Dieulafoy lesion (hemorrhagic) of stomach and duodenum

This code identifies a Dieulafoy lesion, a rare vascular anomaly characterized by an abnormally large, tortuous arteriole that erodes through the gastric or duodenal mucosa, leading to recurrent, often massive, gastrointestinal bleeding. Unlike ulcers, these lesions lack a surrounding inflammatory or necrotic process.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of Dieulafoy lesion located in the stomach or duodenum, particularly when associated with hemorrhage. Supporting documentation typically includes endoscopy reports detailing the lesion's presence and location, along with clinical notes describing acute or chronic GI bleeding.

• Differentiate from other causes of GI bleeding; this code is specific to Dieulafoy lesions of the stomach/duodenum.
• Review documentation carefully to confirm the lesion's location; Dieulafoy lesions in other intestinal segments are coded differently.
• Sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter, especially for acute bleeding episodes.