The 5th Edition of the BI-RADS® Atlas provides standardized breast imaging findings terminology, assessment structure, report organization, and a classification system for mammography, ultrasound, and MRI of the breast. The report organization enables radiologists to provide a succinct review of mammography, ultrasound, and MRI findings and to communicate the results to the referring physician in a clear and consistent fashion with a final assessment and recommendation for a specific course of action. Through a medical audit and outcome monitoring, the system provides important mechanisms for peer review and quality assurance data which will improve the quality of patient care. Results compiled in a standardized manner permit the collection and maintenance of demographic and outcome data enabling consistent analysis. The 2013 BIRADS® includes more than 700 clinical images, a new Follow-up and Outcome Monitoring Chapter as well as chapters on mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, with frequently asked questions for each, updated breast composition descriptors, new elasticity assessment descriptors for ultrasound, and new breast implant descriptors for MRI.
