Rumack C, Wilson SR, Charboneau JW, et al.  Diagnostic Ultrasound, Vols. 1 and 2.  Elsevier-Mosby 2011, 2192 pages, $349.00.

The 4th edition of the “gold standard” textbook of diagnostic ultrasound does not disappoint. This two-volume, 2192-page text contains approximately 5,000 images and is divided into 58 chapters.  The writing is thorough yet readable, striking a good balance for discussing imaging as well as clinical aspects and pathophysiology.

As anyone who performs and interprets ultrasound images knows, sweep images can often be far more instructive than static images alone.  In keeping with this idea, one of the most innovative updates for this edition is access to 242 online videos of sweep or cine images.  However, obtaining access to these videos is somewhat convoluted and time consuming. Additionally, without labeling or significantly descriptive legend, the actual value of access to these videos falls short of its potential. With the addition of Dr. Deborah Levine to the editorial staff there has been significant expansion and improvement of the prenatal ultrasound section.

While ultrasound is not a modality that neuroradiologist use often, there are seven chapters scattered throughout the text which deal with neuroradiology specific topics including thyroid ultrasound, extra-cranial vessels and pediatric head, neck and spine sonography.  The chapter on carotid ultrasound is well written and is 45 pages long and balances the theoretical, practical and evidence based aspects of carotid ultrasound.  All of these chapters do a great job in correlating sonographic images to MR and CT images, which we are more accustomed to interpreting.

Overall, this book is highly recommended for addition to a library of a group practice and is a ‘must have’ for academic departments.  For the individual radiologist who does 100% neuroradiology, this book is likely too broad to be worth the cost, especially for those whose practices do not include neonatal head ultrasounds or spine ultrasounds.