Cardiology Coding Alert

Question: What distinguishes a thoracic aortic aneurysm from an abdominal aortic aneurysm? Maryland SubscriberAnswer: The diaphragm is the dividing line between the thorax and abdomen, so the thoracic aorta leaves the heart and arches, and descends through the chest until it reaches the diaphragm. The aorta becomes the abdominal aorta after it passes the diaphragm and continues down the abdomen. When a blood vessel wall weakens, an abnormal vessel ballooning or widening, called an aneurysm, can result. If an aneurysm ruptures, it can lead to massive bleeding and death.Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs in the abdominal region. Use 441.3 (Aortic aneurysm and dissection; abdominal aneurysm, ruptured) or 441.4 (... abdominal aneurysm without mention of rupture) to report the condition with or without rupture.Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) occurs in the thoracic region. Report TAA as 441.1 (... thoracic aneurysm, ruptured) or 441.2 (... thoracic aneurysm without mention of rupture), depending on [...]