ICD-10: M02.379

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that typically arises following an infection, particularly in the urogenital or gastrointestinal tract. The ICD-10-CM code M02.379 specifically refers to Reiter's disease affecting the ankle and foot, but without further specification regarding the exact nature or severity of the condition.

Clinical Description of Reiter's Disease

Definition and Etiology

Reiter's disease is characterized by a triad of symptoms: arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. However, not all patients exhibit all three symptoms. The condition is often triggered by infections, particularly those caused by bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis or Salmonella, leading to an autoimmune response that results in joint inflammation.

Symptoms

Patients with Reiter's disease may experience:
- Joint Pain and Swelling: Typically affects the lower extremities, including the ankles and feet, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, which may present as painful urination or discharge.
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eye, causing redness and discomfort.
- Skin Manifestations: Some patients may develop skin rashes or lesions, particularly on the soles of the feet or palms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Reiter's disease is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history of preceding infections and the presence of characteristic symptoms. Laboratory tests may be conducted to rule out other forms of arthritis and to identify any underlying infections. The presence of HLA-B27 antigen is also commonly associated with the disease, although not definitive for diagnosis.

Treatment

Management of Reiter's disease focuses on alleviating symptoms and addressing the underlying infection if present. Treatment options may include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): To reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroids: In cases of severe inflammation.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): For chronic cases that do not respond to NSAIDs.
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is identified as the trigger.

ICD-10-CM Code M02.379

The ICD-10-CM code M02.379 is used for billing and coding purposes to classify Reiter's disease when it is unspecified in terms of the specific joint involvement or severity. This code falls under the broader category of inflammatory arthropathies and is essential for healthcare providers to document the condition accurately for treatment and insurance reimbursement.

Related Codes

• M02.37: Reiter's disease, ankle and foot (specific).
• M02.39: Reiter's disease, unspecified site.

Conclusion

Reiter's disease, classified under ICD-10-CM code M02.379, represents a significant inflammatory condition that can lead to joint pain and dysfunction, particularly in the ankle and foot. Understanding the clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options is crucial for effective management of this condition. Accurate coding is essential for proper healthcare documentation and reimbursement processes.

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can occur following an infection, particularly in the urogenital or gastrointestinal tract. The ICD-10 code M02.379 specifically refers to Reiter's disease affecting unspecified sites in the ankle and foot. Below is a detailed overview of the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition.

Clinical Presentation

Reiter's disease typically presents with a combination of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis, although not all symptoms may be present in every patient. The onset of symptoms often follows a triggering infection, which can lead to the following clinical features:

Signs and Symptoms

1. Arthritis:
   - Joint Pain and Swelling: Patients often experience pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected joints, particularly in the ankles and feet. The pain may be asymmetric and can affect one or multiple joints.
   - Morning Stiffness: Patients may report stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

2. Enthesitis:
   - Inflammation at the sites where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone can occur, leading to pain in areas such as the heel (Achilles tendonitis) or the plantar fascia.

3. Dactylitis:
   - This condition may present as "sausage digits," where fingers or toes become swollen and painful.

4. Skin Manifestations:
   - Some patients may develop skin lesions, such as keratoderma blennorrhagicum, which are scaly, red-brown patches on the palms and soles.

5. Urethritis:
   - Symptoms may include painful urination, discharge, or increased frequency of urination, particularly in males.

6. Conjunctivitis:
   - Eye symptoms can include redness, irritation, and discharge, although these are less common.

Patient Characteristics

• Demographics: Reiter's disease is more prevalent in young adults, particularly males aged 20 to 40 years. However, it can occur in individuals of any age and gender.
• History of Infection: A significant number of patients report a history of a preceding infection, often involving Chlamydia trachomatis or gastrointestinal pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter.
• Genetic Factors: The presence of the HLA-B27 antigen is associated with a higher risk of developing Reiter's disease, although not all individuals with this antigen will develop the condition.
• Comorbidities: Patients may have a history of other autoimmune conditions or inflammatory diseases, which can complicate the clinical picture.

Conclusion

Reiter's disease (ICD-10 code M02.379) is characterized by a triad of symptoms including arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis, with a particular focus on the involvement of the ankle and foot. The clinical presentation can vary widely among patients, and the condition is often triggered by a preceding infection. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this inflammatory arthritis. Early recognition and treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage.

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, often triggered by an infection in another part of the body. The ICD-10 code M02.379 specifically refers to Reiter's disease affecting unspecified sites in the ankle and foot. Here are some alternative names and related terms associated with this condition:

Alternative Names for Reiter's Disease

1. Reactive Arthritis: This is the most commonly used term for Reiter's disease, emphasizing its reactive nature following an infection.
2. Post-Infectious Arthritis: This term highlights the condition's association with prior infections, particularly genitourinary or gastrointestinal infections.
3. Reiter's Syndrome: This term is often used interchangeably with Reiter's disease, although it can sometimes refer to a broader set of symptoms, including urethritis and conjunctivitis.
4. Urethritis-Associated Arthritis: This name reflects the common association of Reiter's disease with urethritis, particularly in males.

Related Terms

1. Spondyloarthritis: Reiter's disease is classified under the umbrella of spondyloarthritis, a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases that primarily affect the spine and the joints.
2. Enthesitis: This term refers to inflammation at the sites where tendons or ligaments attach to bone, which can be a feature of Reiter's disease.
3. Dactylitis: This term describes the inflammation of an entire digit (finger or toe), which can occur in patients with Reiter's disease.
4. HLA-B27 Positive: Many individuals with Reiter's disease test positive for the HLA-B27 antigen, which is associated with various autoimmune conditions.

Conclusion

Understanding the alternative names and related terms for ICD-10 code M02.379 can enhance communication among healthcare providers and improve patient education. Recognizing these terms can also aid in the diagnosis and management of the condition, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their specific symptoms and underlying causes. If you have further questions or need more detailed information about Reiter's disease, feel free to ask!

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is characterized by a triad of symptoms: arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. The ICD-10 code M02.379 specifically refers to Reiter's disease affecting the unspecified ankle and foot. To diagnose this condition, healthcare providers typically follow a set of clinical criteria and guidelines.

Diagnostic Criteria for Reiter's Disease (M02.379)

1. Clinical Symptoms

The diagnosis of Reiter's disease is primarily based on the presence of the following clinical symptoms:

• Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, often presenting as pain, swelling, and stiffness. In the case of M02.379, the focus is on the ankle and foot joints.
• Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, which may manifest as painful urination or discharge.
• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, leading to redness, irritation, and discharge from the eyes.

2. Recent Infection History

A key aspect of diagnosing Reiter's disease is the identification of a preceding infection, typically of the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract. Common infectious agents include:

• Chlamydia trachomatis: Often associated with urethritis.
• Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter: Bacterial infections that can lead to reactive arthritis following gastrointestinal symptoms.

3. Exclusion of Other Conditions

To confirm a diagnosis of Reiter's disease, it is essential to rule out other forms of arthritis or conditions that may present similarly. This may involve:

• Laboratory Tests: Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation (e.g., ESR, CRP) and to rule out other autoimmune diseases.
• Joint Aspiration: Analyzing synovial fluid from the affected joint to exclude infections or other types of arthritis.

4. Imaging Studies

Imaging techniques, such as X-rays or MRI, may be utilized to assess joint damage or inflammation, particularly in chronic cases where structural changes are suspected.

5. Serological Testing

While not always definitive, serological tests for HLA-B27 antigen may be performed, as a significant percentage of patients with Reiter's disease test positive for this antigen.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of Reiter's disease (ICD-10 code M02.379) involves a comprehensive evaluation of clinical symptoms, recent infection history, exclusion of other conditions, and possibly imaging and serological tests. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment of the condition, which may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.

Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can occur following an infection, particularly in the urogenital or gastrointestinal tract. The ICD-10 code M02.379 specifically refers to Reiter's disease affecting unspecified sites in the ankle and foot. Here, we will explore standard treatment approaches for this condition, focusing on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies.

Overview of Reiter's Disease

Reiter's disease is characterized by a triad of symptoms: arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. However, not all patients exhibit all three symptoms. The condition is often triggered by infections, and it can lead to significant joint pain and swelling, particularly in the lower extremities, including the ankles and feet[1].

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Pharmacological Treatments

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are typically the first line of treatment for managing pain and inflammation associated with Reiter's disease. Commonly used NSAIDs include:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Diclofenac

These medications help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, allowing patients to maintain mobility and function[2].

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

In cases where NSAIDs are insufficient, or if the disease is more severe, DMARDs may be prescribed. These medications can help slow disease progression and prevent joint damage. Common DMARDs include:
- Methotrexate
- Sulfasalazine

These drugs are particularly useful for patients with chronic symptoms or those who do not respond adequately to NSAIDs[3].

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids may be used for short-term management of severe inflammation. They can be administered orally or via injection directly into the affected joints. However, long-term use is generally avoided due to potential side effects[4].

2. Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of patients with Reiter's disease. A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to improve joint function, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall mobility. Stretching and strengthening exercises are particularly beneficial for maintaining joint health[5].

Lifestyle Modifications

Patients are encouraged to adopt lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms, including:
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints.
- Regular Exercise: Low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling can help maintain joint function without exacerbating pain.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat can help relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold packs can reduce swelling and numb pain[6].

3. Management of Underlying Infections

Since Reiter's disease is often triggered by infections, addressing any underlying infections is crucial. This may involve:
- Antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections.
- Monitoring and managing any urogenital or gastrointestinal issues that may contribute to the condition[7].

Conclusion

The management of Reiter's disease, particularly when affecting the ankle and foot, involves a comprehensive approach that includes pharmacological treatments, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Early intervention and a tailored treatment plan can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers is essential to monitor the condition and adjust treatment as necessary. If symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be warranted to rule out other underlying conditions.

For patients experiencing symptoms consistent with Reiter's disease, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.