Expert ddx Obstetrics. Paula J. Woodward, Anne Kennedy, Roya Sohaey, Karen Y. Oh, Janice L.B. Byrne, Michael D. Puchalski (Authors). Amirsys 2008, 500 pages, 2000 illustrations, $299.00.

Expert ddx Obstetrics by Paula Woodward M.D. offers a practical approach to OB imaging.  This book is organized into chapters that follow along the lines of both image driven and clinically based differentials.  Once an abnormality is identified, this book can be referenced to determine the differential diagnosis.  The differential is organized into common, less common and rare but important causes.  The text describes the general issues that one should be looking for. The bullet point text explains the basics of the imaging and clinical features/ pathophysiology of each of the possible diagnoses importantly there are many well illustrated and clearly labeled diagrams.

As with many fetal syndromes, it is often the secondary findings that are helpful in narrowing the differential, and an emphasis is placed on this throughout the book.  While the book concentrates mainly on ultrasound, multiple fetal MRIs, pictures of affected babies, and an array of gross pathological specimens are included. A few newborn CTs are also included. This book has a total of 14 sections and 112 differentials.  Specific to neuro there are 15 brain, 3 spine and 8 face/neck differentials.   As with the other books in the series, you get free access to the online text and free updates. As noted on prior reviews of books in this series, if you have a subscription to StatDx, the same material in this book is accessible online.