Asymptomatic carotid bruit

The asymptomatic carotid bruit is not an uncommon finding in patients aged 45 years and older. The presence of such a finding has been associated with an increased incidence of stroke and cardiovascular death. The optimal evaluation and management of such patients are still unresolved. Noninvasive carotid evaluation appears to be useful for defining the degree of carotid artery stenosis and possibly in identifying a particular subset of patients at high risk for stroke. Whether patients with asymptomatic carotid bruits are best managed medically or surgically remains controversial and will require further investigation.