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Temporal artery biopsy

Jon Golenbiewski1, Susan Burden1, Rachel M Wolfe1

  • 1Wake Forest School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|June 1, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) requires prompt treatment to prevent vision loss or stroke. Temporal artery biopsies (TAB) aid diagnosis, but glucocorticoid side effects necessitate careful management in elderly patients.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a prevalent vasculitis affecting individuals over 50.
  • Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe ischemic complications, including permanent vision loss and stroke.
  • Long-term, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy poses significant risks in this elderly demographic due to comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the indications for temporal artery biopsy (TAB) in suspected GCA cases.
  • To provide practical guidance on performing TAB based on current evidence.
  • To review the surgical procedure, potential complications, and pathological findings, including differential diagnoses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of evidence-based guidelines and studies on temporal artery biopsy.
  • Analysis of surgical techniques and potential complications associated with TAB.
  • Examination of common histopathological findings in GCA and alternative diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • TAB remains a crucial diagnostic tool for GCA, guiding timely and appropriate treatment.
  • Evidence-based indications and procedural best practices for TAB are outlined.
  • Understanding pathological findings and alternative diagnoses is essential for accurate patient management.

Conclusions:

  • Temporal artery biopsy is vital for diagnosing giant cell arteritis, enabling prompt treatment to prevent irreversible complications.
  • Careful consideration of patient comorbidities and potential glucocorticoid side effects is paramount.
  • This review provides practical insights for clinicians managing suspected GCA.

Keywords:
Giant cell arteritisTemporal artery biopsy

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