Congenital stenosis of vena cava

This code describes a birth defect characterized by a narrowing or obstruction of one of the vena cava, the large veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart. This congenital anomaly can affect either the superior vena cava (SVC) or the inferior vena cava (IVC), impeding venous return and potentially leading to systemic or localized venous congestion.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a congenital narrowing or obstruction of the vena cava. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies such as echocardiography, venography, CT angiography, or MRI, confirming the presence and location of the stenosis.

• Differentiate from acquired stenosis of the vena cava, which would be coded differently (e.g., I87.1 for postphlebitic syndrome, I77.1 for stricture of artery, or I77.81 for other specified disorders of arteries and arterioles).
• Ensure the documentation specifies "congenital" to support the use of this Q-code.
• Consider additional codes for any associated congenital heart defects or other malformations if present and documented.