I71.02 Dissection of abdominal aorta

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Dissection of Abdominal Aorta
- Technical term: Aortic dissection in the abdominal region

#### Summary
- Dissection of the abdominal aorta is a serious condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, the major blood vessel branching off the heart. This can cause blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, leading to severe complications.

#### Causes
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Genetic conditions affecting connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome.
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Trauma or injury to the chest area.
- Bicuspid aortic valve or other congenital heart defects.

#### Risk Factors
- Older age, particularly over 60.
- Male gender.
- Family history of aortic dissection.
- Uncontrolled hypertension.
- Use of stimulant drugs, such as cocaine.

#### Symptoms
- Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain.
- Pain that feels like tearing or ripping.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Rapid pulse.
- Shortness of breath.

#### Diagnosis
- Computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the aorta.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) for close assessment.
- Physical examination and patient history assessment.

#### Treatment Options
- Medications to lower blood pressure and reduce heart rate, easing stress on the aorta (e.g., beta-blockers).
- Surgical intervention to repair or replace the damaged section of the aorta.
- Endovascular stent grafting as a less invasive procedure.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes significantly.
- Regular follow-ups with imaging tests to monitor the condition.
- Lifelong management of blood pressure and lifestyle adjustments.

#### Complications
- Rupture of the dissection leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Organ damage due to interrupted blood supply.
- Chronic pain or aortic enlargement.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintain healthy blood pressure through diet, regular exercise, and medication.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- Routine medical evaluations, especially for those with known risk factors.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Experience sudden, intense, and sharp chest or abdominal pain.
- Notice symptoms of stroke such as numbness or difficulty speaking.
- Have fainting episodes or extreme dizziness.

#### Additional Resources
- American Heart Association: [heart.org](https://www.heart.org)
- National Institutes of Health: [nhlbi.nih.gov](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov)
- Marfan Foundation: [marfan.org](https://www.marfan.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the precise location "abdominal aorta" is documented to use code I71.02.
- Verify if additional conditions, such as hypertension, are involved and coded separately.
- Avoid confusion with other aortic conditions by confirming with imaging reports.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Dissection of abdominal aorta

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