American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Ultrasound: An Overview of the Second Edition

The American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) [1] is a useful operating manual established by a group of multidisciplinary experts. The main contents include the terms describing the characteristics of lesions and the organizational reporting structure (classification of test results and follow-up management measures as well as medical evaluation). With this system, we can establish a standardized report in terms of both content and format, which improves communication between physicians and measures the effectiveness of image interpretation at the individual and medical institution level. Therefore the true value of BI-RADS is: improving the quality of patient care through management and standardization of scanning technologies; producing reliable reports; and enabling the monitoring of health care effectiveness. The 2013 edition once again emphasizes that image quality is a prerequisite to accurate diagnosis. It recommends the use of a broadband transducer with a central frequency with at least 10 MHz and a high frequency ranging from 12 MHz to 18 MHz in order to ensure