Transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI)

This code represents Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI), a severe, sudden onset form of acute lung injury that occurs within six hours of a blood product transfusion. It is characterized by acute respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates without evidence of circulatory overload.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of TRALI following the administration of blood products (e.g., plasma, platelets, packed red blood cells). This diagnosis is typically made based on clinical presentation and exclusion of other causes of acute respiratory distress.

• Ensure documentation specifies the temporal relationship between transfusion and lung injury (within 6 hours).
• Differentiate TRALI from Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO), which involves signs of fluid overload.
• Always code the underlying reason for the transfusion, if known, as a primary diagnosis when applicable.