Using BI-RADS lexicon standardizes radiology reports and increases the accuracy of breast lesion classification [1-4]. Radiologists’ experience is considered the most important factor in breast lesion assessment [5-7]. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of BI-RADS lexicon in sonographic description and classification of solid breast lesions by radiology resident with no prior experience in breast imaging.

Three hundred sixty-seven ultrasound - guided core needle biopsies were performed between October 2012 and April 2014, at the Department of Radiology, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Croatia. One hundred fifty-nine lesions were documented prior to biopsy as hard-copy images in a jpeg. format. One hundred thirty-four lesions that corresponded to a solid mass visible in two different planes were included in the study. Dedicated breast radiologist and radiology resident with no prior experience in breast imaging, independently reviewed all US-images; each separate lesion was described...

Agreement between radiologists varied from moderate to perfect. In describing lesion shape, margins, transition zone and posterior acoustic features moderate agreement was obtained (PABAK 0.55, 0.55, 0.59 and 0.53 respectively). Substantial agreement was obtained in determining lesion orientation, surrounding parenchyma and BI-RADS assessment (PABAK 0.75, 0.73 and 0.62 respectively). Perfect agreement was obtained in describing lesion echogenicity (PABAK 0.80).

Using BI-RADS lexicon terminology produces a substantial agreement in sonographic evaluation of solid breast lesions between experienced and inexperienced radiologist, showing its relevance as an objective and reproducible method in diagnosis of breast lesions.

Petra Valkovic Zujic, M.D., Ph.D. Radiologyspecialist at Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Departement of Radiology, [email protected] Tiana Grubesic, M.D. Radiologyresident at Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Departement of Radiology [email protected] Doris Dodig, M.D. Radiology resident at Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Departement of Radiology [email protected] Damir Miletic, M.D., Ph.D. Professor of radiology at Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Head of Departement of Radiology, [email protected]

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