PocketRadiologist: Temporal Bone: Top 100 Diagnoses by H. Ric Harnsberger, Richard H Wiggins III, Joel D. Swartz, and Patricia A Hudgins
Elsevier, St. Louis, 2003 $64.95.
I have never been a great fan of the PocketRadiologist series as I find it lacking in depth and substance, especially when tackling such vast specialties such as chest, abdominal, and brain imaging. The top 100 format does not offer a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. However, the temporal bone is an ideal subject for this series given the limited pathology.
This installment is impressive and thorough, with contributions from experienced names in head and neck imaging. There are over 330 pages that cover all aspects of temporal bone pathology. Sections are divided anatomically into external, middle, and inner ear pathology. Subsequent sections address specific pathology involving the petrous apex, facial nerve, internal auditory canal (IAC), and skull base.
Pathologic entities are presented in the standard PocketRadiologist format with bullet points used to highlight key facts, imaging features, related pathology, and clinical issues. High quality illustrations and cross-sectional imaging are provided for almost all of the entities described.
A warning: You must have a solid knowledge of temporal bone anatomy and pathology in order to truly appreciate this text. For those who are experienced in this area, this book is an easy read that will bring you up to speed on interpreting temporal bone images.
By Dr. Brian J. FortmanAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
June 28, 2005
Dr. Fortman is a neuroimaging specialist at Carolina Radiology Associates in Myrtle Beach, SC.
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
