thrill
A palpable vibration felt over a blood vessel, typically indicating turbulent flow through a stenosis or fistula.
Full Definition
In vascular examination, a thrill is a tactile sensation of vibration felt when palpating over a blood vessel with turbulent flow. Thrills commonly occur over arteriovenous fistulas (especially dialysis access), severely stenotic vessels, or arterial aneurysms. The presence or absence of a thrill provides important diagnostic information about vessel patency and function. This physical examination finding appears in clinical notes, access evaluations, and procedural documentation, particularly in dialysis access management and vascular surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Often paired with 'bruit' (audible sound) in clinical documentation; thrill is felt, bruit is heard.
In Context
- "The arteriovenous fistula had a strong thrill and audible bruit." — Physical examination
- "Loss of thrill in the dialysis access prompted urgent evaluation." — Clinical assessment