Posterior cerebral artery syndrome

This code represents a neurological syndrome resulting from ischemia or infarction within the territory supplied by the posterior cerebral artery (PCA). Patients typically present with visual field defects (e.g., homonymous hemianopsia), sensory deficits, and sometimes memory impairment or alexia without agraphia, depending on the specific PCA branch affected.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of posterior cerebral artery syndrome, often following a stroke or transient ischemic attack affecting the PCA territory. Supporting documentation should detail the neurological deficits consistent with PCA involvement, such as visual field cuts or specific sensory losses.

• Differentiate from other cerebral artery syndromes (e.g., anterior or middle cerebral artery syndromes) based on the specific neurological deficits and imaging findings.
• Always code the underlying cause of the syndrome, such as cerebral infarction (I63.-) or transient cerebral ischemia (G45.-), as the primary diagnosis when applicable, with this code as a secondary diagnosis.
• Ensure documentation specifies "syndrome" to distinguish from a general PCA stroke without the full constellation of symptoms.