ICD 10 CM M54.0 | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 M54.0 describes a medical condition characterized by the presence of painful, firm nodules or patches under the skin, accompanied by darkening of the skin, resulting from inflammation of the underlying fatty tissues caused by various factors such as bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune inflammatory disease, medications, and certain types of cancer, affecting regions of the neck and back.

Official Description Of M54.0

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code M54.0 as:

Clinical Information

The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM M54.0 code refers to a condition called panniculitis. This medical condition is characterized by the presence of painful nodules located beneath the skin. However, there are other symptoms that a patient with panniculitis can experience. These symptoms may include joint pain, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

Panniculitis can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities, but women seem to be more prone to develop it. The causes of this condition can be diverse and may include infections, autoimmune diseases, malignancies, or side effects caused by certain medications. For this reason, identifying the underlying cause of panniculitis is crucial to find proper treatment.

To diagnose panniculitis, healthcare providers rely mainly on a detailed patient history and a comprehensive physical examination. During the evaluation, the doctor may request additional tests such as blood or imaging studies to determine the possible cause of the condition or assess the severity of the symptoms.

The good news is that panniculitis can disappear on its own in some cases. However, when the symptoms are persistent, and conservative treatments such as rest or over-the-counter painkillers do not work, specific treatment options may be necessary.

The treatment for panniculitis will depend on the cause of the condition. For example, when bacteria or viruses cause it, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed. Similarly, if an autoimmune process triggers panniculitis, treating the underlying autoimmune disease may improve the symptoms. In some cases, corticosteroids, which are medications known for their anti-inflammatory properties, may be prescribed to treat panniculitis.

Surgical removal of the affected skin patches is an alternative treatment option in rare situations where the affected areas do not respond to other treatments.

In conclusion, panniculitis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of painful nodules located under the skin, accompanied by other severe symptoms. The diagnosis is made by a medical provider based on the patient’s medical history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests when needed. Proper treatment of panniculitis depends mainly on identifying the underlying causes and may include medications or surgery. Seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms of panniculitis to get the proper diagnosis and treatment.