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  5. Arterial embolism and thrombosis (I74)

Arterial embolism and thrombosis (I74)

The ICD-10 code section I74 covers arterial embolism and thrombosis, which are serious conditions involving blockages or clots in arteries. These codes are used to specify the exact location and type of arterial blockage to guide diagnosis and treatment accurately.

I74 includes codes for embolism and thrombosis affecting different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal (I74.0), including the saddle embolus at the aortic bifurcation (I74.01), and thoracic regions (I74.11). It also covers blockages in arteries of the upper limbs (I74.2), lower limbs (I74.3), and iliac artery (I74.5). Synonyms like "Aortic bifurcation syndrome," "Leriche's syndrome," or "Thrombosis of femoral artery" help connect common clinical terms to these specific codes. Unspecified or other arterial embolisms and thromboses are coded under I74.4, I74.8, or I74.9. Using the ICD-10 code for arterial embolism and thrombosis helps clinicians and coders precisely document the type and location of arterial blockages, improving patient care and medical record clarity.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • embolic infarction
  • embolic occlusion
  • thrombotic infarction
  • thrombotic occlusion

Code First

Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.

  • embolism and thrombosis complicating abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy O00 O07 O08.2
  • embolism and thrombosis complicating pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium O88

Type 2 Excludes

A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.

  • atheroembolism I75
  • basilar embolism and thrombosis I63.0 I63.2 I65.1
  • carotid embolism and thrombosis I63.0 I63.2 I65.2
  • cerebral embolism and thrombosis I63.3 I63.5 I66
  • coronary embolism and thrombosis I21 I25
  • mesenteric embolism and thrombosis K55.0
  • ophthalmic embolism and thrombosis H34
  • precerebral embolism and thrombosis NOS I63.0 I63.2 I65.9
  • pulmonary embolism and thrombosis I26
  • renal embolism and thrombosis N28.0
  • retinal embolism and thrombosis H34
  • septic embolism and thrombosis I76
  • vertebral embolism and thrombosis I63.0 I63.2 I65.0

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Embolic Protection Devices

Vascular filters or occlusive devices that provide mechanical protection of the distal end organ from blood clots or EMBOLISM-causing debri dislodged during ENDOVASCULAR PROCEDURES.

Embolism

Blocking of a blood vessel by an embolus which can be a blood clot or other undissolved material in the blood stream.

Embolism and Thrombosis

A collective term for pathological conditions which are caused by the formation of a blood clot (THROMBUS) in a blood vessel, or by blocking of a blood vessel with an EMBOLUS, undissolved materials in the blood stream.

Embolism, Air

Blocking of a blood vessel by air bubbles that enter the circulatory system, usually after TRAUMA; surgical procedures, or changes in atmospheric pressure.

Embolism, Amniotic Fluid

Blocking of maternal circulation by AMNIOTIC FLUID that is forced into uterine VEINS by strong UTERINE CONTRACTION near the end of pregnancy. It is characterized by the sudden onset of severe respiratory distress and HYPOTENSION that can lead to maternal DEATH.

Embolism, Cholesterol

Blocking of a blood vessel by CHOLESTEROL-rich atheromatous deposits, generally occurring in the flow from a large artery to small arterial branches. It is also called arterial-arterial embolization or atheroembolism which may be spontaneous or iatrogenic. Patients with spontaneous atheroembolism often have painful, cyanotic digits of acute onset.

Embolism, Fat

Blocking of a blood vessel by fat deposits in the circulation. It is often seen after fractures of large bones or after administration of CORTICOSTEROIDS.

Embolism, Paradoxical

Blockage of an artery due to passage of a clot (THROMBUS) from a systemic vein to a systemic artery without its passing through the lung which acts as a filter to remove blood clots from entering the arterial circulation. Paradoxical embolism occurs when there is a defect that allows a clot to cross directly from the right to the left side of the heart as in the cases of ATRIAL SEPTAL DEFECTS or open FORAMEN OVALE. Once in the arterial circulation, a clot can travel to the brain, block an artery, and cause a STROKE.

Intracranial Embolism

Blocking of a blood vessel in the SKULL by an EMBOLUS which can be a blood clot (THROMBUS) or other undissolved material in the blood stream. Most emboli are of cardiac origin and are associated with HEART DISEASES. Other non-cardiac sources of emboli are usually associated with VASCULAR DISEASES.

Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis

Embolism or thrombosis involving blood vessels which supply intracranial structures. Emboli may originate from extracranial or intracranial sources. Thrombosis may occur in arterial or venous structures.

Ischemic Stroke

Stroke due to BRAIN ISCHEMIA resulting in interruption or reduction of blood flow to a part of the brain. When obstruction is due to a BLOOD CLOT formed within in a cerebral blood vessel it is a thrombotic stroke. When obstruction is formed elsewhere and moved to block a cerebral blood vessel (see CEREBRAL EMBOLISM) it is referred to as embolic stroke. Wake-up stroke refers to ischemic stroke occurring during sleep while cryptogenic stroke refers to ischemic stroke of unknown origin.

Neoplastic Cells, Circulating

Exfoliate neoplastic cells circulating in the blood and associated with metastasizing tumors.

Pulmonary Embolism

Blocking of the PULMONARY ARTERY or one of its branches by an EMBOLUS.