Diagnostic Imaging: Pediatrics by Lane F. Donnelly, Blaise V. Jones, Sara M. O'Hara, Christopher G. Anton, Corning Benton, Sijrk J. Westra, Steven J. Kraus, Janet L. Strife, Bernadette L. Koch, Karin L. Hoeg, Eric J. Crotty, Robert B. Fortuna
ElsevierHealth, St. Louis, 2006, $259
This latest volume in the Diagnostic Imaging series lives up to the precedent set by previous titles, providing very efficient and thorough information.
The text is divided into color-coded sections, each of which pertains to a different organ system. This allows easy access to each of the sections. Each section contains two to four page synopses of specific pediatric diseases on imaging findings; differential diagnoses; as well as pathology and clinical issues pertinent to imaging of diseases of the pediatric population.
The information is presented in bullet point format and is very dense as unnecessary jargon is excluded. There are ample high-quality images and supportive illustrations to accompany the text.
There are two unique features that are most useful. Each disease process has an accompanying list of differential diagnoses. In addition, there are selected images that demonstrate the imaging findings of the differential considerations. This "visual differential" has proven very useful for board preparation. Second, for each disease process, the authors have included a "key facts" textbox, allowing the reader to quickly access the most pertinent information.
The section on cardiac imaging has one of the best reviews of congenital heart defects that I have encountered in comprehensive pediatric imaging textbooks. The discussion of clinical issues, including natural history, prognosis and treatment, is very helpful for understanding these disease processes.
The condensed format of Diagnostic Imaging: Pediatrics would not be suitable for a first-year radiology resident. It would better serve as a study guide or reference text for upper level residents and practicing radiologists. The selected references that are provided for each disease process are useful for directing further study.
By Dr. Emily D. BillingsleyAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
December 29, 2005
Dr. Billingsley is the chief resident at the department of radiology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans. She will begin fellowship training in musculoskeletal radiology at the University of Florida in Gainesville in July 2006.
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
