Placental infarction, unspecified trimester

This code signifies an area of ischemic necrosis within the placenta, resulting from an interruption of blood supply. This placental damage can impair nutrient and oxygen transfer to the fetus, potentially leading to adverse pregnancy outcomes. The specific trimester of diagnosis is not documented or is unknown.

Apply this code when documentation confirms placental infarction but does not specify the trimester of diagnosis. This diagnosis is often made based on imaging findings (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) or gross/microscopic examination of the placenta post-delivery. Use when the clinical picture indicates placental insufficiency due to infarction without further detail on the timing.

• Do not use this code if the trimester is clearly documented; instead, select a more specific code from the O43.81 series.
• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "placental infarction" or provides findings consistent with this diagnosis.
• Consider sequencing this code as a secondary diagnosis if the primary reason for admission or encounter is a complication directly resulting from the infarction (e.g., fetal growth restriction).