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. 2024 Mar 15:46:e-rbgo6.
doi: 10.61622/rbgo/2024AR06. eCollection 2024.

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®): a success history and particularities of its use in Brazil

Vanessa Merjane  1   2   3 , Douglas Marcel Puricelli Perin  4 , Patrícia Martins Gomes El Bacha  5 , Beatriz Medicis Maranhão Miranda  6   7 , Almir Galvão Vieira Bitencourt  3   8 , Wagner Iared  1   3
Affiliations

Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®): a success history and particularities of its use in Brazil

Vanessa Merjane et al. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. .

Abstract

BI-RADS® is a standardization system for breast imaging reports and results created by the American College of Radiology to initially address the lack of uniformity in mammography reporting. The system consists of a lexicon of descriptors, a reporting structure with final categories and recommended management, and a structure for data collection and auditing. It is accepted worldwide by all specialties involved in the care of breast diseases. Its implementation is related to the Mammography Quality Standards Act initiative in the United States (1992) and breast cancer screening. After its initial creation in 1993, four additional editions were published in 1995, 1998, 2003 and 2013. It is adopted in several countries around the world and has been translated into 6 languages. Successful breast cancer screening programs in high-income countries can be attributed in part to the widespread use of BI-RADS®. This success led to the development of similar classification systems for other organs (e.g., lung, liver, thyroid, ovaries, colon). In 1998, the structured report model was adopted in Brazil. This article highlights the pioneering and successful role of BI-RADS®, created by ACR 30 years ago, on the eve of publishing its sixth edition, which has evolved into a comprehensive quality assurance tool for multiple imaging modalities. And, especially, it contextualizes the importance of recognizing how we are using BI-RADS® in Brazil, from its implementation to the present day, with a focus on breast cancer screening.

Keywords: BI-RADS®; Brazil; Breast neoplasms; History; Screening.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts to interest: none to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Original BI-RADS® Atlas in English and translations
Figure 2
Figure 2. Timeline of events from 1980 to 2024
Figure 3
Figure 3. In 1998, the structured report model was adopted in Brazil. Original document
Figure 4
Figure 4. Illustration of the established RADS and their respective importance
Figure 5
Figure 5. Particularities of Brazil related to the use of the BI-RADS® system
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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