ICD-10 Code I71.1 – Thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I71.1 – Thoracic aortic aneurysm, ruptured
What it is
This code identifies a thoracic aortic aneurysm that has ruptured, meaning the enlarged portion of the chest aorta has torn or leaked. It represents a life-threatening vascular emergency.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include sudden severe chest or back pain, shock, collapse, or imaging evidence of rupture involving the thoracic aorta.
When to use this code
Use I71.1 when the provider documents a ruptured aneurysm of the thoracic aorta. It is appropriate when rupture is confirmed clinically, surgically, or by imaging. Code the documented thoracic location and rupture status; check documentation if the site is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for an unruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm or for aneurysms in other aortic segments. If the record only says “dissection” or the anatomy is unspecified, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign this code only when rupture is explicitly documented; do not infer rupture from pain alone.