In-office temporal artery biopsy

Biopsy is essential in the diagnosis of temporal arteritis. Temporal artery biopsy done in the office has many advantages. Patients tolerate the procedure well with little anxiety. There is greater convenience for the patient and ease of scheduling for the referring physician. It can be done promptly and is far more cost-effective than performing the procedure in a surgical center or hospital. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, because the in-office procedure is safe, more convenient, less stressful, and less expensive, clinicians are more likely to obtain a temporal artery biopsy when the diagnosis of temporal arteritis is even a remote possibility. Contrariwise, there is evidence to indicate that many cases of temporal arteritis are not diagnosed because of reluctance to schedule a biopsy. The ophthalmologist is in a unique position to provide help in the diagnosis and follow-up care of the patient with suspected temporal arteritis. Ophthalmologists are familiar with the disease, its treatment, and particularly its ocular manifestations. In addition to the baseline ophthalmic examination to help reveal subclinical pathology, ophthalmologists can evaluate the patient as subsequent visual complaints arise. Finally, by offering a convenient biopsy procedure, the diagnosis can be accurately and promptly confirmed.