Bruit

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Bruit

A bruit (pronounced "broo-ee") is an abnormal sound heard during auscultation of a blood vessel, typically an artery. This sound is usually indicative of turbulent blood flow, which can be caused by various underlying conditions such as arterial stenosis, aneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula. Bruits are often detected using a stethoscope during a physical examination.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Bruits can be caused by several conditions, including:

Detection[edit | edit source]

Bruits are typically detected during a physical examination using a stethoscope. The healthcare provider listens over major arteries, such as the carotid artery, abdominal aorta, and femoral artery. The presence of a bruit may prompt further diagnostic testing, such as Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The detection of a bruit can be clinically significant as it may indicate underlying vascular disease. For example, a carotid bruit may suggest carotid artery stenosis, which can increase the risk of stroke. Similarly, an abdominal bruit may indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Management[edit | edit source]

The management of a bruit depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD