Cerebral infrc due to thombos of bilateral carotid arteries

This code signifies brain tissue death resulting from a blood clot forming within both the right and left carotid arteries, obstructing blood flow to the cerebrum. This condition is a type of ischemic stroke specifically caused by a thrombotic event affecting both major arteries supplying the brain.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a cerebral infarction (stroke) caused by thrombosis of both the right and left carotid arteries. Supporting documentation should include imaging reports confirming infarction and physician notes detailing the bilateral carotid artery thrombosis as the etiology.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "bilateral" carotid artery involvement; otherwise, a unilateral code may be more appropriate.
• Distinguish from embolism; this code is specific to thrombosis (in-situ clot formation).
• Always sequence this code after any acute stroke (I63.-) code, as it provides further specificity.