The significance of asymptomatic unilateral carotid bruits in preoperative patients.

The significance of asymptomatic carotid bruits was evaluated in patients undergoing major vascular operative procedures. A retrospective analysis of 588 patients was performed. Ninety-two patients (15%) had unilateral carotid bruits detected on admission examination. None had had cerebrovascular symptoms. Four postoperative strokes occurred in the total group of 588 patients. All occurred in patients without bruits. There were no permanent or transient postoperative neurological deficits in the group of patients with asymptomatic unilateral carotid bruits. We can find no data to support the necessity for preoperative carotid arteriography and endarterectomy in the patient with an asymptomatic carotid bruit prior to undergoing a major operative procedure.