Graphic representation of carotid artery bruits.
Auscultation of the neck for detection of bruits over the carotid arteries has become a necessary part of any complete physical examination. Early detection of atherosclerotic occlusive disease in these vessels can play a major role in prevention of stroke. Such findings have previously been recorded as word descriptions in varying degrees of detail. A method is presented for quickly and easily recording the presence and character of cervical bruits, plus additional important information, including blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm, prior vascular surgery, and known occlusion in these vessels. The figure used allows others to rapidly perceive this information and enables ready comparison on successive examinations.
D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001314:Auscultation; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans