Intermediate
Technical
IVT
muscle biopsy
Surgical procedure removing muscle tissue sample for microscopic examination and diagnosis.
Full Definition
Muscle biopsy involves surgical removal of a small muscle tissue sample for histological, immunohistochemical, and sometimes genetic analysis. In neuromuscular medicine, muscle biopsies are essential for diagnosing inflammatory myopathies, muscular dystrophies, metabolic myopathies, and mitochondrial disorders. The procedure requires careful site selection and specialized processing techniques.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from nerve biopsy, which examines peripheral nerve tissue.
In Context
- "Muscle biopsy revealed inflammatory infiltrates consistent with polymyositis." — Pathology report
- "Open muscle biopsy from vastus lateralis was performed under local anesthesia." — Procedure note
Also known as
muscle tissue sampling
Don't confuse with
nerve biopsy
skin biopsy