Specific code 2015 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code 331.81
Reye's syndrome
  • 2015
  • Billable Thru Sept 30/2015
  • Non-Billable On/After Oct 1/2015
  • Pediatric Only Dx (0-17 years)

  • ICD-9-CM 331.81 is a billable medical code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim, however, 331.81 should only be used for claims with a date of service on or before September 30, 2015. For claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015, use an equivalent ICD-10-CM code (or codes).
Convert to ICD-10-CM: 331.81 converts directly to:
  • 2015/16 ICD-10-CM G93.7 Reye's syndrome
Approximate Synonyms
  • Reyes syndrome
Clinical Information
  • A form of encephalopathy with fatty infiltration of the liver, characterized by brain edema and vomiting that may rapidly progress to seizures; coma; and death. It is caused by a generalized loss of mitochondrial function leading to disturbances in fatty acid and carnitine metabolism
  • A rare disease that damages the brain and liver and causes death if not treated. It occurs most often in children younger than 15 years who have had a fever-causing virus, such as chickenpox or flu. Taking aspirin during a viral illness may increase the risk of reye syndrome
  • An acute and potentially fatal metabolic disorder characterized by cerebral edema, fatty liver and hypoglycemia. It occurs primarily in children and has been associated with the use of aspirin for the treatment of viral infections. However, it can also occur in the absence of aspirin use
  • Rare, acute, sometimes fatal disease of childhood, most often occurring as a sequel of varicella or a viral upper respiratory infection of childhood; marked by recurrent vomiting and elevated serum transaminase levels with distinctive changes in the liver and other viscera; an encephalopathic phase with acute brain swelling disturbances of consciousness and seizures may follow
  • Reye syndrome is a rare illness that can affect the blood, liver and brain of someone who recently had a viral infection. It always follows another illness. Although it mostly affects children and teens, anyone can get it. It can develop quickly and without warning. It is most common during flu season. Symptoms include
    • nausea and vomiting
    • listlessness
    • personality change - such as irritability, combativeness or confusion
    • delirium
    • convulsions
    • loss of consciousness
    if these symptoms occur soon after a viral illness, seek medical attention immediately. Reye syndrome can lead to a coma and brain death, so quick diagnosis and treatment are critical. Treatment focuses on preventing brain damage. There is no cure.the cause of reye syndrome is unknown. However, studies have shown that taking aspirin increases the risk of getting it. Because of that, health care professionals now recommend other pain relievers for young patients
ICD-9-CM Coding Information
  • 331.81 is only applicable to pediatric patients aged 0 - 17 years inclusive.
ICD-9-CM Volume 2 Index entries containing back-references to 331.81:
  • Reye's syndrome 331.81
  • Syndrome - see also Disease
    • Reye's 331.81
ICD-9-CM codes are used in medical billing and coding to describe diseases, injuries, symptoms and conditions. ICD-9-CM 331.81 is one of thousands of ICD-9-CM codes used in healthcare. Although ICD-9-CM and CPT codes are largely numeric, they differ in that CPT codes describe medical procedures and services. Can't find a code? Start at the root of ICD-9-CM, check the 2015 ICD-9-CM Index or use the search engine at the top of this page to lookup any code.