Previous mammograms in patients with impalpable breast carcinoma: retrospective vs blinded interpretation. 1993 ARRS President's Award.

Abstract

Our results show that impalpable breast carcinomas are frequently evident in retrospect on previous mammograms. However, because many are manifested only as an asymmetric density, these may not necessarily be true radiologic errors. Failure to detect a retrospectively visible abnormality on a screening mammogram is not necessarily negligent, and retrospective reviews do not reflect the everyday practice of screening mammography.