Naidich TP, Castillo M, Cha S, eds. Imaging of the Spine. Saunders ELSEVIER 2011, 632 pages, $239.00.
The newest volume in the Expert/Radiology series is Imaging of the Spine edited by a group of foremost neuroradiologists (Drs. Naidich, Castillo, Cha, Raybaud, Smirniotopoulos, Kollias, Kleinman) The list of contributing authors (44) wisely includes not only other neuroradiologists but also physicians in other specialties and basic scientists. Such contributions make this a valuable and in-depth look at some of the imaging and clinical issues involved in spine imaging. Noted are contributions by neuropathologists (Drs. Capers, Fowles), neurosurgeons (Drs. Choudhri, Gologors Ky) and basic scientists (Drs. Oyfe, Mittelbron, Weisz). Anyone who knows or knows of the Senior Editor (Dr. Naidich) recognizes that he would bring to a book such contributors so as to make the end product well rounded and applicable to clinical neuroradiology. This is exactly the approach that textbooks in Radiology should have—high quality imaging, detailed anatomic information, well written descriptions not only of the abnormalities shown on the imaging but also key information of the diseases under consideration, along with critical clinical/pathologic input.
There are 13 parts of this book (Introduction, Paraspinal Structures, Normal Spine Aging and Degeneration, Normal Vascularization and Ischemia, Spinal Trauma, Spinal Vascular Malformations, Spinal Cysts and Tumors, Metabolic Conditions, Spinal Infections, Spine Inflammation (non infectious), Operative Considerations, and Brachial/Lumbosacral Plexus. Within these parts are a number of chapters—resulting in a total of 28 chapters. The format changes slightly from chapter to chapter but all contain clinical background, pathophysiology, illuminating intraoperative photographs, drawings of pertinent anatomy and pathology, and many contain “Boxes” (clinical vignettes), Summary Tables, and Key Points including differential considerations. It is fair to point out some key features with the understanding that there are many excellent chapters not summarized in this review. A couple of examples will suffice: the chapter on spinal cysts clearly and briefly describe and illustrate the different types (I-III) of meningeal (arachnoid cysts) and their relationship to roots and the spinal cord; there is an informative section on metabolic conditions which effect the bony spine in which practical imaging considerations are clearly described; guidelines for judging spinal vascular anatomy on DSA and MRA and the subsequent applications to spinal vascular malformations, and more. Even the most prosaic topics, like degenerative disorders of the spine by Victor Haughton, are brought to life by not only exquisite cyromicrotone sections but also by introducing some advanced MR techniques used in spine imaging.
The chapter “The Normal Spinal Cord and Meninges” (by Naidich and 8 co-authors) with ultra high field MR (9.4 T) deserves special mention. The authors bring us ex vivo images which are quite spectacular, showing for nearly the first time what delicate anatomy can be delineated with tracts and structures you never expected to see on MR. Of course whether these brilliant images eventually become part of our routine imaging in the future is another issue altogether.
This textbook is entirely different than Diagnostic Imaging: Spine. That has more of an encyclopedic nature with innumerable picture bullet points and differential considerations. This book by Naidich, et al follows a more traditional pattern and is easy to read.
It is difficult to go through every chapter and point out the pluses, because there are many. This is an excellent and complete textbook—it is a highly recommended purchase for all levels of experience—whether a trainee or a practicing neuroradiologist.
