ICD-10 Code I26.04 – Fat embolism of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I26.04 – Fat embolism of pulmonary artery with acute cor pulmonale
What it is
This code identifies a fat embolus in the pulmonary artery that has caused acute cor pulmonale. Use it when documentation links the embolic event to right heart strain or failure from the pulmonary obstruction.
Clinical signs
Clinical features may include sudden respiratory distress, hypoxemia, and evidence of acute right-sided heart strain. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for imaging, echocardiographic, or clinician-confirmed findings supporting acute cor pulmonale.
When to use this code
Use I26.04 when the provider documents fat embolism affecting the pulmonary artery and specifically states acute cor pulmonale. This is appropriate for confirmed embolic obstruction with acute right heart involvement, not for vague suspicion alone. Check documentation if the record does not clearly connect both conditions.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pulmonary embolism from thrombus, air, or other non-fat material. Do not assign it when acute cor pulmonale is absent or not documented.
Coding tip
Confirm both the fat embolism and acute cor pulmonale are explicitly documented before coding.