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Physical exam myths: listening for carotid artery bruits in stroke patients
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 May 2015
Abstract
When a patient presents to the emergency department with a neurologic deficit and a cerebrovascular event is included in the differential diagnosis, the classic recommendation is to examine the carotid artery and assess for the presence of a bruit. The diagnostic yield and utility of this practice has seldom been called into question. This critical appraisal will review the practice of listening for a carotid artery bruit (CAB) in suspected stroke patients and analyze its clinical utility, including the sensitivity and specificity of a CAB for detecting a significant lesion and the potential impact a CAB may have on the investigation and disposition of such patients.
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- Knowledge Applied to Practice Application des connaissances à la pratique
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- Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2007
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