Riascos R, Bonfante E. RadCases: Neuro Imaging. Thieme 2011, 224 pages, 768 illustrations, $49.95.
This is another in the Thieme Series of unknown quiz cases. Here we are presented with 100 cases (with apparently another 150 on line, which unfortunately I was unable to access) with the case/history on the right hand page and on the overleaf page, a description of the findings (with labels) a differential diagnosis, essential facts, and what are termed pearls and pitfalls.
The first impression is that these cases are straightforward and virtually classic for each diagnosis. Therefore, they do not present much of a challenge to a trained neuroradiologist or even to a fellow. Perhaps to a resident early in their formative years these cases would be helpful and would certainly be helpful for Board Review.
There is an imbalance, however, in the types of cases presented. It is surprising that this text is to be used by those in neuroradiology, but there are no head and neck cases. That is part of neuroradiology at almost all institutions, and a lack of such material must be considered a drawback. To this reviewer, there were also a disproportionate number of the brain images compared to spine images, but that is a relatively minor fault. Concerning the cases, a better method would have been to divide the book into two areas: (1) less and (2) more challenging cases. As most of those who are involved in clinical neuroradiology recognize, many cases they see on a daily basis are not as clear cut and unambiguous as those shown in this book. This is not to say that all the cases are obvious but enough of them are to make the book less effective than it might have been.
The material itself it is accurate and educational. The differential diagnoses are properly listed—that is, they are thankfully not a laundry list of possibilities. The images themselves are well chosen but a few could have used a closer attention to contrast and brightness adjustments. Although a couple of perfusion studies are included (of course DWI/ADC maps appear), the opportunity to use more advanced techniques such as MRS or fMR or DTI as part of a set of questions was missed. This reviewer believes that this type of additional material would have enhanced the book and made it more germane to all neuroradiologists. Perhaps a future edition of this book will take these suggestions into consideration.
Meanwhile, this text can be recommended for a resident library.
