Persky MS, Waner M, Blei F, et al. Vascular Lesions of the Head and Neck: Diagnosis and Management. Thieme; 2015; 168 pp; 236 ill; $99.99

As neuroradiologists we often diagnose various types of vascular malformations with CT, MR and/or DSA. Rarely do we actually see the patients with these abnormalities unless we are performing interventions, either as a primary treatment or as a prelude to a surgical procedure. This book (134 pages, hardcover) is edited by Drs. Persky, Waner, Blei and Berenstein. The inclusion of Dr. Berenstein, an interventional neuroradiologist, is important because it adds to the various disciplines involved in the care of these patients (Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, Pathology, and Radiology).

Drs. Shatules and Lefton contributed a short chapter on the Radiologic Evaluation of Vascular Malformations (description and illustration of the 4 types) and a separate chapter on hemangiomas alone. This book covers (14 chapters) all the critical aspects of head and neck vascular lesions, including the current classification systems and the clinical and pathologic findings in congenital vascular tumors. The pathology of congenital tumors is particularly well-written and well-illustrated chapter (many of these types are unknown to most neuroradiologists).

The chapters include information classification, genetics, pathology, natural history, various syndromes associated with vascular anomalies, imaging interventional management of these patients, and vascular neoplasms of the head and neck.

What would interest those in our specialty the most are the many pictures of patients with a variety of such lesions. Who amongst us has actually seen the clinical findings of a blue rubber bleb nevus or a proteus syndrome or an infantile Kaposioform hemogioendothelioma? And the patient illustrations go on for many more common and uncommon lesions. These are enlightening.

The endovascular treatment of these lesions is very nicely written, and as with all the other chapters, important associated pictures are included. What can be accomplished (before and after pictures) in skilled hands is quite revealing.

While this is not a book most radiologists would purchase for their own library, it certainly is one that should be made available in any department library where there is substantial imaging and treatment of head and neck vascular lesions. The cover alone should grab your attention.