[Tha data management of a breast radiology section via a computerized archive]

Abstract

In the Institute of Radiology of the University of Trieste, from January to December 1988, 7123 patients underwent breast diagnostic procedures following a screening program for breast cancer or in order to evaluate specific symptoms. The data relative to this series of cases were collected and processed using the system described in a colleague's paper. Several sets of data became available concerning the percentage distribution of the techniques employed, their main indications, the distribution of pathological features in relation to different indications, the diagnostic value of combining different techniques, and the suggestions based on the findings collected. Both mammography and US proved to be able to solve the great majority of diagnostic problems, sometimes also as a tool to guide bioptic procedures. Other techniques (galactography, pneumocystography, CT) were devoted to specific diagnostic problems. The results are interesting in view of their clinical, epidemiological and management implications.