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