Should Antiplatelet Agents Be Discontinued When Core Needle Breast Biopsy Is Required?

Little is known about the incidence of hematoma in patients who undergo breast biopsy while taking antithrombotic drugs. In this retrospective review, radiology researchers identified 647 patients who used antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs chronically before undergoing image-guided core needle breast biopsy.

Most patients (70%) were taking aspirin; the remainder were taking various anticoagulants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (included because of their transient antiplatelet effects). In two thirds of patients, antithrombotic medications were discontinued 5 days prior to biopsy. Incidence of palpable hematoma was identical — 4% — in those who continued and those who discontinued antithrombotic therapy, although breast bruising wa…