title: [Biopsy of the temporal artery. Experience with the use of a protocol at an ENT department].
abstract: 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.
authors: FEA de ORL, Hospital Sierrallana, Torrelavega, Santander.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Morales-Angulo
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Calvo-Alen
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Tomás Bezos
authors: O
authors: O
authors: Acinas
authors: J
authors: J
authors: García Mantilla
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Carrera
mesh_terms: 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*