Does temporal artery biopsy influence the management of temporal arteritis?
Background: Temporal arteritis (TA) is the commonest form of primary vasculitis. Symptoms are variable, and therefore the diagnosis (or exclusion) of TA is often difficult. Surgeons are frequently asked to perform a temporal artery biopsy (TAB), but whether the histological result actually influences clinical management is unclear. Aim: To assess whether, in routine clinical practice, a TAB affects clinical decision-making in patients with suspected TA. Design: Retrospective audit. Methods: All patients who underwent a TAB in a single hospital over a 2-year period were identified. This included patients referred from different specialist departments. Individual patient records were examined to document the TAB result, and in particular, the timings of commencement and discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy. Results: A total of 44 patients were included. TAB was positive in seven patients and negative in 37. In 31, there was no change in their clinical management despite a negative b
