Hofer M. CT Teaching Manual, 4th ed. Thieme 2011, 224 pages, 1170 illustrations, $69.95.
This workbook by Dr. Matthias Hofer on CT imaging (the 4th English edition) was written to completely cover all the technical and anatomic issues involved in CT scanning. In addition, it was structured to include common pathologic conditions. The book is cleverly produced and has many features which will appeal to residents in training and to practicing radiologists. CT images are accompanied by drawings which label the corresponding structures; this is particularly inviting because the CT images are not cluttered with labels. Self testing is included.
The book starts with “flaps” in the front and back of the book, which list key anatomic structures by numbers so that when these numbers are shown on a drawing one can quickly refer to the keys shown.
The sections of this softcover book are Physical/Technical Fundamentals, Rules for Reading CTs, Patient Preparation, Contrast Agents, Normal Head Anatomy (brain, orbit, face, temporal bone), Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Spine, Leg/Foot, Radiation Safety, Injections, Dual Source CT. Interspersed there are pathological cases, and, importantly, there are test questions following each anatomic area. The answers given at the rear of the book are written in a “folksy” manner. None of the quiz material in neuroimaging is challenging for a neuroradiologist. On the other hand, a review of the Chest and Abdominable CT anatomy and pathology is worth the time spent, since for those immersed in just neuroimaging, critical anatomic points can easily be forgotten.
This would be a good purchase for a Resident Library.
