Tsiouris AJ, Sanelli PC, Comunale JP. Case-Based Brain Imaging. Second Ed. Thieme; 2013; 704 pgs.; 1292 illustrations; $99.99.
This case-based book consists of 152 cases, each starting with a brief history. Then, images are provided with a detailed caption of the findings underneath. A diagnosis is given, followed by a brief but relevant differential diagnosis with specific reasons that those entities are less likely. An appropriately detailed discussion ensues, including an overview of the diagnosis, the typical clinical manifestations, findings on pathology (both gross and microscopic), and bulleted imaging findings on CT, MRI, and, if applicable, DSA. During this discussion, one or more other examples of the same entity are often shown. Treatment and prognosis are then briefly discussed. At the conclusion of each case, pearls and pitfalls are given.
The cases are grouped together into 7 sections: neoplasms, inflammatory diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative/white matter/metabolic diseases, trauma, congenital/developmental malformations, and cranial nerves. The cases are mostly a mix of Roentgen classics and important diagnoses in neuroimaging. Some, such as Parry-Romberg Syndrome, are zebras but are nonetheless interesting and worth knowing about.
The strengths of this book are numerous. All cases are very well illustrated. Many cases include both CT and MR images, with a smattering of angiograms. The authors included numerous sequences from each case even when the findings were just a pertinent negative. Instead of just saying “DWI demonstrated no restricted diffusion (not shown),” DWI and ADC are included to allow the reader to see for him/herself. This allows a more “real-life” simulation of looking at the case compared to other case books, where only the one or two of the most representative images are shown.
Almost all of the cases include companion cases that illustrate another aspect of the entity or show a slightly less typical presentation. Therefore, although this book has ‘only’ 152 cases, the actual number of unique cases the reader will see is closer to 350. Additionally, with the purchase of this book comes online access to 250 additional cases, which are presented in an interactive format through the publisher’s website.
The writing is concise yet does not leave the reader needing to look up further information about the diagnosis. Additionally, the layout, with each section clearly partitioned, allows the reader to go through the cases at their own depth. One could easily learn a lot from this book just looking at the images, the diagnosis, the differential diagnoses, and the pearls/pitfalls. This reviewer finds no significant negatives or deficiencies to the book.
Overall, this book is highly recommended for residents, neuroradiology fellows and practicing general radiologists. This book would also be educational for our non-radiology colleagues such as neurosurgeons and neurologists.
