The breast imaging reporting and data system: positive predictive value of mammographic features and final assessment categories.

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the positive predictive value of mammographic features and final assessment categories described in the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) for lesions on which biopsies have been performed.We prospectively evaluated 492 impalpable mammographically detected lesions on which surgical biopsy (as opposed to percutaneous biopsy) was performed. Each lesion was classified according to BI-RADS descriptors for masses (margins and shape) and calcifications (morphology and distribution) and was categorized by the BI-RADS final assessment categories as category 3 ("probably benign"), category 4 ("suspicious abnormality"), or category 5 ("highly suggestive of malignancy"). Mammographic and pathologic findings were reviewed.Carcinoma was present in 225 (46%) of 492 lesions. For the 492 lesions subject to biopsy, BI-RADS final assessment categories were category 3 in eight lesions (2%), category 4 in 355 (72%), and category 5 in 129 (26%). The features with highest ...