, A87.0 is used for enteroviral meningitis, sometimes called Coxsackie meningitis or meningitis caused by echovirus and enterovirus 71, helping distinguish infections from these common enteroviruses. A87.1 denotes adenoviral meningitis, associated with adenovirus infections of the nervous system. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, coded as A87.2, corresponds to infections by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, also known as arenavirus meningitis, which can cause chronic or congenital infections. A87.8 includes other viral meningitis types caused by less common viruses like West Nile virus, Lassa virus, and arboviruses, covering a diverse group of viral agents. When the exact virus is not identified, A87.9 captures unspecified viral meningitis. Understanding these distinctions supports precise coding and patient care for viral meningitis cases.
Instructional Notations
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- meningitis due to herpesvirus [herpes simplex] B00.3
- meningitis due to herpesvirus [herpes simplex] B00.3
- meningitis due to measles virus B05.1
- meningitis due to mumps virus B26.1
- meningitis due to poliomyelitis virus A80
- meningitis due to zoster B02.1
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.
Arenaviruses, Old World
One of two groups of viruses in the ARENAVIRUS genus and considered part of the Old World complex. It includes LASSA VIRUS and LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS, although the latter has worldwide distribution now.
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
A form of meningitis caused by LYMPHOCYTIC CHORIOMENINGITIS VIRUS. MICE and other rodents serve as the natural hosts, and infection in humans usually occurs through inhalation or ingestion of infectious particles. Clinical manifestations include an influenza-like syndrome followed by stiff neck, alterations of mentation, ATAXIA, and incontinence. Maternal infections may result in fetal malformations and injury, including neonatal HYDROCEPHALUS, aqueductal stenosis, CHORIORETINITIS, and MICROCEPHALY. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1996, Ch26, pp1-3)
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
The type species of ARENAVIRUS, part of the Old World Arenaviruses (ARENAVIRUSES, OLD WORLD), producing a silent infection in house and laboratory mice. In humans, infection with LCMV can be inapparent, or can present with an influenza-like illness, a benign aseptic meningitis, or a severe meningoencephalomyelitis. The virus can also infect monkeys, dogs, field mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters, the latter an epidemiologically important host.
