What Are the Results of Temporal Artery Biopsy?
The results of a temporal artery biopsy provide critical information about the presence of inflammation or other abnormalities in the artery. Pathologists examine the biopsy sample under a microscope, looking for signs of giant cell arteritis (GCA), such as thickened arterial walls, inflammatory cell infiltration, or multinucleated giant cells. A positive result confirms the diagnosis of GCA, allowing doctors to implement an appropriate treatment plan aimed at preventing complications like vision loss or stroke.
In some cases, the biopsy results may be negative despite clinical suspicion of GCA. This can occur due to the "skip lesion" phenomenon, where inflammation affects only certain segments of the artery, leaving others unaffected. A negative biopsy does not entirely rule out GCA, and doctors may rely on other diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies or clinical assessments, to make a final determination. Regardless of the outcome, the biopsy results are an essential part of the diagnostic process for conditions involving the temporal arteries.
