Teaching Atlas of Chest Imaging by Mark S. Parker, Melissa L. Rosado-Christenson, and Gerald F. Abbott
Thieme, New York City, 2005, $149.95
Thoracic imaging is arguably the most challenging sub-specialty in radiology. For most of us, the experience needed to master image interpretation, and control the requisite information to generate meaningful differential diagnoses, can be intimidating. Teaching Atlas of Chest Imaging is an extraordinary effort by three experts in the field that provides a consistent, thoughtful, and novel syllabus.
This comprehensive book offers readers 192 cases divided into 12 sections based on thoracic location, disease type, and/or pattern. It begins with an impressive and well-planned review of normal thoracic anatomy using high quality radiographs, sequential CT images, and MR images. Involved readers will love the ample real estate in the margins to annotate and take notes. It will most likely become your thoracic disease review manual.
All of the cases begin with a concise clinical presentation followed by a multi-modality image series; a description of the radiological findings; a list of differential diagnoses; and the diagnosis. Each case concludes with a discussion of the etiology, pathology, multi-modality imaging findings, treatment, and prognosis for the particular disease process.
Nearly all the cases have pearls and/or pitfalls, which allow the reader to distinguish between diagnoses and easily remember the information. Within most cases, there are additional images illustrating variants or similar-appearing diseases. Finally, every case has pertinent references to landmark articles and reviews.
The book is remarkably well edited for a first edition. The anatomy section is most impressive. Hopefully, future editions will find an alternate labeling system for the CT and MR cross-sections as the labels tended to obscure the anatomy.
Teaching Atlas of Chest Imaging should be on the shelf of every physician that deals with chest disease. Interns and junior residents (such as me) in all specialties including radiology should look to the Atlas as an invaluable foundation and reference during their training and careers.
By Dr. Ryan McTaggartAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
April 19, 2006
Dr. McTaggart is a resident physician in San Francisco.
The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.
Copyright © 2006 AuntMinnie.com
