A Correlation of Neck Bruits and Arteriosclerotic Carotid Arteries

Abstract

The angiographic findings in 834 carotid arteries of 248 patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and 169 asymptomatic patients are correlated with presence or absence of carotid bruits. Of all carotid arteries without bruits, 25% were found to have internal carotid stenoses. In patients with TIA, 75% of carotid arteries with bruits were associated with stenotic lesions, 11% with miscellaneous lesions, and 14% were normal. In asymptomatic patients, 65% of carotid arteries with bruits were associated with stenotic lesions, 21% with miscellaneous lesions, and 14% were normal. The findings corroborate the point that the angiographic lesions and the bruit have a clear relationship whether or not the patient has symptoms of cerebral ischemia. The absence of bruit does not exclude the possibility of carotid artery stenosis.