Jain R, Essig M. Brain Tumor Imaging. Thieme; 2015; 261 pp, $149.99
This recently published book, written by Dr. Jain from New York University and Dr. Essig from the University of Manitoba, ties together routine imaging and advanced MRI of brain tumors. With 37 contributors, this 261-page hardcover contains discussion and illustrations of the multiple parameters used in describing features of brain tumors. Noted is the absence of dural-based tumors such as meningiomas, because these are not, in a strict sense, brain tumors. The book seeks to clarify the concepts and applicability of advanced techniques in its 19 chapters. Important topics are covered, including pMR, pCT, ASL, DWI, DTI, fMRI, MRS, PET/SPECT. In addition, the authors explain treatment effects, the paraneoplastic syndromes, and intraoperative MRI. The book looks into the future as well, with material on ultra-high field MRI (currently defined as 7T), genomics, and contrast material under evaluation for brain tumors (USPID particles). While what is considered advanced today could be considered routine tomorrow (look at the evolution of diffusion imaging), it is important that they have brought all of this material into a single volume.
Each chapter follows a similar but not identical format, and in all chapters there is adequate background and methodologic information to allow full appreciation of what follows. The authors have chosen high-quality images, and where indicated, there are appropriate graphics. The book is best approached by first reading the beginning 3 chapters, where there is a brief review of conventional MR imaging (13 pages), an excellent chapter reviewing the patterns of response in brain tumor treatment (10 pages—which sets up information which is described later in the book), and an overview of all the advanced techniques (10 pages—again, providing a summary of information on what will be described in later chapters).
The meat of the book takes individually specific techniques using case material to show what those “advanced techniques” offer. Certainly at some point one will have to not consider SV MRS or DWI advanced, as these techniques have been integrated into the routine assessment of brain tumors and sequelae of treatments, and the same pertains to a number of other techniques described.
This book is recommended as a resource in neuroimaging not only as an educational tool but also for its value in describing the methodologies of many of these MR procedures.
