bruit

Full Definition

A bruit is an abnormal vascular sound heard through a stethoscope, characterized by a whooshing, swishing, or turbulent noise over an artery or vein. This auditory finding suggests underlying vascular pathology such as stenosis, arteriovenous malformation, or increased blood flow velocity. In vascular medicine documentation, the presence, timing, and characteristics of bruits provide crucial diagnostic information that editors must accurately capture in clinical reports.

Usage

Usage note: Often misspelled as 'brute' or confused with cardiac murmur in non-vascular contexts.

In Context

• "A systolic bruit was audible over the left carotid artery during physical examination." — Clinical examination report
• "The absence of femoral bruits suggested patent arterial flow to the lower extremities." — Vascular assessment documentation