Interpreting Chest X-Rays by Philip Eng and Foog-Koon Cheah
Cambridge University Press, New York City, 2005, $45
As it is published now, I would not recommend this book. The authors mention that it is targeted to fourth-year medical students and residents, but it is not appropriate for either of these groups.
A book for medical students should start with discussion of the basics of chest radiology before launching into the cases. While the first case in the book does cover basic anatomy, it is not nearly enough. Even for residents in internal medicine, this book assumes they know a lot more than they actually do (in my experience).
However, the book does not offer enough details for radiology residents. For example, in a case covering sarcoidosis, there is no mention of where in the mediastinum the adenopathy is typically located, nor does it mention radiographic stages of the disease.
Another major issue is the poor quality of the images. Either poor quality x-rays were used to begin with or there was a lack of quality control during the print process. A handful of cases (numbers 2, 23 and 43) do offer good images, but these are in the minority.
The book does have some positive points: Cases are presented randomly, as one would find in real life. Answers are printed on the same page as the image, resulting in a more immediate learning experience. Arrows and markings on the answer pages are clear and easy to decipher.
If the authors would like to improve this book, here are some suggestions:
- Select better quality images
- Start with a section on anatomical basics (lobes, fissures)
- Include multiple examples of common diagnosis (pneumothorax, edema, tuberculosis, to name a few).
Finally, the last section of the book should include more difficult cases.
By Dr. Marcia WalkerAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
August 16, 2005
Dr. Walker is a second-year diagnostic radiology resident at Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, CT.
The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.
Copyright © 2005 AuntMinnie.com
