A50.54

What This Code Means

This is a heart and blood vessel infection caused by syphilis that was passed from mother to baby before birth and is now showing up later in childhood or adulthood. The infection damages the heart structures and major blood vessels.

Coding Tips

• •This code is used only for cardiovascular manifestations of late congenital syphilis (typically appearing after age 2); ensure the syphilis is confirmed as congenital and not acquired
• •Do not use this code for early congenital syphilis (before age 2) or for acquired syphilis; verify documentation clearly states 'late congenital' and specifies cardiovascular involvement