Diffuse acute (reversible) ischemia of small intestine

This code signifies a widespread, sudden onset of insufficient blood flow to the small intestine that is potentially reversible. This condition typically results in cellular injury due to oxygen deprivation, but without permanent tissue death (infarction) at the time of diagnosis. It represents an acute, non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia affecting the entire small bowel.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates diffuse, acute, and reversible ischemia of the small intestine, often presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This diagnosis is supported by imaging studies (e.g., CT angiography) showing widespread hypoperfusion without evidence of arterial or venous occlusion, and clinical signs suggesting potential for recovery. Use when there is no evidence of necrosis or infarction.

• Differentiate carefully from K55.011 (focal acute reversible ischemia) and K55.02 (acute infarction), as this code specifies diffuse involvement and reversibility.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "diffuse" and "reversible" or "non-infarcted" to support this specific code.
• Consider sequencing this code as a principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it complicates another condition.