Anterior spinal artery comprsn syndromes, cervicothor region

This diagnosis code signifies a neurological condition resulting from the compression of the anterior spinal artery specifically within the cervical and thoracic regions of the spine. This compression leads to ischemia and subsequent dysfunction of the spinal cord, manifesting as various neurological deficits. The cervicothoracic region encompasses the neck and upper back segments of the spine.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates an anterior spinal artery compression syndrome affecting the cervical and/or thoracic spine. This typically involves symptoms such as motor weakness, sensory disturbances, or bladder/bowel dysfunction attributable to spinal cord ischemia in these regions. Supporting documentation should include imaging (e.g., MRI, MRA) demonstrating arterial compression and/or clinical findings consistent with anterior spinal artery syndrome.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "anterior spinal artery" and not other spinal arteries (e.g., posterior spinal artery) or general spinal cord compression.
• Verify the anatomical location is explicitly stated as cervicothoracic, cervical, or thoracic to justify this specific subcategory.
• Do not use this code for non-compressive anterior spinal artery syndromes (e.g., vasculitis, embolism) or for compression syndromes affecting only the lumbar or sacral regions.