I63.033

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A stroke caused by blood clots in both carotid arteries, the paired major blood vessels in the neck that supply the brain.

Coding Tips

• •Bilateral carotid artery thrombosis is uncommon and requires explicit documentation
• •Verify bilateral involvement through imaging studies before assigning this code

Clinical Significance

Cerebral infarction due to thrombosis of bilateral carotid arteries is an exceptionally rare and catastrophic cerebrovascular event. Bilateral carotid thrombosis compromises blood supply to both cerebral hemispheres simultaneously, potentially causing massive bilateral cerebral infarction. This represents one of the most severe stroke presentations possible and requires the highest level of emergent care.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Imaging confirmation of cerebral infarction in bilateral carotid territories
• ✓Vascular imaging confirming thrombosis in both carotid arteries
• ✓Documentation explicitly stating bilateral involvement
• ✓Comprehensive neurological examination documenting bilateral deficits
• ✓Emergency treatment documentation
• ✓Evaluation for hypercoagulable states, vasculitis, or other systemic causes

Commonly Confused Codes