Borden NM, Forseen SE, Stefan C. Imaging Anatomy of the Human Brain: A Comprehensive Atlas Including Adjacent Structures. DemosMEDICAL; 2015; 464 pp; 1000 ill; $185.00
The bedrock of neuroradiology—in fact, of all of radiology—is a strong understanding of the pertinent anatomy. When combined with imaging-derived metrics, this knowledge greatly influences diagnosis and treatment.
Enter the new publication Imaging Anatomy of the Human Brain, edited by Drs. Borden, Forseen, and Stefan, and illustrated (beautifully) by Dr. Moore. There are contributions from 13 others in various chapters.
Besides the anatomy itself, there is a lot to like about this book, including a 42-page chapter on advanced MR techniques (SWI, fMR, DTI, MRS), CT imaging (with sections also on temporal bone, paranasal sinuses, and the orbit), vascular imaging (MR, CT, perfusion, DSA), and neonatal cranial ultrasound.
The book is printed on high-grade paper, which, in combination with the well-selected and excellent image quality, makes this an outstanding anatomic reference textbook. There are 10 separate chapters, each with a well-written introduction: Development/Organization/Function; Color Illustration of the Brain; Brain; Cerebellum; Selected Regional Anatomy of the Brain and Orbit; Cranial Nerves; Advanced MRI Techniques; CT Imaging ; Vascular Imaging; and Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound.
There are many outstanding features, for example:
- Side-by-side depiction of heavily labeled anatomy and the same image containing no labels—a juxtaposition that allows one to go back and forth to best appreciate the anatomy shown
- Understandable labeling letters bereft of annoying types of arrows (this makes studying the images easy)
- The inclusion of techniques used in generating the images
- The mention of free websites to look further into the anatomy and analysis of imaging
- Color illustrations of the brain with 3D modeling
- The layering of cortical stimulated areas (BOLD) on high-quality, heavily T1-weighted images in fMRI
- The precise and detailed DTI as color and FA maps
- Well-selected CT perfusion maps
- The basics of echoencephalography, and more.
It is difficult in a short review like this to convince a reader of a book’s value; nonetheless, do yourself a favor and either purchase this book for your own library or select it for your department’s library. For proof of its value, examine it at the next ASNR or RSNA. You will be convinced. The bulk of the information in the book will never be out of date.
