The positive predictive value of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) as a method of quality assessment in breast imaging in a hospital population

Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of mammography and US in our hospital, based upon the positive predictive value (PPV) for breast cancer of the breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) final assessment categories, has been performed. A follow-up study of 2,762 mammograms was performed, along with 955 diagnostic exams and 1,807 screening exams. Additional US was performed in 655 patients (23.7 %). The combined reports were assigned a BI-RADS category. Follow-up was obtained by pathologic examination, mammography at 12 months or from PALGA, a nationwide network and registry of histo- and cytopathology. Overall sensitivity was 85 % (specificity 98.7 %); sensitivity of the diagnostic examinations was 92.9 % (specificity 97.7 %) and of the screening examinations 69.2 % (specificity 99.2 %). The PPV of BI-RADS I was 5 of 1,542 (0.3 %), and of BI-RADS 2, it was 6 of 935 (0.6 %). BI-RADS 3 was 6 of 154 (3.9 %), BI-RADS 4 was 39 of 74 (52.7 %) and BI-RADS 5 was 57 of 57 (100 %). The difference between BI-RADS 1 and 2 vs. BI-RADS 3 was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Analysis of BI-RADS 3 cases revealed inconsistencies in its assignment. Evaluation of the BI-RADS final assessment categories enables a valid analysis of the diagnostic performance of mammography and US and reveals tools to improve future outcomes.