Dissection of other specified artery

This code identifies a spontaneous or traumatic tear in the inner layer of an artery, other than the aorta or carotid, leading to blood flowing between the layers and creating a false lumen. This dissection can compromise blood flow to distal tissues and organs, potentially causing ischemia or aneurysm formation.

Use this code for documented arterial dissections affecting vessels such as the renal, mesenteric, vertebral, or peripheral arteries. Documentation should clearly specify the affected artery and confirm the presence of a dissection. This code is appropriate when the dissection is not explicitly classified elsewhere.

• Ensure the documentation specifies an artery other than the aorta (I71.-) or carotid (I77.71-I77.72).
• Always review imaging reports (e.g., CTA, MRA, angiography) for definitive diagnosis and location of the dissection.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis when the dissection is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis when it's a co-morbidity impacting treatment.