Positive and Negative Predictive Values of BI-RADS®-MRI Descriptors for Focal Breast Masses

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the positive and negative predictive values of the BI-RADS®-MR descriptors of focal masses and to develop an interpretation model based on the kinetic and morphologic parameters. Methods: Retrospective review was performed of 171 consecutive focal breast masses. MR imaging was performed on a 1.5T system using the volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination sequence (mean partition thickness, 1.2 mm; time of acquisition, 35 s). Kinetic enhancement patterns were assessed by visually comparing signal intensity on the dynamic images acquired at 60 s and 4 min (washout, plateau, and persistent). Results: There were 126 malignant and 45 benign lesions. The most frequent morphological finding among the malignant lesions was heterogeneous internal enhancement in the delayed phase (96%; P