Patients undergoing mammography prefer to be informed about breast arterial calcification (BAC), which is sometimes a sign of cardiovascular disease, according to new research published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
“It has been suggested that BAC be reported as part of routine mammography reports,” wrote author Laurie R. Margolies, MD, department of radiology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, and colleagues. “Patients and referring physicians could use the information as part of shared decision making regarding cardiac evaluation with the ultimate goal of maximizing the benefit of preventive cardiology strategies.”
The authors surveyed more than 400 patients presenting for screening or diagnostic mammography in November 2016. Overall, more than 95 percent said they prefer to have BAC reported. Every patient—107 total—who were unaware of their personal history of heart disease wanted to be notified about BAC. More than 60 percent of patients who indicated a preferred way to have their BAC communicated to them indicated they wanted it to be a letter or call from the radiology department.
“An overwhelming percentage of patients prefer to be notified if they have BAC detected at mammography,” the authors wrote. “Reporting BAC as standard practice can uniquely promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women, which is the main cause of death among women in the United States. Breast radiologists are in a strong position to identify BAC, notify patients of its presence, and help women with BAC reach preventive cardiologists.”
Margolies and colleagues noted the current state of BAC reporting after a mammogram is similar to breast density reporting before 2009, when states began passing legislation that required notification. Breast density suggested a possible risk of disease, just as BAC suggests a possible risk.
“Radiologists have adjusted mammography results letters to comply with mandatory reporting about dense breasts,” the authors wrote. “Similarly, BAC is apparent on all mammograms but not routinely reported to patients. Our study shows that as they wanted to have information about breast density, women want to know information contained in a mammogram that may affect their health.”
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.