The density pattern of the breasts should be reported to the clinician in view of the possible difficulties in the diagnosis of mammary disease due to reduced sensitiveness and specificity in patients with dense breasts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to correlate the different mammography density patterns with possibly modifying factors such as age, parity and body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight hundred and forty-nine women and their respective mammography examinations were evaluated in order to identify the density pattern of the breasts, age, parity and body mass index. Chi-square test, contingency coefficient and logistic regression were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Most women were 36 to 55 years old. There was predominance of low density (73.7%) over high density (26.3%) patterns. Multiparity was observed in 69.8% of the women whereas 16.5% were nulliparous and 13.7% had only one child. The body mass index was normal in 53.3% of the women. Overweight was observed in 26.1% of the women, 9.5% were obese and 11.3% were below the ideal weight. CONCLUSION: Dense breast patterns were influenced by young age, nulliparity and reduced body mass index. Low density breast patterns were more frequent with increasing ages, number of children and body mass index.

Keywords: Mammography, Breast radiography, Breast density