I75: Atheroembolism

I75 refers to Atheroembolism, which includes diseases of large and small blood vessels. These conditions affect arterial circulation and may lead to ischemia, aneurysms, embolic events, or systemic complications depending on the site and cause of vascular involvement.

Symptoms

• Claudication or limb pain – Seen in peripheral arterial disease (I70, I73)
• Pulsatile abdominal mass or back pain – Common in aortic aneurysm (I71)
• Sudden cold, pale limb – Indicative of embolism or thrombosis (I74)
• Blue toe syndrome or skin necrosis – Can occur in atheroembolism (I75)
• Signs of infection – Associated with septic arterial embolism (I76)
• Microvascular skin changes – Seen in capillary disorders (I78)
• Multisystem symptoms – May result from systemic vascular disorders (I79)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Atheroembolism involves physical examination, Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, MRI, ankle-brachial index, and laboratory markers of inflammation or infection. Timely detection of aneurysm rupture, embolic occlusion, or limb-threatening ischemia is crucial for emergency management.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code I75 is used by vascular surgeons, cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and internists. It supports vascular imaging referrals, procedural planning (e.g., stent or bypass), and chronic disease management in atherosclerosis and systemic vascular involvement.

Related Codes

• I70 – Atherosclerosis
• I71 – Aortic aneurysm and dissection
• I72 – Other aneurysm
• I73 – Other peripheral vascular diseases
• I74 – Arterial embolism and thrombosis
• I76 – Septic arterial embolism
• I77 – Other disorders of arteries and arterioles
• I78 – Diseases of capillaries
• I79 – Disorders of arteries, arterioles and capillaries in diseases classified elsewhere

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code I75?
A: It identifies Atheroembolism, which affects arteries, arterioles, or capillaries, leading to ischemia, aneurysm, embolism, or systemic vascular disease.

Q2: What’s the difference between I71 and I72?
A: I71 refers to aortic aneurysms and dissections, while I72 covers aneurysms in other arteries such as cerebral or femoral arteries.

Q3: Is atherosclerosis (I70) reversible?
A: It can be slowed with medication and lifestyle changes, but advanced plaque buildup often requires intervention.

Q4: What is septic arterial embolism (I76)?
A: It’s an infected blood clot or plaque that travels to block an artery, often from infective endocarditis.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Vascular teams, including surgeons, interventionalists, cardiologists, and infectious disease specialists depending on cause and severity.

Conclusion

ICD10 code I75 ensures proper classification of Atheroembolism, supporting clinical and surgical decision-making, vascular imaging, and long-term risk management in patients with arterial and microvascular diseases.