[BI-RADS: what do we need to know? Advantages and limitations]

BI-RADS [Breast Imaging and Reporting Data System] is meant to transform breast imaging language to a universal one by defining the related descriptive terms, the statistical definitions, and providing recommendations for radiological reports and data archiving system. The latest version covers three imaging modalities i.e. mammography, ultrasound and MRI. It cannot replace personal experience, good knowledge of the literature and continuous medical education. Despite its limits, it has proven to be a useful tool for communication between physicians of different specialties and researchers. The knowledge of its basic elements is necessary for all physicians who deal with breast diseases and breast cancer screening

multiple ultrasound patterns of ectopic pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancy [EP] has a variable and misleading clinical presentation contributing to the confusion with medical or other gynecological disorders. The rapid recourse to diagnostic methods, human chorionic gonadotropin [beta-hCG] titers and transvaginal ultrasonography, represents the best approach not only in the early diagnosis but also in the management and monitoring of patients with diagnosed EP. The purpose of this article is to provide a pictorial essay about EP and its multiple ultrasound [US] patterns. We present a large spectrum of EP aspects diagnosed on US and confirmed by pathology. We also review miscellaneous gynecologic diseases that may mimic EP on US. Although endovaginal US combined with quantitative [beta-hCG] analysis is an excellent tool for identifying EP, it may be normal sometimes in early pregnancies. Knowledge of all these patterns is helpful in establishing an early correct diagnosis, therefore leading to elective and conservative management in stable patients and preventing tubal rupture or substantial hemorrhage