In simple words: This code describes a condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries in your arms or legs, making them narrower and reducing blood flow. This can cause pain, especially when walking, and in severe cases, it can lead to problems like gangrene.

I70.2, Atherosclerosis of native arteries of the extremities, encompasses the buildup of plaque within the arteries of the limbs, leading to narrowed vessels and reduced blood flow.This can manifest as Mönckeberg's (medial) sclerosis.The code may be used in conjunction with additional codes to specify chronic total occlusion of an artery in the extremity (I70.92).It excludes atherosclerosis of bypass grafts in the extremities (I70.30-I70.79).

Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient presents with intermittent claudication (pain in the calf muscles during walking) and reduced pedal pulses.Ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement confirms the diagnosis of PAD., A 72-year-old female patient with a history of diabetes and hypertension is admitted to the hospital with severe leg pain and signs of critical limb ischemia.Angiography reveals significant atherosclerosis in the femoral and popliteal arteries., A 58-year-old male patient with a long history of smoking presents with non-healing ulcers on his toes, indicating severe peripheral artery disease.Surgical intervention is required.

Detailed history including risk factors (e.g., smoking, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), physical examination findings (e.g., diminished pulses, bruits, skin changes), results of diagnostic testing (e.g., ABI, Doppler ultrasound, angiography), and treatment plan.

** Mönckeberg's sclerosis, a type of medial calcific sclerosis, is a specific form of atherosclerosis that primarily affects the media of the artery.It is important to differentiate this from other types of atherosclerosis, such as intimal atherosclerosis, which affects the inner lining of the artery.