Temporal artery biopsy

General information

• Temporal artery biopsies are mostly performed to diagnose temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis (GCA)
• Temporal arteritis is a multisystem vasculitis of elderly people
• It involves large and medium-sized blood vessels predominantly the craniofacial branches of the carotid arteries, especially the temporal artery
• Symptoms of temporal arteritis can include visual loss, headaches, fever, audiovestibular symptoms and jaw claudication

Literature
1. Temporal artery biopsy: concise guidelines for otolaryngologists. Meyers AD, Said S. Laryngoscope. 2004 Nov;114(11):2056-9.