ICD 10 CM S45.019S | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S45.019S describes a severe and irregular wound or tear in the axillary artery, a significant blood vessel responsible for transporting oxygenated blood to the thorax, armpit, and arm, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as blunt or penetrating trauma from a motor vehicle accident or sports activity, a puncture or gunshot wound, external compression or force, abnormal bending or twisting of the shoulder, or injury during surgery, and the provider has not specified whether the injury affects the left or right side for the sequela, a condition that results from the initial injury.

Official Description Of S45.019S

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S45.019S as:

When To Use S45.019S

The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM S45.019S is a laceration of the axillary artery of an unspecified side. This type of injury may occur due to various reasons, such as trauma, accidents or falls. The axillary artery is a major blood vessel located in the armpit region that supplies blood to the upper arm and chest wall. A laceration or tear in this artery may result in severe complications that require immediate medical attention.

Patients with a laceration of the axillary artery may experience pain around the site of injury, which can be severe and radiates down the arm. Swelling, tenderness, numbness and tingling in the affected area may also be present. In some cases, the patients may develop axillary bruising, which is a sign of internal bleeding. Shock, weakness and hypotension or low blood pressure are also possible complications of this injury. Patients may also experience a decrease in blood flow, which can lead to a diminished or absent radial pulse, coldness in the upper limb, and discoloration of the skin. Hematoma, infection, bleeding, or blood clot may also occur in the affected area.

To diagnose a laceration of the axillary artery, healthcare providers will conduct a physical examination of the patient, which includes assessing sensation, reflexes, and vascular conditions, such as the presence of bruits. Laboratory studies of the blood for coagulation factors, platelets, and kidney function evaluation may also be conducted if contrast imaging studies are planned. Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, angiography, arteriography, duplex doppler scan, MRA, and CTA may be performed to accurately diagnose the injury.

Treatment options for a laceration of the axillary artery include observation, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, analgesics for pain, and antibiotics for infection if present. If a patient requires further treatment, endovascular surgery may be performed to place a stent or occlude the vessel to stop the bleeding.

In conclusion, a laceration of the axillary artery can be a severe injury that requires urgent medical attention. Patients who experience symptoms such as severe pain, swelling and numbness, and tingling around the affected area should seek medical help immediately. With proper diagnosis and treatment, patients can recover from this type of injury and resume their daily activities with minimal to no complications.