Find information on thoracic aortic ectasia, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (I77.81, I71.4), medical coding guidelines, and diagnostic criteria. Learn about aortic aneurysm, dilated aorta, thoracic aorta dilation, and aortic root enlargement related to thoracic aortic ectasia. This resource provides healthcare professionals with essential information for accurate diagnosis and coding of this condition.
Also known as
Thoracic aortic ectasia
Localized or diffuse dilation of the thoracic aorta.
Aneurysm of thoracic aorta
A permanent localized dilation of the thoracic aorta.
Other specified disorders of arteries
Includes other specified arterial conditions not classified elsewhere.
Congenital malformation of aorta
Includes congenital structural abnormalities of the aorta.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the thoracic aortic ectasia related to a connective tissue disorder?
Yes
Specify connective tissue disorder
No
Is it due to syphilis?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Thoracic Aortic Ectasia |
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm |
Aortic Dissection |
Coding thoracic aortic ectasia without specifying the affected segment (ascending, arch, descending) leads to inaccurate documentation and claims.
Confusing ectasia (dilation) with aneurysm (localized dilation) can result in incorrect coding, affecting severity and reimbursement.
Missing imaging reports or clinical findings confirming the diagnosis of thoracic aortic ectasia can cause coding and auditing issues.
Patient presents with concerns regarding thoracic aortic ectasia. Review of systems reveals patient reported symptoms including chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, and in some instances, dysphagia. Patient denies any history of Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, or other known connective tissue disorders. Family history is significant for hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Physical examination reveals normal heart sounds and no palpable pulsatile mass. Imaging studies including a CT angiogram of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast demonstrate a dilated ascending aorta measuring [measurement] cm, consistent with thoracic aortic ectasia. The aortic root, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta are within normal limits. No evidence of aortic dissection, aneurysm, or rupture is observed. Differential diagnosis includes aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, and other causes of aortic dilatation. Assessment includes thoracic aortic ectasia, likely related to hypertension and family history of cardiovascular disease. Plan includes blood pressure management with [medication name and dosage], regular monitoring of aortic size with serial CT or MRI imaging every [time interval], lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation and cardiac rehabilitation, and patient education regarding the signs and symptoms of aortic dissection. Patient was counseled on the importance of medication adherence and follow-up appointments. ICD-10 code I77.81, Other specified disorders of aorta, is documented for billing and coding purposes. The patient demonstrates understanding of the treatment plan and acknowledges the potential risks and benefits of continued surveillance versus surgical intervention should the ectasia progress.