BI-RADS® Atlas
The American College of Radiology (ACR) Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Atlas (BI-RADS® Atlas) is the product of a collaborative effort among members of various committees of the American College of Radiology with cooperation from the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, and the College of American Pathologists. Development of the ACR BI-RADS® – Ultrasound and ACR BI-RADS® – MRI were supported in part by the United States Public Health Service Office of Women's Health, Susan G. Komen Foundation, United States Army Breast Cancer Research Program and the National Cancer Institute.
The BI-RADS® Atlas is designed to serve as a comprehensive guide providing standarized breast imaging terminology, a report organization, assessment structure and a classification system for mammography, ultrasound and MRI of the breast. The report organization assists radiologists in providing a succinct review of mammographic, ultrasound and MRI findings. Results are then communicated to the referring physician in a clear fashion with a final assessment that indicates a specific course of action. Results are compiled in a standardized manner that permits the maintenance and collection analysis of demographic, mammographic and outcome data. Through a medical audit and outcome monitoring, the system provides important peer review and quality assurance data to improve the quality of patient care. The BI-RADS® Atlas also includes the 2003 revisions to the assessment categories, to lexicon terminology, and statistical definitions for the performance of a mammography audit.