Brandão LA, ed. Mukherji SK, consulting ed. Neuroimaging Clinics of North America: Adult Brain Tumors. Elsevier; 2016;26(4):493–694; $360.00
This November 2016 issue of the Neuroimaging Clinics of North America consists of 9 chapters (nearly 200 pages in length) and covers a number of aspects of adult brain tumors. Edited by Dr. Lara Brandão with contributions from 21 international and national authors, this volume deals with (in order): posterior fossa tumors, lymphomas (2 chapters), the pre- and posttreatment evaluation of gliomas (2 chapters), metastasis, extra parenchymal tumors, advanced MR techniques, and interesting cases of pseudotumors. It is a bit surprising that there is not a chapter dedicated to the emerging brain tumor classifications based on molecular/genetic factors. While in our daily readings of brain MRs and CTs, we do not consider these molecular factors, these issues are discussed among members of neuro-oncology tumor boards, on which neuroradiologists are participants. With the increased emphasis on ICD types and their implications for therapy, some space on this subject is warranted. Had this been included, some of the terminology used elsewhere in the book might have been altered. Of course, the chapter on posttreatment of gliomas and the complexities in the analysis of such patients will be of great interest to the readers of this volume. The extensive material on lymphomas is important and noteworthy because of the increased incidence of disease and the multiple parameters that can be utilized in its detection and evaluation. Many important teaching points are raised in this 54-page (2-chapter) evaluation of lymphomas.
The images included in this volume are of high quality and are well-described, with important structural changes in brain tumors included. Even if one does not read the volume cover-to-cover, one can derive an understanding (providing a good review) of adult brain tumors and see some unusual cases or unusual variants of common brain tumors. The inclusion of some intraoperative photographs, along with a few gross and histopathology images, enhances a few chapters.
Adult Brain Tumors is a strong addition to the NICA series and is a recommended purchase.
