Atheroembolism of unspecified lower extremity

This code signifies the presence of an atheroembolism affecting an unspecified lower extremity. An atheroembolism occurs when fragments of atherosclerotic plaque break off from a larger artery and travel downstream, lodging in smaller arteries and obstructing blood flow. This can lead to ischemia and tissue damage in the affected limb.

Use this code when documentation confirms an atheroembolic event in a lower extremity, but the specific leg (right or left) is not specified. This typically occurs in cases of acute limb ischemia where the etiology is determined to be embolic from an atherosclerotic source, and laterality is not explicitly stated.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "atheroembolism" or "cholesterol embolism" as the cause of the lower extremity ischemia.
• Avoid using this code if the laterality (right or left lower extremity) is specified; instead, use the more specific I75.021 or I75.022.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity impacting treatment.