Gangrene and necrosis of lung

This code signifies the irreversible death of lung tissue due to insufficient blood supply (gangrene) or cellular breakdown (necrosis). It represents a severe, often life-threatening, pulmonary condition characterized by tissue decay within the lung parenchyma.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states gangrene or necrosis of the lung, often as a complication of severe pneumonia, aspiration, or pulmonary embolism. Supporting documentation should include pathology reports confirming tissue death or physician notes detailing the clinical diagnosis of lung gangrene/necrosis.

• Differentiate from lung abscess (J85.2) unless gangrene/necrosis is explicitly documented as the primary pathology.
• Always code the underlying cause of the gangrene/necrosis first, if known and documented (e.g., pneumonia, embolism).
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between localized necrosis and widespread gangrene for accurate clinical representation.