Find comprehensive information on Type A Aortic Dissection diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 code I71.0), symptoms, treatment, and risk factors. Learn about acute aortic syndrome, ascending aortic dissection, and DeBakey Type I and II classifications. This resource provides healthcare professionals with essential information for accurate diagnosis and coding of Type A Aortic Dissection in medical records.
Also known as
Aortic dissection involving ascending aorta
Dissection originating in ascending aorta, may extend.
Aortic dissection involving descending aorta
Dissection originating in descending aorta.
Aortic dissection involving ascending and descending aorta
Dissection involving both ascending and descending aorta.
Other specified aortic dissections
Aortic dissections not classified elsewhere.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the aortic dissection Type A (involves ascending aorta)?
Yes
Is there acute dissection?
No
Is the dissection Type B (involves descending aorta)?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Type A Aortic Dissection |
| Type B Aortic Dissection |
| Intramural Hematoma |
Coding I71.0 (Aortic dissection, unspecified site) when imaging specifies the location (e.g., ascending, descending) leads to lower reimbursement and data inaccuracy.
Incorrectly coding acute (I71.0x) versus chronic (I71.1) dissection based on documentation can impact severity scores and quality metrics.
Failing to capture complications like cardiac tamponade (I31.2) or rupture (I71.3) with specific codes leads to underreporting severity and resource utilization.
Patient presents with acute onset of severe, ripping, tearing chest pain radiating to the back, consistent with a suspected Type A aortic dissection. Symptoms onset was approximately [time] prior to presentation. Associated symptoms include [document present symptoms such as dyspnea, diaphoresis, syncope, nausea, vomiting, altered mental status, pulse deficits, neurologic deficits]. Past medical history includes [list relevant medical history, including hypertension, Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner syndrome, family history of aortic disease, prior cardiac surgery, pregnancy]. Physical exam reveals [document vital signs including blood pressure discrepancies between arms, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation; note cardiac auscultation findings such as murmurs, pericardial friction rub; neurologic exam findings]. Electrocardiogram shows [ECG findings, e.g., nonspecific ST-T wave changes, left ventricular hypertrophy]. Chest radiograph demonstrates [CXR findings, e.g., widened mediastinum]. A presumptive diagnosis of Type A aortic dissection is made based on clinical presentation and initial imaging findings. Stat computed tomography angiography of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast is ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the dissection. Patient is being stabilized with intravenous access, pain management with morphine sulfate, and beta-blocker therapy to reduce heart rate and blood pressure. Cardiothoracic surgery consultation is obtained for emergent surgical intervention. Differential diagnosis includes acute coronary syndrome, pericarditis, pulmonary embolism, esophageal rupture. ICD-10 code I71.01 (Type A aortic dissection involving ascending aorta) is assigned. Treatment plan includes immediate surgical repair of the ascending aorta. Prognosis and potential complications including stroke, paraplegia, renal failure, and death are discussed with the patient and family. Continued monitoring for hemodynamic stability and neurologic status is essential.