Optimal reference mammography: a comparison of mammograms obtained 1 and 2 years before the present examination.

Objective: We assessed and compared the benefit of using images acquired 1 year or 2 years previously during mammography interpretations.

Materials And Methods: Eleven radiologists and one resident reviewed 128 cases three times: once without prior mammograms for comparison, once with mammograms from the most recent (1 year) examination, and once with mammograms acquired 2 years previously. They were asked to determine whether the patient should be recalled for additional procedures.