Ultrasound: The Requisites

Apr 10, 2001

Ultrasound: The Requisites by Alfred Kurtz and William Middleton
Harcourt Health Sciences, Philadelphia, 1996, $89

Ultrasound: The Requisites provides a comprehensive review, a great introduction for the resident, and a reasonable reference for the practicing radiologist. It delivers the most clinically important (and board exam-related) information in a straightforward, approachable and retainable way.

The book’s 488 pages are divided into 4 parts: Abdomen, Obstetrics, Gynecology, Superficial Parts and Vascular System. As in other books in the series, chapters start with a helpful outline and conclude with a suggested readings list.

The images are numerous and cover gray-scale ultrasound as well as pulsed wave and color Doppler. Important points -- differential diagnoses and decision algorithms -- are highlighted in boxes.

However, Dr. Kurtz and Dr. Middleton have departed from the traditional Requisites framework by including a Key Features box at the end of every chapter, each containing pearls of wisdom I found especially useful. I hope future editions of The Requisites series will continue to include this section.

Part I on abdominal ultrasound is divided into six chapters based on the major organs. Each chapter begins with two sections devoted to pertinent anatomy and examination technique. The various disease processes of each organ are covered in detail. The chapters on the liver and kidneys review vascular and post transplant imaging of these organs. Many images have CT and angiographic correlation.

Part II provides a thorough review of obstetrical ultrasound. The first chapter reviews the guidelines for obstetrical ultrasound and contains helpful tables for examination interpretation. Subsequent chapters review topics such as the fetal organ systems and twin gestation.

Part III gives a concise review of gynecological ultrasound. The part on Superficial Parts and Vascular System covers topics such as scrotal ultrasound, thyroid scanning, and lower extremity noninvasive ultrasound.

I've reviewed three other books in this series (Nuclear Medicine, Neuroradiology, Pediatric Radiology), and this is my favorite after Neuroradiology: The Requisites. For those who are studying for the boards this spring, I would highly recommend almost all of the books in TheRequisites series.

By Dr. Matthew Benjamin
AuntMinnie.com contributing writer
Dr. Benjamin is a fourth-year resident at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

If you are interested in reviewing a book, let us know at [email protected].

The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.