Dieulafoy lesion of intestine

This code identifies a Dieulafoy lesion specifically located within the small or large intestine, beyond the duodenum. A Dieulafoy lesion is a rare vascular anomaly characterized by an abnormally large, tortuous arteriole that erodes through the intestinal mucosa, leading to potentially severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a Dieulafoy lesion as the cause of intestinal bleeding, and its location is definitively identified as distal to the duodenum (e.g., jejunum, ileum, colon, rectum). This diagnosis is typically made via endoscopy (e.g., colonoscopy, enteroscopy) or angiography.

• Ensure the documentation specifies an intestinal location other than the stomach or duodenum to differentiate from K31.82.
• Code any associated gastrointestinal hemorrhage separately if documented and not inherent to the lesion's diagnosis.
• Review operative reports or endoscopy findings for precise anatomical location to ensure correct code assignment.