Cerebral infrc due to embolism of bilateral carotid arteries

This code signifies a stroke resulting from an embolic occlusion affecting both the left and right carotid artery systems. This type of infarction occurs when a blood clot or other material travels from another part of the body and lodges in these critical arteries, disrupting blood flow to the brain.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an ischemic stroke caused by an embolism affecting both carotid arteries. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT angiography) confirming bilateral carotid artery involvement and clinical findings consistent with an acute cerebral infarction.

• Ensure documentation specifies "embolism" as the cause of the infarction, not thrombosis.
• Verify that both carotid artery systems are explicitly implicated in the embolic event.
• Consider sequencing this code with codes for underlying conditions contributing to the embolism, such as atrial fibrillation.