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K55.8 – Other Vascular Disorders of the Intestine
K55.8 is an ICD-10 diagnosis code for other vascular disorders of the intestine. It covers vascular-related intestinal damage not classified elsewhere.
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K55.8 is an ICD-10 diagnosis code for other vascular disorders of the intestine. It covers vascular-related intestinal damage not classified elsewhere.
What does the ICD-10 code K55.8 mean?
The ICD-10 code K55.8 stands for other vascular disorders of the intestine. It is used when a vascular disease of the intestine is present that does not fall under any of the more specific subcategories within group K55. The K55 group covers vascular diseases of the intestine in general – conditions in which the blood supply to the bowel is impaired or disrupted.
Causes
Vascular disorders of the intestine can have various causes:
- Atherosclerosis: Deposits in the vessel walls reduce blood flow to the intestinal tissue.
- Thrombosis or embolism: A blood clot can block an intestinal vessel and interrupt blood flow.
- Vasculitis: Inflammatory conditions affecting vessel walls can impair the blood supply to the intestine.
- Hypotension or shock: A significant drop in blood pressure can lead to insufficient intestinal perfusion.
- Systemic diseases: Conditions such as diabetes mellitus or heart failure can also damage intestinal vessels.
Symptoms
Symptoms of vascular intestinal disorders depend on the extent and location of the circulatory impairment. Common complaints include:
- Abdominal pain, often occurring after meals (known as abdominal angina)
- Bloating and bowel sounds
- Diarrhoea, sometimes bloody
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss due to avoidance of food intake
- In severe cases: acute abdomen with signs of intestinal infarction
Diagnosis
Diagnosing a vascular intestinal disorder requires several investigations:
- Imaging: Ultrasound (Doppler sonography), CT angiography, or MRI angiography to visualise intestinal vessels
- Endoscopy: Colonoscopy to assess the intestinal mucosa
- Laboratory values: Elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, leucocytes), lactate levels as indicators of tissue under-supply
- Angiography: Direct visualisation of vessels using contrast medium
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition:
- Medication: Anticoagulants (blood thinners), vasodilators, and treatment of underlying conditions
- Interventional: Catheter-based procedures to reopen narrowed or blocked vessels
- Surgical: In severe cases, surgical intervention – for example in intestinal infarction or partial bowel resection
- Supportive: Nutritional therapy; in severe damage, parenteral nutrition (intravenous feeding) may be required
Clinical Relevance
Vascular intestinal disorders can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated promptly. Acute mesenteric infarction (intestinal infarction caused by occlusion of supplying vessels) is a medical emergency with high mortality. Chronic forms, however, often develop gradually and are diagnosed late. Early identification of risk factors such as atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, or coagulation disorders is therefore of particular importance.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10), Chapter XI – Diseases of the Digestive System, Block K55.
- Kolkman JJ, Mensink PB: Non-occlusive mesenteric ischaemia: a common disorder in gastroenterology and intensive care. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2003;17(3):457–473.
- Schoots IG et al.: Systematic review of survival after acute mesenteric ischaemia according to disease aetiology. British Journal of Surgery. 2004;91(1):17–27.
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