I74.01 Saddle embolus of abdominal aorta

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta
- Medical term: Aortic saddle embolism

#### Summary
- A saddle embolus of the abdominal aorta is a blockage caused by an embolus that lodges at the bifurcation of the aorta, potentially leading to significant interruption of blood flow to the lower body, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

#### Causes
- Emboli can originate from thrombosis (blood clots), often from the heart in patients with atrial fibrillation, or atheromatous plaques dislodged from the aorta or major blood vessels.

#### Risk Factors
- Factors that increase risk include atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, previous history of thromboembolism, smoking, hypertension, and prolonged immobility.

#### Symptoms
- Severe abdominal or back pain, sudden lower limb weakness or paralysis, cold and pale legs, and reduced or absent pulses in the lower extremities.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is often made using imaging techniques such as CT angiography, which can visualize the embolism and assess areas of the body affected by reduced blood flow.

#### Treatment Options
- Immediate anticoagulation therapy to prevent further clotting.
- Surgical embolectomy or thrombectomy to remove the embolus.
- Thrombolytic therapy may be considered to dissolve the clot.
- Each treatment aims to restore blood flow and prevent tissue damage.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Early treatment significantly improves outcomes. Follow-ups are crucial for monitoring potential recurrence and managing underlying risk factors.

#### Complications
- If untreated, complications can include acute ischemia, tissue necrosis, multi-organ failure, and potentially life-threatening consequences.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Lifestyle changes such as a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and management of underlying conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes) can reduce risk.
- Preventive measures include anticoagulation therapy in high-risk patients.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, sudden leg weakness, or difficulty walking occur.

#### Additional Resources
- American Heart Association ([heart.org](https://www.heart.org))
- National Blood Clot Alliance ([stoptheclot.org](http://www.stoptheclot.org))

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate coding by confirming the specific location (abdominal aorta) of the embolus.
- Avoid confusion with embolisms in other locations; verify clinical documentation for precise site and nature of the embolus.

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