- Email: [email protected]
Atlas of Spine Imaging
Book Review
Atlas of Spine Imaging Edited by Donald L. Renfrew Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2003, hardcover, $129.00, 376 pp.
In the preface of the Atlas of Spine Imaging, Donald L. Renfrew, MD, writes of his personal experience of finding existing spine radiology textbooks to be lacking in the topic for which most imaging studies of the spine are obtained: the evaluation of degenerative or postoperative conditions. He writes that his goal, therefore, is to create a textbook that provides “copious images obtained with current technology, concise descriptions of disease processes, and pragmatic approaches to interpretation.” He has unquestionably accomplished those goals in the first three chapters on anatomy, degenerative disease, and imaging of the postoperative spine. These three chapters are written and illustrated in meticulous detail, and comprise more than half the entire text. A careful reading of these chapters will greatly benefit any physician interpreting computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) images of the spine, whether at the level of radiology resident, fellow, general radiologist, experienced musculoskeletal radiologist, or neuroradiologist. The book focuses on spine imaging interpretation, with particular emphasis on reporting, imaging workup, and clinical correlations. It does not address spine interventions, and therefore would be of very limited use in the practices of most interventional radiologists. The remaining chapters cover spine tumors, trauma, infection, congenital anomalies, spondylolysis, and miscellaneous conditions. Although well illustrated with abundant images, the content of these later chapters is a disappointment, not reaching the same high level of quality and completeness as the sections on degenerative disease and the postoperative spine. There is a clear orientation of the book toward outpatient and orthopedic
1044
conditions, apparently reflecting Dr. Renfrew’s practice. For example, acute ligamentous injury of the cervical spine and acute myelitis, both conditions of urgent importance in hospital-based practices, receive little or no attention. The author’s special interest in radiology reporting is unique among textbooks. At the end of the chapter on degenerative disease, many sample cases are provided, accompanied by appropriate figures, clinical correlation, and detailed, well-organized sample reports. This approach is very instructional and of great practical value. With each subsequent chapter and disease category, specific suggestions are offered on what should be included in the radiology report. Both the beginning interpreter and the seasoned practitioner will find nearly all they need to know to render clear and precise reports on spinal MR and CT examinations. The quality of paper and print are very good. The illustrations are copious and state-of-the-art, and the accompanying legends are accurate and detailed. There are many diagrammed algorithms for the workup of various clinical scenarios and imaging findings. The price is appropriate when considering the large number of images. The Atlas of Spine Imaging is an excellent text for any physician looking for a highly detailed and organized description and discussion of the imaging of spinal degenerative disease and postoperative conditions. Interventional radiologists will find this book useful only if their practice includes routine interpretation of spinal MR or CT. —reviewed by Julie A. Matsumoto, MD
Atlas of Spine Imaging Edited by Donald L. Renfrew Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, 2003, hardcover, $129.00, 376 pp.
In the preface of the Atlas of Spine Imaging, Donald L. Renfrew, MD, writes of his personal experience of finding existing spine radiology textbooks to be lacking in the topic for which most imaging studies of the spine are obtained: the evaluation of degenerative or postoperative conditions. He writes that his goal, therefore, is to create a textbook that provides “copious images obtained with current technology, concise descriptions of disease processes, and pragmatic approaches to interpretation.” He has unquestionably accomplished those goals in the first three chapters on anatomy, degenerative disease, and imaging of the postoperative spine. These three chapters are written and illustrated in meticulous detail, and comprise more than half the entire text. A careful reading of these chapters will greatly benefit any physician interpreting computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) images of the spine, whether at the level of radiology resident, fellow, general radiologist, experienced musculoskeletal radiologist, or neuroradiologist. The book focuses on spine imaging interpretation, with particular emphasis on reporting, imaging workup, and clinical correlations. It does not address spine interventions, and therefore would be of very limited use in the practices of most interventional radiologists. The remaining chapters cover spine tumors, trauma, infection, congenital anomalies, spondylolysis, and miscellaneous conditions. Although well illustrated with abundant images, the content of these later chapters is a disappointment, not reaching the same high level of quality and completeness as the sections on degenerative disease and the postoperative spine. There is a clear orientation of the book toward outpatient and orthopedic
1044
conditions, apparently reflecting Dr. Renfrew’s practice. For example, acute ligamentous injury of the cervical spine and acute myelitis, both conditions of urgent importance in hospital-based practices, receive little or no attention. The author’s special interest in radiology reporting is unique among textbooks. At the end of the chapter on degenerative disease, many sample cases are provided, accompanied by appropriate figures, clinical correlation, and detailed, well-organized sample reports. This approach is very instructional and of great practical value. With each subsequent chapter and disease category, specific suggestions are offered on what should be included in the radiology report. Both the beginning interpreter and the seasoned practitioner will find nearly all they need to know to render clear and precise reports on spinal MR and CT examinations. The quality of paper and print are very good. The illustrations are copious and state-of-the-art, and the accompanying legends are accurate and detailed. There are many diagrammed algorithms for the workup of various clinical scenarios and imaging findings. The price is appropriate when considering the large number of images. The Atlas of Spine Imaging is an excellent text for any physician looking for a highly detailed and organized description and discussion of the imaging of spinal degenerative disease and postoperative conditions. Interventional radiologists will find this book useful only if their practice includes routine interpretation of spinal MR or CT. —reviewed by Julie A. Matsumoto, MD