In simple words: This code means a blood clot has traveled to the lungs, causing a blockage in the arteries, and has also caused serious problems with the right side of the heart, making it work harder.

This code signifies a pulmonary embolism (PE) complicated by acute cor pulmonale.A PE is a blockage in one or more pulmonary arteries, usually caused by a blood clot that travels from the legs or other parts of the body to the lungs. Acute cor pulmonale is a condition where the right side of the heart becomes enlarged and weakened due to high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often a consequence of a PE.The presence of acute cor pulmonale indicates a severe form of PE requiring urgent medical attention.

Example 1: A 65-year-old female presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and tachycardia.Echocardiogram reveals right ventricular dilation and strain, consistent with acute cor pulmonale. CT pulmonary angiography confirms a large PE., A 40-year-old male post-operative from a major surgical procedure develops dyspnea and hypoxia.Initial suspicion of PE leads to CTPA which confirms a PE and signs of acute right heart strain., A 70-year-old with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of syncope.Suspecting PE, further investigation with ECG and D-dimer is done which indicates PE followed by CTPA and revealing acute cor pulmonale.

Detailed history and physical examination, ECG findings, arterial blood gas analysis, imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT pulmonary angiography), and echocardiography.Relevant laboratory data, including D-dimer, coagulation studies, and cardiac biomarkers, should be included.Documentation should support the diagnosis of PE and the presence of acute cor pulmonale.

** This code is for acute cor pulmonale specifically resulting from a pulmonary embolism.If the cor pulmonale is not acute or not directly caused by a PE, a different code should be used.Always refer to the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines for the most up-to-date information.