Riascos RF, Bonfante E, Calle S. RadCases Plus Q&A: Neuro Imaging, 2nd Edition;Thieme; 2018;264 pp;776 ill;$69.99
The 2nd edition of “Neuro Imaging” contains 100 cases, all of which could be considered radiographic classics. Edited by Drs. Riascos, Bonfante, and Calle (all from the University of Texas, Houston), the cases are well chosen. Along with the information that accompanies them (Differential Diagnosis, Essential Facts, Other Imaging Findings, Pearls and Pitfalls), each case prepares the reader (resident/fellow/attending) for any possible exam, such as a core or re-certifying exam.
The material concentrates on brain and spine imaging – both pediatric and adult. However, the lack of head and neck imaging (that is, after all, part neuro imaging in most practices) is an omission which should rectified in future additions.
There are 2 issues in the routine evaluation of neuro imaging; one is knowing the diagnosis or differential diagnosis of a classic presentation, while the other is identifying subtle abnormalities. This book, along with other publications in this genre, do not get involved in the latter issue. Since there are many websites where one can test oneself, the utility of quiz books as represented by this publication have become less important over time. However, hopefully one day someone will create a digital quiz with multiple images to choose between (for the same patient) where the challenge would be to find the abnormality, as opposed to suggesting a diagnosis of an obvious abnormality.
This book includes a supplementary section in which 2 follow-up questions are asked for each of the cases shown (200 questions total). There are some less common cases which are well demonstrated; examples include CLIPPERS, HOA, Duret hemorrhage alar/transverse ligament injury, PML in IRIS and non-IRIS situations, hepatic encephalopathy, radiation necrosis, and post seizure MTT/perfusion.
The images chosen are adequate teaching tools; however, a few images are not windowed properly resulting in images that look too dark. In future editions, close attention should be paid to the optimal window width and level. Overall, the book provides a good sampling of classic cases in neuroradiology and therefore would be a good addition to a departmental library.
