Head and Neck Imaging: Case Review Series by David M. Yousem and Ana Carolina B. S. Da Motta, 2nd ed.
Elsevier Science, St. Louis, MO, 2006, $44.95
The Case Review Series is designed to help senior radiology residents prepare for the oral boards. Head and Neck Imaging is a worthy addition to the series, although it does have its weaknesses.
The book has approximately 200 cases, divided into relatively easy "opening round" cases; "fair game" cases, which are somewhat more challenging; and the "challenge cases" that are difficult and require an advanced skill set.
The cases begin with very good images that illustrate pathology and pose several relevant questions. The answers, as well as a discussion, are located on the other side of the page, which discourages "peeking" and encourages active learning.
On the whole, the authors have constructed the questions with enough sophistication that the answer isn't immediately obviously. But in some cases, it is still possible to infer the diagnosis from the questions.
Typically, there are four questions per case. The first question usually asks for a differential diagnosis, a statistical figure, or some other information about the entity depicted. I found this set-up to be awkward because I had to make the findings before producing a differential diagnosis, or coming up with facts about the disease. Had the first question asked for the findings, it would have given the cases more structure so that answers to the remaining questions would have followed in a logical fashion.
Additionally, some findings are not obvious and the case discussion does not provide sufficient detail to reveal the answer. In such instances, referral to another Yousem book, Neuroradiology: The Requisites, is necessary. But in general, the case discussions read smoothly and contain important points.
Head and Neck Imaging: Case Review Series would benefit from a more structured approach to its questions, with a stronger focus on making the findings, as well as more detailed answers and case discussions. Nevertheless, the book is well-written, well-illustrated and includes relevant material.
By Dr. Mikhail SerebrennikAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
March 22, 2006
Dr. Serebrennik is a third year diagnostic radiology resident at a university hospital in the northeastern U.S.
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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