Elsevier Science, St. Louis, 2003, $79.95
The timing of this new edition of Physics in Nuclear Medicine couldn’t have been better. As mentioned in the preface, there have been major advancements in the field with regard to reconstruction tomography, and the clinical use of SPECT and PET. The book offers a comprehensive summary of these areas, as well as a very clear and organized manner presentation of the standard concepts of nuclear medicine.
Though the book is over 400 pages, it is small, handy, and quite readable. Impressively, it covers all aspects in short chapters with the longest ones being only 26 pages. There is an extensive amount of mathematics -- mainly uses algebra -- though some calculus is present only for derivation purposes.
Of particular note is the chapter on tracer kinetic modeling, with a description of the Here applications of compartmental modeling, ranging from dynamic imaging to the enzyme kinetics as used in PET imaging.
One element that the book lacks a summary or set of questions at the end of the chapter. This would have provided conceptual review of material that would be key to the mastery of it.
Physics in Nuclear Medicine is a wise investment for those who seek an efficient synopsis of the subject matter. The authors have done a great job of revising and updating their book for current practice and knowledge base.
By Dr. Rajiv R. ShahAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
September 23, 2003
Dr. Shah is a third year radiology resident at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
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