Ocular Auscultation: A Review

Abstract

Ocular auscultation is a commonly neglected step of routine physical examination. An adequate ocular auscultation can be helpful in discovering an ocular bruit, which is an important diagnostic finding for a broad spectrum of pathologic conditions, some of which are potentially fatal. In this article, we present a literature review on the physical exam maneuver of ocular auscultation, as well as the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis of ocular bruits. We also included a description of the adequate auscultation technique and a discussion about the applicability of ocular auscultation in clinical practice

Keywords

• auscultation
• physical examination
• carotid stenosis
• carotid-cavernous
• sinus fistula
• neurological examination