Nuclear Medicine, Volumes 1 and 2 by Robert E. Henkin, Davide Bova, Gary L. Dillehay, James R. Halama, Stephen M. Karesh, Robert H. Wagner, and A. Michael Zimmer
ElsevierScience, St. Louis, 2006, $399
This two-volume set is encyclopedic in breadth and depth, covering physics, statistics, radiation biology, mathematics, organic chemistry, safety, and the imaging systems themselves. Complex equations, as well as many very well done diagrams, are included to help the non-physicists among us grasp the concepts.
The clinical section contains great explanations of the science and theory behind nuclear imaging. To their credit, the authors include brief histories of each molecular modality. Discussions on the physiology and pathology of the organ systems and the diseases are enjoyable and thorough, but not overwhelming.
The hundreds of clear, color and grey images and diagrams are accompanied by succinct and well written captions that are equally helpful to the serious reader or the quick reviewer.
The format of the text is superb. Chapter breaks, headings, and bold lettering make it easy to find topics when skimming for specific information. The table of contents is detailed and the index is comprehensive, which is extremely important in a double-volume set. Additionally, at the beginning of every chapter is a very short outline that gives the big picture if someone is reading the entire chapter, or serves as a handy reference for someone using the book as a reference to answer a specific question.
I especially enjoyed the PET/CT chapter and the way it explained the modality plainly and cleanly for beginners. There are many useful tables and diagrams that laid out the physics as well as the function of the scanner.
The chapters that cover ventilation-perfusion scans are particularly useful as pulmonary embolism is frequently encountered in clinical medicine. I was pleasantly surprised to read in-depth discussions on the clinical aspects epidemiology of PE, and outcome data of PE. There were many examples of normal and abnormal images as well as helpful anatomic drawings.
However, there was very little discussion of CT, which has become a major player in PE work-up. Although these books are devoted to nuclear medicine, a short summary of CT's role for adjunct imaging would be appropriate. Another weakness is the lack of examples of normal and pathological images in every section.
Nuclear Medicine, Volumes 1 and 2 present a complex subject in an easily accessible way. Someone with only an undergraduate level understanding of physics and chemistry could still be brought up-to-speed on the field just by reading these books.
That said, this set is too comprehensive for a resident to tackle during a nuclear medicine rotation. Likewise, it would also be too much to get through as a study aid for boards review.
Instead, it serves as an excellent reference book for all physicians (radiologists, oncologists, physicists, radiation oncologists) who are seeking a greater understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of nuclear medicine.
By Dr. Matthew FordAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
December 15, 2006
Matthew Ford received a bachelor's of science from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, and recently graduated from the University Michigan School of Medicine. He will complete a radiology residency at the University of Michigan.
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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