Understanding Elevated Eosinophils, Eosinophilia, and Hypereosinophilia: This resource provides information on diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for elevated eosinophil counts. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment options related to eosinophilia and hypereosinophilia. Find relevant healthcare information, medical terminology, and coding guidelines for accurate documentation and improved patient care.
Also known as
Eosinophilia
Increased number of eosinophils in the blood.
Eosinophilic panniculitis
Inflammation of subcutaneous fat tissue with eosinophils.
Other specified abnormal findings of blood chemistry
Can be used for eosinophilia if other codes are not applicable.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is eosinophilia due to a drug?
Yes
Code as adverse effect of the drug causing the eosinophilia (e.g., T45.1X5A).
No
Is eosinophilia due to a parasitic infection?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| High eosinophil count in blood. |
| Lung inflammation with high eosinophils. |
| Heart muscle inflammation with eosinophils. |
Coding eosinophilia without specifying underlying cause or reactive vs. clonal nature leads to inaccurate severity and treatment reflection.
Failing to document drug-induced eosinophilia can result in incorrect coding and hinder pharmacovigilance efforts for adverse drug reactions.
Misclassifying reactive eosinophilia (e.g., to allergy) as clonal (e.g., hypereosinophilic syndrome) impacts treatment and prognosis coding.
Q: What is the differential diagnosis for persistent eosinophilia in adults, and how should I approach the workup?
A: Persistent eosinophilia (eosinophil count >1500/µL for more than six months) in adults requires a systematic workup to determine the underlying cause. The differential diagnosis is broad, encompassing primary hematologic disorders (e.g., hypereosinophilic syndrome, chronic eosinophilic leukemia), allergic conditions (e.g., asthma, drug reactions, atopic dermatitis), parasitic infections (e.g., strongyloidiasis, ascariasis), autoimmune diseases (e.g., Churg-Strauss syndrome, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis), and certain malignancies (e.g., Hodgkin lymphoma). The initial workup should include a thorough history and physical examination, complete blood count with differential, stool examination for ova and parasites (often multiple times), and serum IgE levels. Further investigations, such as bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies, allergy testing, and autoimmune panels, should be guided by clinical suspicion. Consider implementing a stepwise approach based on the patient's presentation and initial laboratory findings. Explore how specific diagnostic algorithms can help streamline the evaluation of eosinophilia. Learn more about the latest recommendations for managing hypereosinophilic syndromes.
Q: How can I distinguish between reactive eosinophilia and primary hypereosinophilic syndromes in a patient with marked eosinophilia?
A: Distinguishing between reactive eosinophilia and primary hypereosinophilic syndromes (HES) can be challenging, especially in patients with marked eosinophilia. Reactive eosinophilia is typically secondary to a known cause, such as an allergic reaction, parasitic infection, or drug exposure, and resolves once the underlying trigger is removed. In contrast, HES is characterized by persistent eosinophilia without an identifiable secondary cause, along with evidence of end-organ damage (e.g., cardiac, pulmonary, or gastrointestinal). Key differentiating factors include the duration and severity of eosinophilia, presence of organ involvement, and findings from bone marrow examination. In HES, the bone marrow often reveals an increase in eosinophil precursors and may show evidence of clonality. Genetic testing can further help identify specific mutations associated with HES, such as mutations in the PDGFRα or PDGFRβ genes. Explore how molecular diagnostics can contribute to the diagnosis and management of eosinophilic disorders. Consider implementing genetic testing in patients with suspected HES to guide treatment decisions. Learn more about the clinical manifestations and diagnostic criteria for hypereosinophilic syndromes.
Patient presents with elevated eosinophil count (eosinophilia, hypereosinophilia) noted on complete blood count (CBC) during routine examination or workup for [insert presenting symptoms, e.g., fatigue, cough, rash, abdominal pain]. The absolute eosinophil count is [insert value] cells/µL (reference range: [insert lab reference range]). Differential diagnosis for eosinophilia includes allergic reactions, parasitic infections, drug hypersensitivity, autoimmune disorders, hematologic malignancies, and idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. Review of systems reveals [list pertinent positive and negative findings]. Physical examination reveals [document relevant findings]. Current medications include [list current medications]. Allergies documented as [list allergies]. Past medical history is significant for [list pertinent medical history]. Family history is notable for [list pertinent family history]. Assessment: Elevated eosinophils. Plan: Further investigations to determine underlying etiology of eosinophilia are warranted. These may include stool studies for ova and parasites, allergy testing, autoimmune panels, bone marrow biopsy if clinically indicated, and consultation with hematology if deemed necessary. Treatment will be directed toward the underlying cause once identified. Patient education provided on the significance of eosinophilia and potential causes. Follow-up scheduled in [duration] to review results and discuss further management. ICD-10 code: [insert relevant ICD-10 code, e.g., D72.1 for Eosinophilia].