bruit
Pronunciation: BROO-ee
An audible vascular sound heard on auscultation, indicating turbulent blood flow. Critical finding in vascular examination documentation.
Full Definition
A bruit is an abnormal whooshing or swishing sound heard through a stethoscope over a blood vessel, typically indicating stenosis, turbulent flow, or arteriovenous communication. In vascular surgery documentation, the presence, location, timing, and characteristics of bruits are essential diagnostic findings. Editors should note that 'bruit' is pronounced 'BROO-ee' and is sometimes incorrectly spelled as 'brute.' The term originates from French and should not be pluralized as 'bruits' in English medical writing—the plural form is also 'bruit.'
Usage
Usage note: Pronounced 'BROO-ee,' not 'BROOT.' Plural form is also 'bruit,' not 'bruits.'
In Context
- "A loud bruit was audible over the left carotid artery during physical examination." — Clinical assessment
- "Post-operative examination revealed no bruit over the anastomotic site." — Post-operative note