Aneurysm of artery of lower extremity

This code signifies a localized, abnormal dilation or ballooning of an artery located in the lower limb, such as the femoral, popliteal, or tibial arteries. This weakening of the arterial wall can lead to rupture, thrombosis, or embolization.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of an aneurysm affecting any artery of the lower extremity. This includes conditions identified through imaging studies like ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRA, or during surgical exploration.

• Specify the exact artery involved if documented (e.g., femoral, popliteal) for potential future sub-classification.
• Distinguish from pseudoaneurysms, which have different underlying causes and are coded differently.
• Ensure documentation specifies "aneurysm" and not just "dilation" or "ectasia" unless the latter is explicitly diagnosed as an aneurysm.