| Temporal artery biopsy as a means of diagnosing giant cell arteritis: is there over-utilization? | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 21944624 Owner: NLM Status: In-Data-Review |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is often recommended for patients suspected of having temporal arteritis. The sensitivity of TAB varies widely and is dependent upon a number of factors (e.g., number of biopsy specimens, corticosteroid pretreatment, specimen length). The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical utility of TAB in patients who are suspected of having giant cell arteritis (GCA). A retrospective review of patients who underwent TAB at Spectrum Health from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2007 was performed. Forty-seven patients, ranging in age from 25 to 87 years (mean: 70.7 years), underwent 53 TABs. Females accounted for 72.3 per cent of the subjects. Positive biopsy results showing signs of GCA were obtained in 38.3 per cent of patients. Of patients who underwent biopsy, 78 per cent could have been excluded from the procedure based upon individual diagnostic criteria. Positive and negative biopsies had average lengths of 1.84 cm and 1.29 cm, respectively (P < 0.05). In the community hospital setting, patients suspected of having GCA are frequently recommended to undergo unnecessary TAB. We advocate for more careful selection of patients to undergo this diagnostic surgical procedure. In cases where TAB is needed, we recommend a biopsy length of > 2 cm to increase the accuracy of diagnosis. |
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Authors:
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Brent J Goslin; Mathew H Chung |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The American surgeon Volume: 77 ISSN: 1555-9823 ISO Abbreviation: Am Surg Publication Date: 2011 Sep |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2011-09-28 Completed Date: - Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 0370522 Medline TA: Am Surg Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 1158-60 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center/Michigan State University, General Surgery Residency, Grand Rapids, Michigan; |
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From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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