diagnostic accuracy of digitized mammography

ABSTRACT

Digitized mammography has several advantages over screen-film radiography in data storage and retrieval, making it a useful alternative to screen-film mammography in screening programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of digitized mammography in detecting breast cancer. 185 women [845 Images] were digitized at 600 dpi. All images were reviewed by an expert radiologist. The mammograms were scored on a scale of breast imaging reporting and data system [BIRADS]. The definite diagnosis was made either on the pathologic results of breast biopsy, or upon the follow-up of at least one year. The overall diagnostic accuracy of digitized mammography was calculated by the area under receiver operating characteristic curve. 242 sets of mammograms had no lesions. The total counts of masses, microcalcifications or both in one breast were 39 [11%], 42 [12%], and 25 [7%], respectively. There were 321 [92%] benign and 27 [8%] definite malignant lesions. The diagnostic accuracy of digitized images was 96.34% [95% CI 94%-98%]. The diagnostic accuracy of digitized mammography is comparably good or even better than the published results. The digitized mammography is a good substitute modality for screen-film mammography in screening programs