Temporal Artery Biopsy

A temporal artery biopsy is most often done to confirm a diagnosis of giant cell arteritis. This condition occurs when the lining of your arteries become red, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Giant cell arteritis most often involves the temporal arteries. For this reason, the condition is also called temporal arteritis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of giant cell arteritis are important because the condition can lead to problems such as blindness and stroke.