Breast Imaging Staffing Shortages: Defining the Problem and Addressing Root Causes.

Objective: To assess the current perceptions of breast imaging staffing shortages and contributing factors among breast imaging radiologists.

Methods: A survey assessing current perception of breast radiologists regarding breast imaging-specific staffing shortages and contributing factors was developed by the Patient Care and Delivery Committee of the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and emailed to SBI active physician members. Bivariable analysis (chi-squared, t test) was performed between the survey demographics and survey response questions of interest.

Contrast-Enhanced Mammography Implementation: Early Struggles and Successes.

We used focus groups of radiologists who led the implementation of contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in their practice to identify barriers and strategies for adoption. Members of the Society of Breast Imaging in the United States who served as lead on CEM implementation were invited to participate in 2 separate focus groups. Ten breast imaging radiologists with varied geographic and practice type (60% academic, 30% private, and 10% community practice) participated.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Breast Biopsy Delays: Factors Contributing to Disparities Across Prepandemic, Shutdown, and Postshutdown Periods.

Background: The coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic significantly disrupted health care delivery, leading to delays in diagnostic procedures.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the factors associated with delays in time from diagnostic examination to image-guided breast biopsies during the prepandemic, shutdown, and postshutdown periods.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 4,415 examinations with a BI-RADS 4 or 5 assessment recommending image-guided biopsy for 4,197 patients at a multisite academic institution from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021.

Opinions and Preferences Regarding Artificial Intelligence Use in Health Care Delivery: Results From a National Multisite Survey of Breast Imaging Patients.

Objective: Artificial intelligence (AI) utilization is growing, but patient perceptions of AI are unclear. Our objective was to understand patient perceptions of AI through a multisite survey of breast imaging patients.

Methods: A 36-question survey was distributed to eight US practices (six academic, two nonacademic) from October 2023 through October 2024.

Comparative Assessment of Real-Time and Offline Short-Lag Spatial Coherence Imaging of Ultrasound Breast Masses.

Objective: To perform the first known investigation of differences between real-time and offline B-mode and short-lag spatial coherence (SLSC) images when evaluating fluid or solid content in 60 hypoechoic breast masses.

Methods: Real-time and retrospective (i.e.

Navigating professional growth for women in radiology: A practical guide for mentorship, sponsorship, and coaching.

Historically, women in radiology are underrepresented in radiology and face disproportionate barriers to career advancement related to work-life integration, gender bias, and relative lack of female role models. Given these challenges, women must be proactive and seek out mentorship and sponsorship to help navigate career obstacles and to guide career direction. At times of inflection, coaching can play a role in helping to clarify next steps through self-discovery of one's strengths, limitations, and desired goals.

Clinical and Imaging Features Associated With Malignant Focal Nonmass Enhancement on Breast MRI.

Introduction: Focal non-mass enhancement (NME) is a common breast MRI finding with limited data to guide management. This study aimed to assess clinical and imaging features of malignant BI-RADS 4 focal NME.

Methods: This IRB-approved, retrospective study included breast MRI exams between August 1, 2013 and September 1, 2022 yielding BI-RADS 4 focal NME lesions that underwent core biopsy or excision with available pathology result or demonstrated decrease or resolution during follow-up MRI or at least 2 years of MRI stability.

Patient Utilization of Weekend and Evening Appointments for Screening Mammography: An 8-Year Observational Cohort Study.

Objective: To characterize the patient population using weekend and evening appointments for screening mammography versus standard appointment times across four outpatient facilities in our academic health system.

Methods: In this institutional review board-approved retrospective cohort study, there were 203,101 screening mammograms from 67,323 patients who had a screening mammogram performed at outpatient centers at a multisite academic institution from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022. Screening appointments were defined as "standard appointment time" (between 8 am and 5 pm on Monday through Friday) or "weekend or evening appointment time" (scheduled after 5 pm on Monday through Friday or at any time on a Saturday or Sunday).

Maximizing Mentorship Throughout Your Breast Imaging Career.

Unlike many other subspecialties in radiology, breast radiologists practice in a patient-facing and interdisciplinary environment where team building, communication, and leadership skills are critical. Although breast radiologists can improve these skills over time, strong mentorship can accelerate this process, leading to a more successful and satisfying career. In addition to providing advice, insight, feedback, and encouragement to mentees, mentors help advance the field of breast radiology by contributing to the development of the next generation of leaders.

Mammography Information Systems: A Survey of Breast Imaging Radiologist Satisfaction and Perspectives.

Objective: To assess use of mammography information systems (MISs) and explore features associated with breast imaging radiologist satisfaction.

Methods: A 22-question survey regarding MISs was distributed electronically to the Society of Breast Imaging membership between February 16, 2022 and June 28, 2022. Differences in responses between respondents satisfied and dissatisfied with their MIS were analyzed using Pearson chi-squared test, Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistic regression.

Circumscribed Masses on Breast MRI: Can MRI Features Guide Management?

Objective: Management of circumscribed breast masses seen on MRI is largely extrapolated from mammography and US data with limited MRI-specific data available. This study aimed to assess clinical and MRI imaging features of malignant circumscribed breast masses.

Methods: In this IRB-approved retrospective study, breast MRIs performed between April 1, 2008, and August 30, 2020, containing circumscribed masses, excluding multiple bilateral circumscribed masses, were reviewed.

Breast Radiologists' Perceptions on the Detection and Management of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Most Agree Imaging Beyond Mammography Is Warranted.

Objective: To determine breast radiologists' confidence in detecting invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) on mammography and the perceived need for additional imaging in screening and preoperative settings.

Methods: A 16-item anonymized survey was developed, and IRB exemption obtained, by the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) Patient Care and Delivery Committee and the Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance. The survey was emailed to 2946 radiologist SBI members on February 15, 2023.

Factors Contributing to Disproportionate Burnout in Women Breast Imaging Radiologists: A Review.

Physician burnout continues to increase in prevalence and disproportionately affects women physicians. Breast imaging is a woman-dominated subspeciality, and therefore, worsening burnout among women physicians may have significant repercussions on the future of the breast imaging profession. Systemic and organizational factors have been shown to be the greatest contributors to burnout beyond individual factors.

Self-scheduling of Screening Mammograms Using an Online Patient Portal: Initial 8-year Experience at a Multisite Academic Institution.

Objective: The goal of this study was to determine patient factors associated with the use of self-scheduling of screening mammograms (SMs) using an online portal.

Methods: All SMs scheduled at our multisite academic institution from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022, were included. The frequency of self-scheduling via an online portal was calculated per year.

Can breast MRI predict pathologic response following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer? A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: For patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer, it is standard of care to perform pre- and post-NAC imaging to evaluate response to therapy prior to surgery. In this study we assess outcome metrics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following NAC.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent a breast MRI before and after NAC between 2016 and 2021 at a single, multisite academic institution.

Breast cancer detection with upstream data fusion, machine learning, and automated registration: initial results.

Purpose: To develop an artificial intelligence algorithm for the detection of breast cancer by combining upstream data fusion (UDF), machine learning (ML), and automated registration, using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and breast ultrasound (US).

Approach: Our retrospective study included examinations from 875 women obtained between April 2013 and January 2019. Included patients had a DBT mammogram, breast US, and biopsy proven breast lesion.