I81: Portal vein thrombosis

I81 refers to Portal vein thrombosis, a group of vascular and lymphatic conditions primarily affecting veins, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels. These disorders can lead to clot formation, varicosities, lymphatic dysfunction, or life-threatening bleeding depending on the site.

Symptoms

• Leg pain or swelling – Seen in phlebitis and deep vein thrombosis (I80, I82)
• Abdominal swelling or pain – Linked to portal vein thrombosis (I81)
• Visible leg veins or heaviness – Indicative of varicose veins (I83, I86)
• Vomiting blood or black stools – A sign of bleeding esophageal varices (I85)
• Chronic limb swelling – May result from lymphatic dysfunction (I89)
• Lymph node tenderness – Seen in nonspecific lymphadenitis (I88)
• Skin changes or ulcers – Related to venous insufficiency or chronic thrombosis (I87)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Portal vein thrombosis involves Doppler ultrasound, CT or MR venography, endoscopy (for esophageal varices), lymphoscintigraphy, and lab testing to rule out infection or clotting disorders. Evaluation is tailored to symptoms and location of vascular or lymphatic compromise.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code I81 is used in internal medicine, gastroenterology, hematology, vascular surgery, and primary care. It supports diagnosis, risk stratification, anticoagulation management, compression therapy, variceal bleeding intervention, and long-term follow-up of venous or lymphatic disorders.

Related Codes

• I80 – Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
• I82 – Other venous embolism and thrombosis
• I83 – Varicose veins of lower extremities
• I85 – Esophageal varices
• I86 – Varicose veins of other sites
• I87 – Other disorders of veins
• I88 – Nonspecific lymphadenitis
• I89 – Other noninfective disorders of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code I81?
A: It refers to Portal vein thrombosis, which includes clotting, inflammation, or dilation of veins, and lymph node or lymphatic vessel abnormalities.

Q2: What’s the difference between I80 and I82?
A: I80 refers to localized phlebitis or thrombophlebitis; I82 is used for embolism or thrombosis in deeper or unusual venous sites.

Q3: Are esophageal varices (I85) dangerous?
A: Yes—they can rupture and cause life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in patients with cirrhosis.

Q4: What causes lymphadenitis (I88)?
A: Usually an immune or inflammatory response; it may be reactive, idiopathic, or associated with systemic illness.

Q5: Who manages these conditions?
A: Internists, vascular surgeons, gastroenterologists, hematologists, and infectious disease specialists based on the primary cause and presentation.

Conclusion

ICD10 code I81 ensures comprehensive tracking and management of Portal vein thrombosis, improving outcomes in patients with venous thrombotic events, varices, and lymphatic disorders through accurate documentation and care coordination.