Neuroradiology: The Requisites by Robert I. Grossman and David M. Yousem, 2nd ed.
Elsevier Science, St. Louis, 2003, $95
I laughed, I cried, I was disturbed, I read on. The new and improved version of the Grossman and Yousem classic maintains the same casual, light-hearted, easy-to-read style. This unique approach -- including a lot of humor and a little flippancy -- will no doubt continue to be as divisive as political party lines: Liberals will joyously fly through this book, while conservatives would no doubt prefer a more traditional approach. Still, whether you love it or hate, you will learn something.
The latest edition features 364 more pages, including updated information, figures, and tables. However, numerous key concepts and classic images still remain. All topics are given substantial coverage, including normal anatomy and pathology of the brain, spine, neck, skull base, temporal bones, and orbits. The disease processes discussed ranged from the mundane to the obscure, with several excellent images of new, rare, or infrequently encountered pathology.
The authors have done an exquisite job in assimilating the latest technical and clinical advances in neuroimaging, such as several MR techniques, which have gained clinical acceptance over the past decade. Functional MRI, magnetization transfer imaging, MR spectroscopy, MR diffusion imaging, and MR perfusion imaging are also amply discussed.
My criticisms are few. A more extensive discussion of intra- and extra-cranial CT angiography, as well as CT brain perfusion in stroke, would have been helpful for the radiologist without access to state-of-the-art MR. The inclusion of endovascular and spine interventional procedures may have enhanced the text.
Neuroradiology: The Requisites is as fundamental for the first year resident as for the seasoned radiologist. The information is extensive and well presented. I was lucky enough to train under Dr. Dave Yousem while at Johns Hopkins, and have yet to meet anyone else with such a work ethic or love of teaching. Both Yousem and Grossman bring their love of neuroradiology to this title.
AuntMinnie.com contributing writer
February 17, 2004
Dr. Fortman is a neuroimaging specialist at Carolina Radiology Associates in Myrtle Beach, SC. He recently completed a neuroradiology fellowship at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.
The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.
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