Robson C, Kock BL, Harnsberger HR. Specialty Imaging: Temporal Bone. Amirsys; 2013; 580 pgs.; 1500 illustrations; $299

For those who are not involved with a high volume of temporal bone imaging (CT or MR), it is difficult to become proficient and secure in the occasional evaluation of temporal bone pathology, particularly when intrinsic malformations or small lesions are present. The newly published book by Amirsys  Specialty Imaging: Temporal Bone, edited by Drs. Robson, Koch, and Harnsberger, expands on the temporal bone section contained in Diagnostic Imaging: Head and Neck (2011), also from Amirsys. Once again the authors of this remarkable series of the textbooks have hit a home run. The well illustrated and bulletpoint material (with which every radiologist is now familiar) sets standards in medical education.

There are eight sections:

1. Introduction/Overview
2. External Auditory Canal
3. Middle Ear/Mastoid
4. Inner Ear
5. Petrous Apex
6. Facial Nerve
7. General Topics in Temporal Bone (Trauma, Tumor, Vascular Lesions, Syndromes)
8. CP Angle/IAC

While every part of this book contains well organized and important information, each ends with a section entitled “Different Diagnosis” that gives an overview of the topics that preceded it. Of course, as we have all witnessed since the inaugural book of this remarkable series, the most valuable features are the unprecedented wealth of diverse pathology; crisp and highly detailed images; the beautiful color drawings, which help in understanding the underlying embryologic development of the temporal bone; and the complex normal anatomy (in multiple projections). The anatomy and pathology, as one would expect, is largely (but certainly not exclusively) focused on CT imaging. MR supplements CT as necessary, but often is itself the prime diagnostic tool—such as in the petrous apex or when analyzing abnormalities of the facial nerve and IAC. Additionally, not only does the material describe each abnormality item by item, but, with the sections on different diagnosis, allows one to learn material both by the clinical presentation and, alternatively, by the imaging features themselves.

To this reviewer, the book is extremely valuable and for all neuroradiologists. It is highly recommended.