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Optimal reference mammography: a comparison of mammograms obtained 1 and 2 years before the present examination
Jules H Sumkin1, Brenda L Holbert, Jennifer S Herrmann
1Department of Radiology, Imaging Research, Ste. 4200, University of Pittsburgh and Magee-Womens Hospital, 300 Halket St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
Objective:
We assessed and compared the benefit of using images acquired 1 year or 2 years previously during mammography interpretations.
Materials And Methods:
Eleven radiologists and one resident reviewed 128 cases three times: once without prior mammograms for comparison, once with mammograms from the most recent (1 year) examination, and once with mammograms acquired 2 years previously. They were asked to determine whether the patient should be recalled for additional procedures. Performances under the three conditions were compared.
Results:
Radiologists were significantly more accurate (p < 0.001) when comparison mammograms (obtained 1 or 2 years previously) were available. Although sensitivity was not significantly affected between the availability of mammograms from 1 or 2 years earlier (p > 0.10), the specificity was. Specificity using mammograms from the latest examination (obtained 1 year previously) as a reference was significantly better (p = 0.03) than specificity using mammograms obtained 2 years previously.
Conclusion:
Comparison mammograms are important for accurate diagnosis-in particular, for increasing specificity. The latest prior examination seems to be the optimal one for this purpose.