Other cereb infrc due to occls or stenosis of small artery

This code signifies a cerebral infarction (stroke) caused by a blockage or narrowing of a small artery within the brain, excluding lacunar infarcts. It represents an ischemic event affecting smaller vessels, leading to brain tissue damage.

Use this code when documentation specifies a cerebral infarction due to small artery occlusion or stenosis, and the infarct is not explicitly described as lacunar. This diagnosis requires imaging evidence (e.g., MRI, CT) confirming an acute or subacute infarct and a clinical presentation consistent with stroke.

• Differentiate carefully from I63.82 (lacunar infarction), as this code applies to other small artery occlusions.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "small artery" involvement and rules out larger vessel or embolic sources.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis for an acute stroke event, followed by codes for any associated neurological deficits or sequelae.