The radiologist himself discovered his error after comparing the newer images to those taken the year earlier. He saw that the front part of the lesion had shown previously in one view but not in the craniocaudal view because the breast had not been properly positioned. He included in his report after the second year's screening that the lesion had been present the year before, although not reported at that time, and recommended the patient undergo a prompt biopsy. The woman underwent a mastectomy as a result and eight months later filed the lawsuit.
Berlin presents several recommendations to radiologists to improve their performance.
Berlin writes a regular monthly column of commentary for the AJR on malpractice issues in radiology. Established in 1900, the Society has been a forum for progress in radiology since shortly after the discovery of the X ray and is dedicated to the goal of the advancement of medicine through the science of radiology and its allied sciences.