ICD-10 Code K55.049 – Acute infarction of large intestine, extent unspecified (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K55.049 – Acute infarction of large intestine, extent unspecified
What it is
This code identifies an acute loss of blood flow causing infarction in part of the large intestine, when the extent is not documented. Use it for bowel ischemia with tissue death involving the colon or large bowel.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Common findings may include sudden abdominal pain, tenderness, bloody stool, or evidence of ischemic bowel on imaging, endoscopy, or surgery.
When to use this code
Use K55.049 when the provider documents acute infarction of the large intestine and does not specify the segment involved. It also fits cases described as ischemic infarction of the colon without further detail. If the record names a specific bowel segment, code that more precise diagnosis instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic ischemia, nonspecific abdominal pain, or infarction limited to the small intestine. Check documentation if the record only says ischemic colitis or bowel ischemia without confirmed infarction.
Coding tip
Query for the exact colonic segment and whether infarction was confirmed, because unspecified extent codes should be used only when detail is truly absent.