Shah G, Wesolowski J, Choi J, Friedman ER. RadCases: Head and Neck Imaging. Thieme; 2016; 224 pp; 441 ill; $59.99
RadCases: Head and Neck Imaging features a nice series of 100 cases that illustrates both relatively common and challenging head and neck abnormalities; these cases are supplemented with additional material (150 cases), which is accessible through a scratch-off code that readers can enter into the Thieme website. These extra 150 cases provide an excellent self-quiz.
The print version shows each unknown with its history and, on the overleaf, the diagnosis is stated, the images are reproduced and labeled, and a differential diagnosis is provided, along with what are called “essential facts,” other potential and associated imaging findings, and “pearls and pitfalls.” These 100 cases and the 150 online are well chosen; however, it would have been worthwhile to include additional postoperative neck scans (along with the PET scanning). It also might have been valuable to have included more cases in which the findings were not so blatant. As we all know, the major challenge is finding or identifying lesions, not necessarily giving a differential diagnosis. For the online cases, the ability to go from images, to image annotations, to differential diagnoses, to key points makes learning efficient. This book serves as a refresher that helps one sharpen diagnostic abilities in head and neck imaging.
Side note: When some minor difficulty was encountered in accessing these web-based images, Thieme was contacted directly, and its representatives were immediately responsive and helpful in their assistance. This should be reassuring to those who purchase Thieme publications that have a web link to extra material.
