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© Dirk Biddle
In a case of suspected Giant cell arteritis a biopsy of the temporal artery may be required. The temporal artery courses up the temples just in front of the ear. A small incision just above the hairline is made under local anaesthetic, (sometimes shaving the area is required) and a small section of the artery is excised. The artery is rejoined with a couple of stitches, likewise the skin incision. Sometimes, in the case of blood vessels, an endoarterial (internal) biopsy of a vessel wall may be taken by specialised catheter.
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