I71.22

HCC Category Mapping

What This Code Means

A weakened, bulging area in the aortic arch (the curved portion of the main artery) that has not burst or ruptured.

Coding Tips

• •Distinguish between aortic arch aneurysms and ascending or descending thoracic aneurysms for proper code selection
• •Document whether the aneurysm is symptomatic or asymptomatic, as this may affect clinical management

Clinical Significance

Thoracic aortic aneurysm without rupture (aortic arch) represents pathological dilation of the thoracic aorta that has not yet ruptured but carries ongoing risk of rupture, dissection, and compression of adjacent structures. Risk of rupture increases with aneurysm size, and patients require lifelong imaging surveillance and blood pressure management. While less acute than a ruptured aneurysm, this is a chronic condition with significant resource utilization for serial imaging, specialist follow-up, and potential elective surgical repair.

Documentation Requirements

• ✓Thoracic aortic aneurysm documented — location: aortic arch
• ✓Non-ruptured status confirmed (absence of rupture, contained rupture explicitly excluded)
• ✓Aneurysm size documented (critical for determining surveillance interval and surgical threshold)
• ✓Imaging modality and findings (CT angiography, MRI, echocardiography)
• ✓Growth rate compared to prior imaging when available
• ✓Current management plan (blood pressure control targets, surveillance imaging schedule, surgical repair threshold)
• ✓Associated conditions documented (bicuspid aortic valve, connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, aortic regurgitation)

Commonly Confused Codes