ICD-11 code 1F67 corresponds to the medical condition known as gnathostomiasis. This is a parasitic disease caused by infection with the larvae of roundworms of the genus Gnathostoma. The disease is most commonly acquired by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish or poultry contaminated with the parasite.
Gnathostomiasis can manifest in various symptoms depending on the location of the larvae within the body. Common symptoms include migratory swellings under the skin, muscle pain, fever, and eye involvement. In severe cases, the larvae can migrate to the central nervous system or other vital organs, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
Diagnosis of gnathostomiasis is usually confirmed through clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and specific laboratory tests to detect the presence of the parasite. Treatment typically involves the use of antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or ivermectin, to eliminate the infection. Prevention of gnathostomiasis includes thorough cooking of all meat and fish products, as well as avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked food in endemic areas.
Table of Contents:
- #️⃣ Coding Considerations
- 🔎 Symptoms
- 🩺 Diagnosis
- 💊 Treatment & Recovery
- 🌎 Prevalence & Risk
- 😷 Prevention
- 🦠 Similar Diseases
#️⃣ Coding Considerations
The equivalent SNOMED CT code for the ICD-11 code 1F67 (Gnathostomiasis) is 417098002. This code corresponds to the condition caused by the nematode parasite Gnathostoma. Gnathostomiasis is a rare disease that is typically acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish or poultry contaminated with infective larvae. Infestation can lead to various symptoms, including migratory swellings under the skin, eosinophilia, and potentially serious complications if the larvae migrate to vital organs such as the brain or eyes. The SNOMED CT code is crucial for standardizing the documentation of this parasitic infection in electronic health records, allowing for improved communication and data sharing among healthcare professionals. Additionally, having a standardized code facilitates accurate epidemiological studies and research on the prevalence and management of gnathostomiasis globally.
In the United States, ICD-11 is not yet in use. The U.S. is currently using ICD-10-CM (Clinical Modification), which has been adapted from the WHO’s ICD-10 to better suit the American healthcare system’s requirements for billing and clinical purposes. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have not yet set a specific date for the transition to ICD-11.
The situation in Europe varies by country. Some European nations are considering the adoption of ICD-11 or are in various stages of planning and pilot studies. However, as with the U.S., full implementation may take several years due to similar requirements for system updates and training.
🔎 Symptoms
Symptoms of Gnathostomiasis, also known as 1F67, vary depending on the stage of infection. In the early stages, individuals may experience fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These nonspecific symptoms can make diagnosis challenging.
As the infection progresses, symptoms may include migratory swellings or lumps under the skin, known as cutaneous larva migrans. These swellings are often painful and can move around the body. In some cases, the larvae may migrate to the eyes, causing ocular gnathostomiasis.
Ocular gnathostomiasis can lead to symptoms such as eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and even blindness. In severe cases, the larvae may invade the central nervous system, resulting in symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and paralysis. Treatment for gnathostomiasis typically involves medications to kill the parasite and alleviate symptoms.
🩺 Diagnosis
Diagnosis of 1F67 (Gnathostomiasis) can be challenging due to its nonspecific clinical symptoms. Diagnosis is primarily based on a combination of clinical findings, history of exposure to contaminated water or undercooked meat, and laboratory tests.
Clinical manifestations of gnathostomiasis may include migratory subcutaneous swellings, localized edema, and eosinophilia. However, these symptoms can mimic other parasitic infections or inflammatory conditions, making diagnosis based on clinical presentation alone unreliable.
Laboratory tests play a crucial role in confirming a diagnosis of gnathostomiasis. Serologic tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can detect specific antibodies against Gnathostoma antigens in the blood. Additionally, biopsy of subcutaneous nodules can reveal the presence of larvae or eosinophilic infiltrates, providing definitive evidence of infection.
💊 Treatment & Recovery
Treatment for 1F67 (Gnathostomiasis) typically involves antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or ivermectin. These medications are effective in killing the larvae of the Gnathostoma parasite and are usually given for several weeks to ensure complete eradication of the parasite. In some cases, surgical removal of the larvae may be necessary, especially if the infection has caused serious complications.
In addition to antiparasitic medications, supportive treatment may be needed to manage symptoms such as pain, swelling, and itching. Pain relievers, antihistamines, and corticosteroids may be prescribed to alleviate these symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life during the recovery process. In severe cases of gnathostomiasis, patients may require hospitalization for close monitoring and more aggressive treatment.
Recovery from gnathostomiasis can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the promptness of treatment. Most patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, some individuals may continue to experience lingering symptoms such as pain or nerve damage for an extended period of time. Follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are important to monitor the progress of recovery and address any ongoing concerns.
🌎 Prevalence & Risk
In the United States, Gnathostomiasis is considered to be a rare infection. Cases of human gnathostomiasis have been reported in various regions of the country, particularly in individuals who have traveled to endemic areas. Due to the limited number of cases reported, the actual prevalence of the disease in the United States is difficult to determine.
In Europe, cases of Gnathostomiasis have primarily been reported in individuals who have traveled to endemic regions in Asia, Africa, or Latin America. The prevalence of the disease in Europe is therefore considered to be low, with most cases being imported from other regions. Surveillance and reporting of Gnathostomiasis cases in Europe are limited, making it challenging to estimate the true burden of the disease on the continent.
In Asia, particularly in countries such as Thailand, Japan, and China, Gnathostomiasis is considered to be more prevalent. The disease is endemic in many parts of Asia, particularly in rural and agricultural areas where freshwater fish and crustaceans are commonly consumed. The actual prevalence of Gnathostomiasis in Asia is likely underestimated due to underreporting and limited surveillance systems in place in many countries.
In Africa, cases of Gnathostomiasis have been reported in various regions, particularly in countries where the consumption of raw or undercooked fish and crustaceans is common. However, the prevalence of the disease in Africa is largely unknown, as there is limited surveillance and reporting of Gnathostomiasis cases on the continent. Further studies and surveillance efforts are needed to better understand the burden of Gnathostomiasis in Africa.
😷 Prevention
To prevent Gnathostomiasis, it is essential to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of infection. One crucial step is to avoid consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish, as they can serve as intermediate hosts for Gnathostoma larvae. Proper cooking methods, such as thoroughly cooking fish at high temperatures, can help kill the larvae and prevent transmission to humans.
In addition to avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish, it is essential to be cautious when traveling to endemic areas where Gnathostomiasis is prevalent. In these regions, it is advisable to avoid drinking untreated water and to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands before meals and after handling potentially contaminated objects. Furthermore, wearing protective clothing, such as gloves, when handling potentially infected materials can help prevent exposure to Gnathostoma larvae.
In areas where Gnathostomiasis is endemic, proper sanitation and control of intermediate hosts, such as freshwater fish, can also help prevent the spread of the disease. Public health measures, such as educating communities about the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked fish and implementing regulations for fish farming and processing, can play a crucial role in reducing the prevalence of Gnathostomiasis. By implementing these preventive strategies, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Gnathostomiasis and protect themselves from this parasitic infection.
🦠 Similar Diseases
Gnathostomiasis (1F67) is a parasitic infection caused by larvae of the nematode Gnathostoma spinigerum. This disease primarily affects individuals who consume raw or undercooked freshwater fish or crustaceans containing the infective larvae. Symptoms of gnathostomiasis may include migratory swellings under the skin, allergic reactions, and potentially life-threatening complications if the parasite invades vital organs.
One disease similar to gnathostomiasis is cysticercosis (1B65), which is caused by the larval stage of the pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. This parasitic infection occurs when individuals ingest food or water contaminated with tapeworm eggs. Cysticercosis can result in cyst formation in various tissues, including the brain, muscles, and eyes, leading to a range of symptoms such as seizures, headaches, and visual disturbances.
Another disease related to gnathostomiasis is toxocariasis (1D76), caused by the larvae of the roundworms Toxocara canis in dogs and Toxocara cati in cats. Humans can become infected by accidentally ingesting eggs shed in the feces of infected animals. Toxocariasis can lead to various forms of disease, including visceral larva migrans, ocular larva migrans, and covert toxocariasis, with symptoms such as fever, cough, and abdominal pain.
A third disease comparable to gnathostomiasis is trichinellosis (1E72), caused by the nematode Trichinella spiralis. This parasitic infection is contracted by consuming raw or undercooked meat, particularly from infected pork, bear, or wild game. Trichinellosis can result in gastrointestinal symptoms, muscle pain, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications such as myocarditis and encephalitis.