Muscle Biopsy – Diagnosing Muscle Diseases at the Cellular Level

A muscle biopsy involves taking a small sample of muscle tissue to evaluate its structure and function. It is often used to diagnose diseases that affect the muscles, such as muscular dystrophy, inflammatory myopathies, and neuromuscular disorders.

Indications for Muscle Biopsy:

● Muscle weakness: Unexplained or progressive weakness in the muscles, especially if it affects the arms or legs.

● Muscle pain and stiffness: Persistent pain or stiffness without an obvious cause could indicate a muscle disease.

● Inability to perform physical tasks: Difficulty walking, standing, or performing normal daily activities may require a muscle biopsy to diagnose the underlying issue.

How Muscle Biopsy Works:

● A small needle biopsy is performed to remove a sample of muscle tissue. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to assess cellular structure, inflammation, and muscle fiber damage.

Normal Range:

● Healthy muscle tissue will show normal muscle fibers with no evidence of inflammation or damage.

Abnormal Test Significance:

● Muscle fiber damage: Seen in conditions like muscular dystrophy or myositis.

● Inflammation: Indicates inflammatory myopathies, such as polymyositis or dermatomyositis.

Management Based on Results:

● For muscular dystrophy: Supportive care and physical therapy may help manage symptoms, while gene therapy and medications may be required for certain types.

● For inflammatory myopathies: Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs may help reduce inflammation and muscle damage.

Price in India:

Approx. ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 for a muscle biopsy.