ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesAscending Aorta Ectasia

Ascending Aorta Ectasia

ICD-10 Coding for Ascending Aorta Ectasia(I77.810)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYRadiology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Ascending Aorta Ectasia?
Essential facts and insights about Ascending Aorta Ectasia

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Patients may present with symptoms such as chest pain, dyspnea, or palpitations.
  • Echocardiography may reveal dilation of the ascending aorta, with measurements exceeding normal ranges.
  • Physical examination may show a bounding pulse or signs of aortic regurgitation.
  • Imaging findings on CT or MRI may demonstrate ectasia of the ascending aorta with a diameter greater than 4 cm.
  • Severity is often assessed based on the degree of dilation and associated complications such as aortic regurgitation or dissection.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Medical records must include detailed descriptions of symptoms, imaging results, and clinical assessments.
  • Specific terminology such as 'ascending aorta ectasia' must be used consistently in documentation.
  • Examples include noting the size of the aorta and any associated findings like valve insufficiency.
  • Documentation must establish medical necessity for imaging and interventions related to the diagnosis.
  • Quality measures may include tracking the size of the aorta over time and documenting follow-up care.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use this diagnosis code when imaging confirms ectasia of the ascending aorta without dissection.
  • Do not use this code if the patient has aortic dissection or other specific aortic pathologies that require different coding.
  • Related codes include I77.811 (Ectasia of descending aorta) and I71.0 (Aortic dissection), which should be used based on the specific diagnosis.
  • Common errors include misclassifying ectasia as aneurysm; ensure accurate measurement and clinical context.
  • In complex cases, consider the patient's entire cardiovascular status and document all relevant findings.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Conditions explicitly excluded include aortic dissection (I71.0) and aortic aneurysm (I71.9).
  • Alternative codes for excluded conditions include I71.9 for unspecified aortic aneurysm.
  • Conditions are excluded due to differing pathophysiology and treatment approaches.
  • Common mistakes include coding ectasia when dissection is present; ensure accurate imaging interpretation.
  • Related but distinct conditions include aortic stenosis and other valvular heart diseases.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
I77.810
Ascending aorta ectasia
I77.811
Descending aorta ectasia
Ancillary Codes
Q87.4
Differential Codes
I71.21

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Radiology

Specialty Applications

  • This diagnosis applies to patients with aortic dilation due to various etiologies, including genetic conditions.
  • Patient populations may include older adults, individuals with connective tissue disorders, and those with a family history of aortic disease.
  • Clinical settings include outpatient cardiology clinics, inpatient cardiology units, and emergency departments.
  • Specialty-specific applications are relevant in cardiology and radiology for imaging and management.
  • Treatment contexts may involve monitoring, surgical intervention, or medical management based on severity.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Patient diagnosed with ascending aorta ectasia based on echocardiographic findings of dilation.'

Template 2

Template: 'Clinical presentation consistent with ascending aorta ectasia including chest pain and imaging results.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria met as evidenced by CT scan showing aortic diameter of 4.5 cm.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan initiated for ascending aorta ectasia with regular monitoring and follow-up imaging.'

Template 5

Template: 'Follow-up care for ascending aorta ectasia including monitoring of aortic size and symptoms.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this diagnosis?

Documentation must include imaging results, clinical symptoms, and any relevant history.

How does this differ from similar diagnoses?

Ectasia is characterized by dilation without rupture, while aneurysms involve a more significant structural change.

What are common billing considerations?

Ensure that all imaging and consultations are justified and documented to support claims.

What procedures are typically associated?

CPT codes for echocardiography, CT angiography, and potential surgical interventions may be relevant.

Are there any quality reporting implications?

Quality measures may include tracking the progression of aortic dilation and adherence to follow-up protocols.