Muscle Biopsy
Alternate Names : Biopsy - Muscle
Definition
A muscle biopsy is a procedure involving the removal and examination of a piece of muscle tissue.
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Why is the Test Performed?
A muscle biopsy may be performed for many reasons, including the following:
- To distinguish between neurogenic (nerve) and myopathic (primarily muscle) disorders
- To identify specific muscular disorders such as muscular dystrophy or congenital myopathy
- To identify metabolic defects of the muscle
- To diagnose diseases of the connective tissue and blood vessels (such as polyarteritis nodosa)
- To diagnose infections that affect the muscles (such as trichinosis or toxoplasmosis)
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