Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Acute Embolism and Thrombosis of Other Thoracic Veins
• Medical Term: I82.290

Summary

Acute embolism and thrombosis of other thoracic veins involve the sudden blockage or formation of a blood clot in the veins located in the thoracic (chest) region, other than the pulmonary veins. This condition can disrupt normal blood flow, leading to potential complications.

Causes

• Injury or trauma to thoracic veins
• Medical conditions such as cancer or infections that affect blood clotting
• Surgical procedures in the chest area

Risk Factors

• Prolonged immobility or bed rest
• History of thrombosis or embolism
• Smoking and obesity
• Heart disease
• Use of hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the chest area
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden onset of chest pain
• Possible collateral circulation visible on skin surface

Diagnosis

• Duplex ultrasonography to visualize blood flow and clots
• CT scan or MRI for detailed imaging of the thoracic veins
• Blood tests to evaluate clotting function and rule out other conditions

Treatment Options

• Anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting and dissolve existing clots
• Thrombolytic therapy for severe cases to rapidly dissolve clot
• Surgical intervention in cases where medication is ineffective
• Use of a vena cava filter to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With timely treatment, the prognosis is generally good, although risk of recurrence exists.
• Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring treatment effectiveness and adjusting medications.

Complications

• Pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges to the lungs
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Increased risk of future clots

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining an active lifestyle to promote healthy circulation
• Avoiding smoking and managing weight
• Staying hydrated and using compression stockings if at high risk
• Regular monitoring if a history of thrombosis exists

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Unexplained swelling in the chest or upper body

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association: heart.org
• National Blood Clot Alliance: stoptheclot.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure proper identification of the affected veins to code I82.290 accurately.
• Double-check for additional complications or underlying conditions that may require additional codes.
• Distinguish between acute and chronic conditions to avoid misclassification.