-
DE
K55.1 – Chronic Intestinal Ischaemia | ICD-10
K55.1 is the ICD-10 code for chronic vascular disorders of the small and large intestine. It describes a prolonged reduction in intestinal blood supply that can lead to damage of the intestinal wall.
Add as Preferred SourceThings worth knowing about "K55.1"
K55.1 is the ICD-10 code for chronic vascular disorders of the small and large intestine. It describes a prolonged reduction in intestinal blood supply that can lead to damage of the intestinal wall.
What Does ICD-10 Code K55.1 Mean?
The ICD-10 code K55.1 stands for chronic vascular disorders of the intestine (also known as chronic intestinal ischaemia or chronic mesenteric ischaemia). It belongs to the group of vascular disorders of the intestine (K55) and refers to conditions in which the intestine does not receive sufficient blood – and therefore oxygen – over a prolonged period of time. Unlike acute intestinal ischaemia, the symptoms in K55.1 develop gradually and progress slowly over time.
Causes
The most common cause of chronic intestinal ischaemia is atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) of the mesenteric arteries, particularly the superior or inferior mesenteric artery. Other possible causes include:
- Thrombosis or embolism affecting the intestinal vessels
- Inflammatory vascular diseases (vasculitis)
- Chronic low blood pressure (hypotension) leading to reduced blood flow
- Heart failure with reduced cardiac output
- History of vascular surgery
Symptoms
The symptoms of chronic intestinal ischaemia are often non-specific, which makes diagnosis challenging. Typical complaints include:
- Postprandial pain: Abdominal pain occurring 15–30 minutes after eating, caused by increased blood demand in the intestine following food intake
- Weight loss due to fear of eating (known as abdominal angina or intestinal angina)
- Nausea, gastrointestinal bleeding, or diarrhoea
- Malnutrition resulting from reduced food intake
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is established through a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies:
- Colour Doppler ultrasound: To assess blood flow in the mesenteric vessels
- CT angiography or MR angiography: To detect stenoses (narrowings) or occlusions of the intestinal arteries
- Laboratory tests to exclude other causes
- Gastroscopy and colonoscopy to rule out other gastrointestinal conditions
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying causes:
Conservative Management
- Risk factor optimisation: treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidaemia
- Smoking cessation
- Antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy to reduce clot formation
Interventional and Surgical Treatment
- Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with or without stent placement to widen narrowed vessels
- Bypass surgery: Rerouting blood flow around blocked arterial segments
- Vascular reconstruction for significant stenoses
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 Version 2019, Chapter XI – Diseases of the Digestive System (K00–K93).
- Sreenarasimhaiah J. - Diagnosis and management of intestinal ischaemic disorders. BMJ. 2003;326(7403):1372–1376.
- Clair DG, Beach JM. - Mesenteric Ischemia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2016;374(10):959–968.
Building Blocks for a Healthy Life
As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.
Skip product gallery
Subscription available
Floral
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®30 lozenges
Regular price:
22,90 €
Discount
Subscription available
Lactoferrin 60 Capsules
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
60 Capsules
Sale price:
50,00 €
Regular price:
59,90 €
Subscription available
Multivitamin Mineral Complex
Daily basic supply: the complete spectrum of micronutrients
Natural multivitamin complex for the immune system, energy, and central body functions
30 Capsules
Regular price:
29,90 €
Subscription available
Natural Iron
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
30 Capsules
Regular price:
35,90 €