Author reply

We appreciate Suelves, Gregori, and Diaz-Llopis' interest in our recent article “A National Survey of Practice Patterns: Temporal Artery Biopsy.” In this study, we surveyed neuro-ophthalmologists, oculoplastic surgeons, and rheumatologists regarding temporal artery biopsy practices in the assessment of patients suspected to have giant cell arteritis (GCA). Specifically, we questioned practitioners as to whether they favored unilateral or bilateral temporal artery biopsy and their thoughts regarding the effect of prior corticosteroid therapy on biopsy findings. In short, responses varied greatly within and between specialists. Of slightly >1000 respondents, 37% recommended unilateral biopsy alone, 29% recommended initial unilateral biopsy with biopsy of the contralateral side if the first side is negative, 18% recommended bilateral biopsy in all cases, and 16% stated that their preference depended on the degree of suspicion. Most respondents believed that biopsies remained accurate for >14 days after initiating steroid therapy.