Copel J. Obstetric Imaging: Fetal Diagnosis and Care. 2nd ed. Elsevier; 2017; 776 pp; $299.99
Obstetric Imaging: Fetal Diagnosis and Care, the second edition of the highly popular first text, is a comprehensive textbook on ultrasound imaging of the fetus. Since the first edition, which was published more than 5 years ago, ultrasound technology has undergone major advancements and there has been a significant improvement in the quality of fetal imaging. This is reflected in the many newly added high-resolution images and videos in this textbook. Imaging of the fetus can be a very difficult task to perform, and the diagnosis of fetal anomalies can be quite challenging. The proverb “the eye cannot see what the mind doesn’t know” is very true when it comes to fetal imaging. This textbook not only helps in the interpretation of fetal anomalies, but also aids in the diagnosis of fetal abnormalities with greater confidence and accuracy.
The book is edited by Dr. Copel, who is a well-recognized authority in the field of obstetric imaging, with contributions from more than 100 other distinguished co-authors. Thus, the reader is assured of accurate information and provided with advanced clinical guidance from a large team of international specialists.
The book begins with a chapter on the atlas of normal images and is then divided into multiple sections by organ systems. Each organ system is then broken down into individual chapters focusing on various congenital anomalies specific to the organ system. Conditions associated with chromosomes and syndromes are also discussed in detail. There is 1 whole section dedicated to fetal procedures, ranging from the more commonly performed amniocentesis to the more complex laser photocoagulation, radiofrequency ablation, fetal shunt placement, open fetal surgery, and other intricate procedures. The genetics information section has been reorganized since the first edition, including the section on skeletal dysplasias.
New chapters on important topics such as congenital infections, open fetal surgery, pregnancy of unknown location, cesarean scar pregnancy, Doppler imaging, MR imaging, and elastography, among others, have been added. A new chapter on the “hot” germane topic of congenital Zika syndrome has also been added. Each chapter is concise with the most relevant information, which makes it very reader-friendly. Features I really like are the “Key Points” and the “What the Referring Physician Needs to Know” sections at the end of each chapter, which make it really useful to someone who is pressed for time and wants to run through a quick summary of any chapter.
One of the highlights of this book is the number of high-resolution images accompanying each topic. Some of the images have been carried over from the prior text, but there are many new high-resolution images in this text. There are many 3D images, as well as diagrams and autopsy images wherever necessary and relevant. Another unique feature is the online access to numerous videos (over 85), which helps the reader master important aspects of sonography and adds value to the book.
Overall, the second edition of the hugely popular Obstetric Imaging is a comprehensive textbook that provides an extensive review of both genetic and acquired fetal congenital anomalies. The edition is intended to keep the reader up-to-date with the latest developments in multimodality imaging and at the forefront of this fast-changing field. Published by Elsevier, it continues to maintain the high standards set out by the publishers of the ever-popular Expert Radiology series. It can serve as both a concise text and a reference book for obstetricians, radiologists, ultrasound technologists, residents in training, and anyone else closely involved with fetal imaging.
