Diseases of capillaries (I78)
The ICD-10 code I78 covers diseases affecting capillaries, the tiny blood vessels responsible for exchanging oxygen and nutrients with tissues. This section includes specific codes for hereditary and acquired capillary disorders.
Codes like I78.0 identify hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, known also as Osler syndrome, which involves abnormal blood vessel formation and bleeding risk. The I78.1 code applies to various non-neoplastic nevi and telangiectasia, including spider veins and skin-related vascular abnormalities often called "spider telangiectasis." I78.8 captures other diseases such as capillary thrombosis and pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis, conditions marked by capillary blockage or abnormal proliferation. When the specific capillary disease is unknown, I78.9 is used for unspecified capillary diseases, which may present as dilated blood vessels or reactive skin vascular changes.
These codes help medical coders accurately classify diverse capillary conditions, providing clarity for diagnoses involving hereditary syndromes, skin telangiectasias, or complex microvascular disorders. Understanding synonyms like "spider nevus" or "Osler hemorrhagic telangiectasia syndrome" guides correct coding with ICD-10 code for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (I78.0) or non-neoplastic telangiectasia (I78.1).
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.
Capillary Leak Syndrome
A condition characterized by recurring episodes of fluid leaking from capillaries into extra-vascular compartments causing hematocrit to rise precipitously. If not treated, generalized vascular leak can lead to generalized EDEMA; SHOCK; cardiovascular collapse; and MULTIPLE ORGAN FAILURE.
