ICD-10 Code I77.71 – Dissection of carotid artery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I77.71 – Dissection of carotid artery
What it is
I77.71 identifies a tear in the carotid artery wall that allows blood to enter the vessel wall and separate its layers. This can narrow the artery or form a false channel.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include neck pain, headache, transient neurologic symptoms, stroke, or Horner syndrome when the carotid artery is involved.
When to use this code
Use I77.71 when the record clearly documents carotid artery dissection, including spontaneous, traumatic, or procedure-related cases if the provider identifies the carotid as the dissected vessel. Code the condition as documented, and check for any associated ischemic stroke or injury codes when supported.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for carotid stenosis, occlusion, or generic cerebrovascular symptoms without documented dissection. If the note only says “arterial abnormality” or “vascular injury,” check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for the specific vessel named in the report; if the carotid artery is not clearly identified, do not assign I77.71.