Antithrombotics Are Not Contraindicated for Image-Guided Breast Biopsy

Background: There is no universal consensus on whether a patient undergoing antithrombotic therapy should cease taking antithrombotic medication prior to an image-guided breast biopsy. Recommendations are often dependent on the specific breast imager or based on institution-wide guidelines. Objective: To compare bleeding complications of image-guided breast biopsies performed on women taking antithrombotic therapy versus those who do not take antithrombotic medication. Design: Prospective study. Participants/Methods: Over an 11-month prospective period, women aged 30 to 100 years who presented for image-guided breast biopsy were invited to participate in the study. Methods of biopsy included ultrasound-guided, stereotactically guided, and MRI-guided biopsies. Prior to the procedure, women who agreed to participate answered a survey that addressed whether she was taking antithrombotic medication such as warfarin, heparin, or clopidogrel as well as NSAID medications such as aspirin. Al more...