Saraf-Lavi E. Spine Imaging: Case Review Series. 3rd Ed. Elsevier; 2013; 352 pgs; $69.95.
The 3rd edition of Spine Imaging is the most recent addition to the popular Case Review Series. The text is a case-based presentation of 160 spine cases. In each case, a series of images is presented along with a brief history. The reader is then given a series of questions relevant to the topic and asked to identify the pathology. For each case, there is a detailed description of the pathology, a differential diagnosis, and a discussion of relevant imaging findings.
The cases are interesting, informative and relevant to the practice of spine imaging. The text is divided into three general categories (“Opening Round”, “Fair Game”, and “Challenge”), thereby allowing the reader to choose the degree of difficulty. The images, at least 3 per case, are of excellent quality and demonstrate a wide range of modalities, with an emphasis on CT and MRI.
Dr. Saraf-Lavi has updated this version with many new cases, including discal cyst, polymyalgia rheumatica, Gaucher disease, pigmented villonodular synovitis, ventriculus terminalis cyst, and others. In addition, the newest version includes cases that utilize novel imaging modalities, such as spinal MR angiography (MRA), susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI), CINE CSF flow, MR myelography, and neurography.
This book is excellent for anyone that interprets spinal imaging, and is valuable as a study guide for trainees of all levels, from the novice first-year resident to the experienced neuroradiology fellow. For practicing radiologists this provides a brief but thorough review of spinal imaging. The book will be valuable in preparation for the neuroradiology MOC examination.
The Case Review Series is a popular, well established collection that provides concise and comprehensive review of specific topics in radiology. Spine Imaging, 3rd Edition stays true to form and is a recommended text for those who interpret spinal imaging.
