Approach to the Interpretation of Muscle Biopsy

The history of muscle biopsy dates back to 1860 when Duchenne first performed a biopsy on a patient with symptoms of myopathy. Introduction of enzyme histochemical methods by Victor Dubowitz in 1970 revolutionised the role of muscle biopsy in the diagnosis of various primary and secondary muscle diseases.1 Diagnosis of various subtypes of dystrophies was further made easy with beginning of immunohistochemical methods in 1980s. Twenty first century has brought in a new spectacular progress in utility of muscle biopsy with commencement of molecular methods. Significance of muscle biopsy is rising with application of new techniques. The treatment of neuromuscular disorders is also undergoing a parallel and dramatic change with promising genetic therapeutic approaches. Accurate diagnosis of the underlying neuromuscular disease is the need of the day and muscle biopsy forms a gold standard in diagnosis of these diseases.