Burghart G, Finn C. Handbook of MRI Scanning. Mosby Elsevier 2010, 416 pages, $49.95.
Handbook of MRI Scanning, written by Geraldine Burghart and Carol Finn, is a book about of MRI scanning protocols for Technologists. The book covers the pulse sequences, parameters, slice alignment, and anatomical coverage needed to perform an accurate MRI examination. It has very detailed images, anatomical references on all scanning protocols, and has recommendations for sequences and parameters for all body parts.
The book is presented in six chapters. Chapters One and Two cover Brain and Spine imaging, followed by Musculoskeletal imaging in Chapters Three and Four. The last two chapters cover Body imaging, including Angiography. The book also includes patient preparations, coil selection, MR safety guidelines, and contrast recommendations in pregnancy, pediatrics, and NSF concerns.
The chapters regarding Brain and Spine imaging covered all the basic MRI protocols while providing anatomical references and images, as guidelines, for the protocols. In addition to the basic protocol, there are protocols for CSF Flow imaging in the Brain and Spine Myelogram. It also provides a detailed explanation on performing new advanced techniques such as functional MRI, Tractography, Spectroscopy, and Perfusion.
The chapters on Musculoskeletal imaging have great anatomical and imaging references. These two chapters cover all Musculoskeletal areas, and they also include protocol for MR Arthrogram. These chapters not only cover routine protocols but also give tips for saturation bands positioning, suggestive turbo factor, and an explanation of when to use a no phase wrap technique.
Chapters Five and Six cover Body Imaging. As in the rest of the chapters, the book provides the reader with anatomical images, protocols, and parameters as references. Everything from Breast Dynamic MR, Cardiac MR, Time Resolved Angiography (4D-MRA), Fetal MRI, and Prostate protocol are included. In these chapters, you will even find an explanation about parallel imaging and its uses in body imaging, as well as different techniques for fat saturation.
There have been books published in the past which deal with MRI protocols. However, in the Handbook of MRI Scanning, the authors have managed to include all the basics needed to perform a complete MRI examination. It provides the reader with anatomical and imaging references, as well as scanning protocols and parameters.
A few recommendations for future editions are to include a chapter on Neurography imaging; only the Brachial Plexus protocol was covered in this book. In addition, protocols on Lumbar plexus, Sacral plexus, and Extremities Neurography would have been a great addition. Furthermore, dedicated protocols for Sports Medicine imaging, like Pectoralis muscle, sports hernia, and Skiers Thumb, just to mention a few, would have enhanced the already excellent Musculoskeletal chapters.
Overall, the authors accomplished the goal of the book, which is to provide the MRI Technologist with a compact book on MRI scanning protocols. Every protocol and chapter covers patient preparation, anatomical references, positioning lines, sequences, parameters, and tips on improving image quality. I strongly recommend this book for all new Technologists, and it also is a great addition to any MRI department to have as a guide for scanning protocols.
