Temporal artery biopsies : a retrospective review over a two-year period in an Australian major teaching hospital

Abstract EN

Objective : To determine the predictive value of temporal artery biopsy in patients clinically suspected of having temporal arteritis.

Methods : Notes of patients who underwent a temporal artery biopsy for suspected temporal arteritis in the period 2004-2006 at the Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, were studied.

The clinical profile and histopathological slides were reviewed.

Results : Twenty-four patients were identified.

Male to female ratio was 2 : 1 with a mean age of 72 years.

Out of these, 17 patients (70%) showed typical histological findings confirming temporal arteritis.

Conclusion : Temporal arteritis is a rheumatological emergency.

The above results indicate that the biopsy yield following rheumatologist suspicion is high with minimal post-operative complications.

The histopathological diagnosis is useful in considering continuing or stopping therapy.