Consensus Review of Discordant Imaging Findings after the Introduction of Digital Screening Mammography: Irish...

Background When there are discordant results between individual readers interpreting screening mammograms, consensus by independent readers may reduce unnecessary recalls for further work-up. Few studies have looked at consensus outcomes following the introduction of full-field digital mammography (FFDM). Purpose To determine outcomes of women discussed at consensus meetings during a 5-year period after introduction of FFDM, including recall rates, cancer detection, and interval cancers. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study from January 2010 to December 2014, the authors reviewed all screening mammograms from a single unit of a biennial Irish national breast screening program after the introduction of FFDM. Screening mammograms were double reported. Abnormalities detected at discordant screening mammography readings were discussed at biweekly consensus meetings. Outcomes of consensus meetings were reviewed in terms of referral for assessment, biopsy rates, cancer detection, and outcomes from later rounds of screening. Statistical analysis was performed by using a χ² test to compare recall rate and cancer detection rates between FFDM and screen-film mammography based on a previously published study from the authors' institution. Results A total of 2565 women (age range, 50-64 years) with discordant mammographic findings were discussed at consensus meetings. Of these 2565 women, 1037 (40%) were referred for further assessment; 108 cancers were detected in these women. Of the 1285 women who returned to biennial screening, malignancy was detected at the site of original concern in 12 women at a further round of screening. Three true interval cancers were identified. Sensitivity (88.5% [108 of 122]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.5%, 93.6%) and negative predictive value (99.1% [1528 of 1542]; 95% CI: 98.5%, 99.4%) of consensus review remained stable after the introduction of FFDM. Specificity of consensus review increased from 57.6% (729 of 1264; 95% CI: 54.9%, 60.4%) to 62.2% (1528 of 2457; 95% CI: 60.2%, 64.1%) (P = .008). Conclusion Consensus review of discordant mammographic screening-detected abnormalities remains a valuable tool after introduction of full-field digital mammography as it reduces recall for assessment and demonstrates persistently high sensitivity and negative predictive values. © RSNA, 2020 See also the editorial by Hofvind and Lee in this issue.