ICD-10 Code A52.04 – Syphilitic cerebral arteritis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A52.04 – Syphilitic cerebral arteritis
What it is
This code identifies cerebral arteritis caused by syphilis, meaning inflammation of brain arteries due to Treponema pallidum infection. Use it when the record specifically links syphilis to arteritis affecting the cerebral vessels.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Patients may have neurologic deficits from cerebral vessel inflammation, and the diagnosis is usually supported by evidence of syphilis with involvement of the brain arteries.
When to use this code
Use A52.04 when the provider documents syphilitic arteritis of the cerebral circulation, including neurosyphilis with vascular involvement. Code it only when the cerebral arteritis is clearly attributed to syphilis in the chart.
If the note mentions syphilis but not cerebral arteritis, or describes another neurologic syphilis manifestation, choose the documented condition instead. Check documentation for the exact anatomic site and causal relationship.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for non-syphilitic stroke, generic vasculitis, or unspecified neurosyphilis without cerebral arteritis. Also avoid it when arteritis is documented in another vessel territory.
Coding tip
Confirm both the syphilis diagnosis and the cerebral artery involvement before assigning A52.04.