Pensak ML, Choo DI, eds. Clinical Otology. 4th ed. Thieme; 2014; 528 pp; 340 ill; $189.99

Close collaboration between the clinical services in the neurosciences and neuroradiology is important in all fields of our work. This is true in head/neck imaging, particularly when considering all the aspects of clinical otology. While this book, edited by Dr. Pensak and Choo (with 74 contributors), is not one a neuroradiologist would purchase for its imaging value, it is, however, one that contains valuable clinical and surgical information those who deal with a sizeable volume of temporal bone imaging will find valuable.

There are 4 basic sections of the book

• Basic Science – concentrating on anatomy, physiology, molecular biology
• Evaluation – including a short chapter (8 pages) on temporal bone imaging, auditory disorders, clinical evaluation of the clinical nerves, the dizzy patient
• Management – of a whole host of disorders we frequently encounter on imaging
• Rehabilitation – including implantable hearing devices, cochlear implants, and pulsatile tinnitus, among other topics).

Unfortunately, material on the imaging of devices is limited to nonexistent. Their inclusion and an analysis of this topic would have added value. Highly detailed MR imaging, such as 3D CISS for the small, middle, and inner ear structures, is absent, but again, the value of the book to our specialty does not lie in its imaging but rather in the clinical aspects of otology. Of note also is that in a number of chapters the legends inadequately describe all the findings or are misleading/incorrect.

Nonetheless, drawings and some of the otoscopic photographs are instructive.

For those with a keen interest in clinical otology, and for those who wish to be increasingly conversant with the temporal bone surgeons in their practice, this book is worthwhile.