1F84: Opisthorchiasis

ICD-11 code 1F84 corresponds to the medical condition known as Opisthorchiasis. Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic disease caused by liver flukes of the genus Opisthorchis. These worms typically infect humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish that are contaminated with larval flukes. The disease primarily affects the liver and bile ducts, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and liver enlargement.

Opisthorchiasis is most commonly found in regions of Southeast Asia, particularly in areas where raw fish dishes are a dietary staple. The disease can also occur in other parts of the world where consumption of infected fish is prevalent. Diagnosis of Opisthorchiasis is usually confirmed through stool examination to detect the presence of eggs shed by the parasites. Treatment typically involves the use of antiparasitic medications to eliminate the worms from the body.

Complications of Opisthorchiasis can include chronic liver disease, cholangiocarcinoma (a type of bile duct cancer), and pancreatitis. Prevention of Opisthorchiasis involves avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked fish from endemic areas and ensuring proper hygiene practices during food preparation. Public health efforts to control the disease may focus on education, surveillance of food sources, and treatment programs to reduce the burden of Opisthorchiasis in affected populations.

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#️⃣  Coding Considerations

The SNOMED CT code equivalent to ICD-11 code 1F84, which represents Opisthorchiasis, is 14677004. This code allows healthcare professionals to accurately document and track cases of Opisthorchiasis in clinical settings. Opisthorchiasis is a parasitic infection caused by liver flukes of the genus Opisthorchis, which are transmitted through the consumption of raw or undercooked fish contaminated with the parasites. Individuals infected with Opisthorchiasis may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, and fatigue. Proper diagnosis and treatment of Opisthorchiasis is crucial to prevent complications and effectively manage the infection. The use of standardized medical code sets like SNOMED CT and ICD-11 aids in the communication of patient information between healthcare providers and supports research efforts to improve understanding and treatment of diseases like Opisthorchiasis.

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

Opisthorchiasis, caused by the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity. The initial phase of infection is often asymptomatic, with symptoms appearing as the parasite matures in the bile duct. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

As the infection progresses, patients may develop more severe symptoms such as jaundice, which is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Other symptoms can include fever, fatigue, swollen abdomen, and weight loss. In some cases, opisthorchiasis can lead to complications such as cholangiocarcinoma, a type of bile duct cancer that is associated with chronic liver fluke infection.

Diagnosis of opisthorchiasis is typically made based on a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Treatment involves the use of anti-parasitic medications to eliminate the flukes from the body. Patients may also be prescribed medications to manage symptoms such as pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address complications such as bile duct obstruction or cholangiocarcinoma.

🩺  Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Opisthorchiasis, caused by the parasite Opisthorchis viverrini, can be challenging due to the non-specific symptoms it presents. A key component of the diagnosis is obtaining a detailed medical history from the patient, including any recent travel to endemic areas, consumption of raw or undercooked fish, and presence of symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or fatigue.

Clinical examination may reveal signs such as hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) or splenomegaly (enlarged spleen) in patients with advanced Opisthorchiasis. Laboratory tests can aid in the diagnosis, with blood tests showing elevated levels of liver enzymes, eosinophilia, and presence of specific antibodies against Opisthorchis viverrini. Stool examination can also be performed to detect the eggs of the parasite, although this method may have limited sensitivity.

Imaging studies such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans may be helpful in visualizing abnormalities in the liver or bile ducts that are characteristic of Opisthorchiasis. Additionally, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to directly visualize the bile ducts and obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination. Ultimately, a combination of clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis of Opisthorchiasis and guide appropriate treatment.

💊  Treatment & Recovery

Treatment for Opisthorchiasis, caused by the parasite Opisthorchis viverrini, typically involves the use of medications such as praziquantel or albendazole. These drugs work by killing the adult worms in the infected individual. In some cases, a combination of medications may be necessary to effectively treat the infection.

In addition to medications, supportive therapy may also be provided to individuals with Opisthorchiasis. This may include pain management for symptoms such as abdominal pain and fatigue. In severe cases, treatment to manage complications such as bile duct obstruction may be necessary.

Recovery from Opisthorchiasis is typically successful with prompt and appropriate treatment. In most cases, individuals experience a complete resolution of symptoms and eradication of the parasite from the body. However, regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to monitor for any potential recurrence of infection or complications from the initial infection. It is important for individuals to adhere to their treatment plan and follow any recommendations provided by their healthcare provider to ensure a full recovery.

🌎  Prevalence & Risk

In the United States, Opisthorchiasis is considered a rare infection, with sporadic cases reported primarily among immigrants from endemic regions such as Southeast Asia. Due to the limited availability of data on this disease in the US, the prevalence is difficult to estimate accurately. However, it is generally believed to be low compared to other regions where Opisthorchiasis is endemic.

In Europe, Opisthorchiasis is predominantly found in Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, where the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish is a common practice. The prevalence of this parasitic infection is relatively higher in these regions compared to Western European countries. Surveillance and control programs have been implemented in some areas to reduce the transmission of Opisthorchiasis among at-risk populations.

In Asia, particularly in regions such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Laos, Opisthorchiasis is a major public health concern. The prevalence of this parasitic infection is high due to cultural practices like the consumption of raw fish dishes, which increases the risk of transmission. Efforts to control Opisthorchiasis in Asia include health education campaigns, improved sanitation, and the promotion of safe food preparation practices.

In Africa, the prevalence of Opisthorchiasis is relatively low compared to other regions where the disease is endemic. Limited data are available on the burden of Opisthorchiasis in African countries, but sporadic cases have been reported among travelers returning from endemic areas. The risk of Opisthorchiasis transmission in Africa is generally considered to be low, primarily due to differences in cultural practices related to food consumption.

😷  Prevention

Opisthorchiasis, caused by the parasite Opisthorchis viverrini, is a disease primarily affecting the liver and bile ducts. Preventing this disease involves addressing the root cause of infection, which is the consumption of raw or undercooked fish that may be infected with the parasite. One key preventive measure is to ensure that fish is thoroughly cooked before consumption. Proper cooking temperatures can effectively kill the parasite and reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked fish from endemic areas can lower the risk of opisthorchiasis.

Another way to prevent opisthorchiasis is to improve sanitary practices related to food preparation and handling. Ensuring that food is stored, prepared, and cooked in hygienic conditions can help prevent contamination with the parasite. Proper handwashing before and after handling food, particularly fish, is important to reduce the spread of infection. Educating individuals in endemic areas about the risks of opisthorchiasis and ways to prevent infection can also be an effective strategy in controlling the disease.

In regions where opisthorchiasis is endemic, public health interventions such as mass treatment campaigns and health education programs can play a crucial role in preventing the spread of the disease. Implementing regular screening and treatment programs for populations at high risk of infection, such as individuals living in endemic areas or engaging in high-risk behaviors, can help reduce the prevalence of opisthorchiasis. Engaging in community-based efforts to improve sanitation, access to clean water, and health education can further contribute to preventing the transmission of Opisthorchis viverrini and reducing the burden of opisthorchiasis in affected populations.

Opisthorchiasis (1F84) is a parasitic disease caused by the liver flukes of the genus Opisthorchis. This disease primarily affects the liver and bile ducts and is commonly acquired through the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish infected with the parasite. The World Health Organization considers opisthorchiasis a neglected tropical disease that is endemic in parts of Southeast Asia and eastern Europe.

A similar disease to opisthorchiasis is schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia. Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Like opisthorchiasis, schistosomiasis is acquired through exposure to contaminated freshwater sources. Symptoms of schistosomiasis can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the urine, and if left untreated, the disease can lead to severe organ damage.

Another disease that shares similarities with opisthorchiasis is fascioliasis, caused by liver flukes of the genus Fasciola. Fascioliasis is acquired through the consumption of contaminated watercress or other aquatic plants containing the parasite’s cysts. Symptoms of fascioliasis can include abdominal pain, fever, and liver enlargement. Treatment for fascioliasis typically involves the use of antiparasitic medications to eliminate the infection.

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