ICD-11 Codes
for LA02.00 - Myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Documentation and Coding Considerations

The ICD-11 code for Myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus is LA02.00. This specific code is essential for accurate medical billing and documentation. Healthcare providers should ensure that all relevant clinical details, including the presence of hydrocephalus and the extent of neurological impairment, are thoroughly documented to support the use of this ICD-11 diagnosis. This condition is reportable and requires precise coding for health records and statistical purposes.

Synonyms and Alternative Terms

This condition, identified by the ICD-11 code LA02.00, is also commonly referred to as meningomyelocele with hydrocephalus. Other clinical synonyms include total spina bifida cystica with hydrocephalus, thoracolumbosacral spina bifida cystica with hydrocephalus, and lumbosacral spina bifida cystica with hydrocephalus. Patient-friendly terms may include 'split spine with fluid on the brain'.

How the Condition is Diagnosed

The diagnosis of myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus (ICD-11 code LA02.00) can often be made during pregnancy. Prenatal detection may follow an abnormal maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening test, typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of gestation. Further confirmation can be achieved through imaging studies such as fetal ultrasound during pregnancy. Postnatal diagnosis is usually confirmed with imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans of the brain and spinal cord.

Clinical Overview of the Condition

Myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus, classified under ICD-11 code LA02.00, represents the most severe form of spina bifida. This complex birth defect occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not form correctly during antenatal development, leading to nerve damage and the protrusion of spinal cord elements. A common and significant complication is hydrocephalus, characterised by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus (ICD-11 code LA02.00) is the failure of the neural tube to close completely during early fetal development. While the exact cause is not fully understood, both genetic predispositions and environmental factors are believed to contribute. A significant risk factor identified is low maternal folic acid levels during early pregnancy, which is known to increase the risk of neural tube defects.

Treatment and Management Considerations

Management of myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus (ICD-11 code LA02.00) is comprehensive and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment typically involves surgical repair of the spinal defect, which can be performed prenatally or shortly after birth. Management of hydrocephalus is crucial and may involve the insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to relieve pressure. Ongoing care focuses on addressing paralysis, sensory loss, bowel and bladder dysfunction, orthopedic issues, and potential cognitive or behavioural challenges.

Common Symptoms and Presentation

Individuals diagnosed with myelomeningocele with hydrocephalus (ICD-11 code LA02.00) may present with a range of neurological effects. These can include nerve damage resulting in decreased sensation below the spinal opening, reduced movement in the legs, and loss of bladder and bowel control. Hydrocephalus can manifest with symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, blurry vision, and balance problems. Other potential complications include syringomyelia, hip dislocation, meningitis, and cognitive or mental impairment.