Background echotexture classification in breast ultrasound: inter-observer agreement study

Background According to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), background echotexture in breast ultrasound (US) can be categorized as homogeneous or heterogeneous. Purpose To prospectively evaluate the inter-observer agreement of a four-category classification in background echotexture assessments of breast US and to determine whether background echotexture is related to breast cancer risk factors, including mammography density. Material and Methods Thirty-eight healthy women (age range, 25–72) were recruited. Eleven radiologists performed breast US on all participants and classified each background echotexture into four categories (homogeneous, mild, moderate, and marked heterogeneous). The inter-observer agreement in the assessments was measured using kappa statistics (к). The association between background echotexture and breast cancer risk factors, including mammographic density, menopausal status, and parity, were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ) and multiple linear regression analysis. Results There was moderate inter-observer agreement between the radiologists for the four categories of background echotexture (average к = 0.45). Heterogeneity of the background echotexture was positively correlated with mammographic density in both pre- and postmenopausal women (premenopausal, ρ = 0.42, P < 0.0001; postmenopausal, ρ = 0.56, P < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that mammographic density and parity were significantly associated with background echotexture. Conclusion Background echotexture assessment of breast US using a four-category classification showed moderate inter-observer agreement, and more heterogeneous background echotexture was associated with denser breasts and lower parity.