PURPOSE: the aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of mammography in the diagnosis of suspicious breast microcalcifications, using BI-RADS TM and Le Gal's classifications. METHODS: one hundred and thirty cases were selected with mammograms contain only microcalcifications of file and initially classified as suspicious (categories 4 and 5) without lesions clinical detectable and reclassified by two examiners, getting a consensus diagnosis. The biopsies were reviewed by two pathologists getting also a consensus diagnosis. Both, mammogram and histopathologic analysis were double blinded reviewed. Qui-square test, Fleiss-square statistic and EPI-INFO 6.0 were used in this study. RESULTS: the correlation between histopathological and mammographic analysis using BI-RADS TM and Le Gal classification showed the same sensitivity of 96.4%, specificity of 55.9 and 30.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 37.5 and 27.5%, and accuracy of 64.6 and 44.6% respectively. The PPV by BI-RADS TM categories was: category 2, 0%; category 3, 1.8%; category 4, 30.8%; and category 5, 60%. The PPV by Le Gal classification was: category 2, 3.1%; category 3, 18.1%; category 4, 26.4%;category 5, 66.7%, and non classified 5.2%. CONCLUSIONS: the results were better for the classification of BI-RADS™, but it did not get to reduce the ambiguity in assessment of breast microcalcifications.
Mammography; Breast diseases; Breast diseases; Predictive value of test; Calcinosis
