[Biopsy of the temporal artery. Experience with the use of a protocol at an ENT department].
BACKGROUND
Temporal artery (TA) biopsy is required for the evaluation of several clinical scenarios because of the therapeutic implications of a positive result. We describe the experience of our department, which is the center for this technique in our hospital.


METHODS
A retrospective study was made of all TA biopsies performed in the Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Sierrallana, from January 1995 to April 1997.


RESULTS
Thirty-four biopsies of the TA artery were performed in 33 patients for possible temporal arteritis. Mean age was 76 years (range: 61-87 years). Twelve were male and 21 female. Twenty-two patients (66.6%) had recent onset cephalalgia, 11 (33.3%) polymyalgia rheumatica, 5 (15.1%) mandibular claudication, and 8 (24.2%) ocular symptoms. In 75.8% ESR was elevated. An abnormal TA exam was observed in 9 cases (27.3%), 6 of which had a positive biopsy. Only 1 of the 15 patients without local findings at the physical examination had a positive TA biopsy. No information on the physical exam was recorded for the other 2 patients with a positive biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
TA biopsy is a relatively easy surgical procedure with a very low rate of complications. An abnormal physical TA examination correlates with a positive histopathological study.
Morales-Angulo
C
C
FEA de ORL, Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega, Santander.
Calvo-Alen
J
J
Tomás Bezos
J
J
Acinas
O
O
García Mantilla
J
J
Carrera
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001167:Arteritis / Q000473:pathology*; D001706:Biopsy; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013699:Temporal Arteries / Q000473:pathology*