I77.810

Billable

Thoracic aortic ectasia

HCC Category Mapping

V24HCC 108 — Vascular Disease

0.297

ESRDHCC 108 — Vascular Disease

0.000

What This Code Means

An abnormal widening or ballooning of the thoracic aorta (the main artery in the chest), which can weaken the vessel wall.

Coding Tips

•Document the specific location within the thoracic aorta if specified (ascending, descending, etc.)
•Distinguish from aortic aneurysm; ectasia is a more generalized dilation without the focal bulging

Clinical Significance

Thoracic aortic ectasia refers to mild dilation of the thoracic aorta that does not meet the threshold for aneurysm classification. While less severe than a true aneurysm, it still represents significant vascular disease requiring monitoring for progression to aneurysm. It carries risk of dissection or rupture if it progresses, impacting long-term patient management and surveillance needs.

Documentation Requirements

✓Imaging confirmation of thoracic aortic dilation with measurements (CT, magnetic resonance imaging, or echocardiography)
✓Documentation that the dilation is ectasia (sub-aneurysmal) rather than true aneurysm
✓Measurement of aortic diameter compared to normal reference ranges
✓Monitoring plan including follow-up imaging intervals
✓Assessment of risk factors including hypertension, connective tissue disorders, and family history
✓Current blood pressure management and medication plan

Commonly Confused Codes

I71.2 — Thoracic aortic aneurysm without rupture: use when dilation meets aneurysm threshold (typically greater than 5 cm)I77.811 — Abdominal aortic ectasia: different anatomic location I77.812 — Thoracoabdominal aortic ectasia: use when both segments are involved I71.1 — Thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured: acute rupture requires different code

Code Hierarchy

└I77Other disorders of arteries and arterioles └I77.8Other specified disorders of arteries and arterioles └I77.81Aortic ectasia └I77.810Thoracic aortic ectasia

└I77.810Thoracic aortic ectasia