Osborn AG, Digre KB. Imaging in Neurology. Elsevier; 2016; 528 pp; $149.99
Imaging in Neurology, from Drs. Anne G. Osborn and Kathleen B. Digre, serves as an imaging reference with key radiologic findings “to the most common and important neurological disorders”. The book is a great educational tool, which successfully presents a vast and varying amount of information in a manner that is thorough yet concise. The book begins with a succinct overview of the various imaging modalities used in neuroimaging, with representative images. The remainder, and bulk, of the book provides a comprehensive review of brain and spine anatomy and pathology, broken down into 3 brain sections and 6 spine sections.
As its title suggests, the book’s strength lays in its fantastic images. The radiologic pictures and graphics are plentiful and well selected to best depict key imaging features. Image quality and size allow for an easy viewing experience. The images are well annotated, allowing for accurate identification of the depicted findings, even in the presence of multiple findings within the same image. Multiple imaging modalities are represented, with the most pertinent modalities selected for each entity.
Perhaps just as strong as the images is the book’s organization. Brief overviews at the beginning of each section lay the foundation for the collection of cases that follow. Each disorder is then presented on a single page with a concise text and pictorial description. Key facts, including imaging findings, top differential diagnoses and clinical issues, are provided in bulletpoint format, allowing for a quick perusal of information without overwhelming the reader. The arrangement by pathology- and anatomy-based diagnoses allows for quick and convenient referral as well as the ability to compare and contrast diagnoses with just a glance of the eye or flip of the page.
This book would serve as an excellent academic and clinical reference for Neurology practitioners, both those in training and at the attending level. Imaging in Neurology could easily become a staple in the Neurology book market as an imaging bible of sorts. Moreover, a far broader audience, such as those within the fields of Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, could also benefit from having the book at their disposal. Radiology residents would find this a very useful compilation and presentation of material that they could digest efficiently and easily.
