(NB) Neuro-ophthalmology fellow, MBBS; (DA) Assistant professor in Neuro-Ophthalmology & Strabismus Surgery, MBBS, FRCSC; The Ottawa Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, CA
Subject
Temporal Artery Biopsy; GCA; Temporal Arteritis
Description
Temporal artery biopsy is a procedure that is done in a patient with suspicion of GCA (Giant cell Arteritis), and some of the clinical manifestations that prompts us to suspect the diagnosis in patients older than 50 years old are: 1. GCA symptoms e.g. new onset headache. 2 . Visual symptoms: - Vision loss : (AION, CRAO, CRLAO). - Diplopia (EOM ischemia, Cranial neuropathies). - Amaurosis fugax. Steps in the procedure are: 1. Anesthesia, 2. Visibility, 3. Sterilizing, 4. Draping, 5. Check for pain, 6. Skin Incision, 7. Cautery, 8. Dissect the Wound, 9. Apply Retractor, 10. Expose the Artery, 11. Ligate the Artery, 12. Look for Branches, 13. Cauterize a Branch, 14. Dissect the Artery, 15. Control Bleeding, 16. Subcutaneous Sutures, 17. Skin Closure
