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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. A00–B99
  4. A50-A64
  5. Other and unspecified syphilis (A53)

Other and unspecified syphilis (A53)

ICD-10 code A53 covers diagnoses related to other and unspecified forms of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. These codes are used when the syphilis infection does not fit the categories of primary, secondary, or tertiary syphilis or when the stage is not clearly documented.

The code A53.0 identifies latent syphilis, where the infection is present but without symptoms, often confirmed by blood tests such as syphilis titers or positive serology. It is important for cases where it is uncertain if the infection is early or late latent syphilis. Meanwhile, A53.9 is used for unspecified syphilis covering a broad range of related conditions, including syphilis affecting pregnant women during childbirth, oral syphilis, and other clinical manifestations like anetoderma or myelitis caused by syphilis. This code also applies when lab tests detect syphilis but the specific presentation is not clearly described. Understanding the differences between these codes assists healthcare providers and coders in accurately documenting syphilis cases when exact staging is unavailable. The ICD-10 code for syphilis unspecified helps ensure proper disease tracking and treatment planning for this complex infection.

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.

Anetoderma

Benign DERMATOSIS caused by a loss of dermal ELASTIC TISSUE resulting in localized sac-like areas of flaccid skin. It can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other skin conditions, PENICILLAMINE use, or premature birth.

Longitudinal Studies

Studies in which variables relating to an individual or group of individuals are assessed over a period of time.

Neurosyphilis

Infections of the central nervous system caused by TREPONEMA PALLIDUM which present with a variety of clinical syndromes. The initial phase of infection usually causes a mild or asymptomatic meningeal reaction. The meningovascular form may present acutely as BRAIN INFARCTION. The infection may also remain subclinical for several years. Late syndromes include general paresis; TABES DORSALIS; meningeal syphilis; syphilitic OPTIC ATROPHY; and spinal syphilis. General paresis is characterized by progressive DEMENTIA; DYSARTHRIA; TREMOR; MYOCLONUS; SEIZURES; and Argyll-Robertson pupils. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp722-8)

Syphilis

A contagious venereal disease caused by the spirochete TREPONEMA PALLIDUM.

Syphilis Serodiagnosis

Serologic tests for syphilis.

Syphilis, Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular manifestations of SYPHILIS, an infection of TREPONEMA PALLIDUM. In the late stage of syphilis, sometimes 20-30 years after the initial infection, damages are often seen in the blood vessels including the AORTA and the AORTIC VALVE. Clinical signs include syphilitic aortitis, aortic insufficiency, or aortic ANEURYSM.

Syphilis, Congenital

Syphilis acquired in utero and manifested by any of several characteristic tooth (Hutchinson's teeth) or bone malformations and by active mucocutaneous syphilis at birth or shortly thereafter. Ocular and neurologic changes may also occur.

Syphilis, Cutaneous

Cutaneous lesions arising from infection with Treponema pallidum. In the primary stage, 18-21 days following infection, one or more chancres appear. If untreated, the subsequent stages of the disease appear as syphilids. These eruptions are superficial, nondestructive, exanthematic, transient, macular roseolas that may later be maculopapular or papular polymorphous or scaly, pustular, pigmented eruptions.(Arnold, Odom, and James, Andrew's Diseases of the Skin, 8th ed, p409)

Syphilis, Latent

The stage of syphilis that occurs following the primary (CHANCRE) and secondary stages. The patient is asymptomatic at the latent stage but remains seropositive for the SPIROCHETE.

Tabes Dorsalis

Parenchymatous NEUROSYPHILIS marked by slowly progressive degeneration of the posterior columns, posterior roots, and ganglia of the spinal cord. The condition tends to present 15 to 20 years after the initial infection and is characterized by lightening-like pains in the lower extremities, URINARY INCONTINENCE; ATAXIA; severely impaired position and vibratory sense, abnormal gait (see GAIT DISORDERS, NEUROLOGIC), OPTIC ATROPHY; Argyll-Robertson pupils, hypotonia, hyperreflexia, and trophic joint degeneration (Charcot's Joint; see ARTHROPATHY, NEUROGENIC). (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p726)

Treponema pallidum

The causative agent of venereal and non-venereal syphilis as well as yaws.