The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS™) of the American College of Radiology is a system designed to standardize mammography reports, to reduce breast imaging misinterpretations and to facilitate monitoring of the outcome. OBJECTIVE: To identify the compliance of women and physicians with BI-RADS recommendations in Goiânia, GO, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3,000 women submitted to mammography examinations in a private clinic in Goiânia (January to December, 2002) were evaluated. The mammograms were reported according to BI-RADS classification. Women classified as categories 0, 3, 4 and 5 were followed up by telephone. RESULTS: Women who refused to follow the recommendation: category 0 (11.5%), 3 (13.8%), 4 (28%), 5 (0%). Physician failure to advise the patient to follow the recommendation: category 0 (18.2%), 3 (17%), 4 (20%). Women who complied with BI-RADS recommendation: category 0 (1.8%), 3 (5.7%), 4 (40%), 5 (100%). Contact lost during the follow-up: category 0 (68.5%), 3 (39%), 4 (12%). CONCLUSION: The level of compliance with BI-RADS recommendations was low in categories 0 and 3, and moderate in category 4. About 30% of women classified as category 0 did not undergo additional imaging evaluations either because of their refusal or lack of adequate physician advice.
Mammography; Screening; BI-RADS
