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BI-RADS Density Classification From Areometric and Volumetric Automatic Breast Density Measurements
Bjørn Helge Østerås1, Anne Catrine T Martinsen2, Siri Helene B Brandal3
1The Intervention Centre, Rikshospitalet, Postbox 4950, Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Postbox 1171, Blindern, 1318, Oslo, Norway.
Academic Radiology
|February 6, 2016
Summary
Volumetric breast density assessment matches or exceeds areometric measurements for key Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories. This study provides thresholds for automated density measurements in clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Breast Density Assessment
Background:
- Accurate breast density classification is crucial for mammography interpretation.
- The Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) provides standardized density categories.
- Automated methods for breast density assessment are increasingly utilized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify breast density using automated areometric and volumetric measurements.
- To compare automated measurements with BI-RADS density scores.
- To establish threshold values for automated density measurements to estimate BI-RADS categories.
Main Methods:
- 537 full-field digital mammography examinations were analyzed.
- Breast density was assessed by five radiologists using BI-RADS.
- A commercial program automatically calculated areometric and volumetric breast density.
- Automated densities were compared to BI-RADS thresholds using ROC analysis and Youden's index.
Main Results:
- Areometric and volumetric densities showed good correlation (r²=0.76).
- Areometric assessment was superior for the BI-RADS I-II threshold (AUC 0.91 vs. 0.86).
- Volumetric assessment was superior for the BI-RADS III-IV threshold (AUC 0.97 vs. 0.92).
- Both methods showed similar performance for the BI-RADS II-III threshold (AUC 0.94 vs. 0.93).
Conclusions:
- Volumetric breast density assessment is equal to or better than areometric assessment for clinically significant thresholds.
- The study provides practical thresholds for automated density measurements to estimate BI-RADS classification.
